Hypertensive women and vaginal dryness.

Women who suffer from high blood pressure--about 46% of females aged 55-64.--are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, including vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and problems with orgasm, than those with normal blood pressure. A study conducted by Bassett Healthcare Systems found that the inability to lubricate was the most common problem reported by the women.

Gynecologist Adelaide Nardone, a consultant to The Vagisil Women's Health Center, White Plains, N.Y., believes that there is a link between hypertension and sexual function due to lack of vaginal lubrication. "Adequate lubrication of the genital area requires adequate circulation. High blood pressure is known to cause vascular disease throughout the body and its organs. It stands to reason, therefore, that hypertension can also affect the vascularization to the genital area resulting in damage to its blood vessels and decreased blood flow." She says that this damage in the vascularization of the female genitalia can put women with high blood pressure at risk for sexual dysfunction because of their inability to lubricate and, hence, their inability to become aroused.

Another...