These summaries of selected research projects give you a glimpse into what our Kinsey Institute researchers are working on today. You can find more information on these projects, and information on all our ongoing research on our Current Research page >>

A study on Viagra breaks new ground in studying erectile dysfunction by shining the light on the female partners of the male patients undergoing treatment.

Led by Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Julia Heiman, the study focused on both males with erectile problems, who were given Viagra, and their female partners, who had expressed dissatisfaction with sexual intercourse as well.

The study found that the drug helped the men function better sexually, and that the sexual satisfaction of the couples improved significantly. What sets this study apart is that the women were asked about their own relationship satisfaction, sexual response and sexual satisfaction. Research is often limited to only the effects on the patient, in this case, the man with the erectile problem. In this study, changes in one partner were correlated with changes in another. If one partner improved than so did the other.

Heiman, J., Talley, D., Bailen, J., Oskin, T., Rosenberg, S., Pace, C., Creanga, D., Bavendam, T. (2007). Sexual function and satisfaction in heterosexual couples when men are administered sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) for erectile dysfunction: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.01128.x.