A STANDARDIZED GINGER EXTRACT IMPROVES SEXUAL FUNCTION AND SEXUAL QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea adversely affects sexual function and quality of life, yet these outcomes are rarely evaluated in clinical trials. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but its effects on sexual health in women with dysmenorrhea remain unexplored. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial, 96 women with primary dysmenorrhea received either standardized Ginger extract (100 mg twice daily, n=49) or placebo (n=47) for 90 days. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and sexual quality of life was evaluated using the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaire. Assessments were conducted across three post-dosing menstrual cycles (C1, C2, C3). Results: At C3, the ginger group showed significant improvement in FSFI total score (16.1% increase; 26.50±1.55 to 30.76±2.07; p<0.0001), moving participants from near-threshold sexual dysfunction (cutoff 26.55) to normal sexual function. Significant improvements were observed across all FSFI domains: desire (25.8%), arousal (16.1%), lubrication (43.4%), orgasm (10.5%), satisfaction (4.2%), and pain (5.1% above baseline). SQoL-F total score increased by 28.3% (72.77±2.45 to 93.39±5.50; p<0.0001), with improvements across psychosexual feelings (36.7%), relationship satisfaction (7.5%), self-worth (24.3%), and sexual repression (57.7%). In contrast, the placebo group showed significant deterioration in all domains (p<0.0001). The intervention was well tolerated with no adverse effects on estradiol levels or vaginal microbiome. Conclusion:  Standardized Ginger extract produces clinically meaningful improvements in sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea, representing a safe, non-hormonal therapeutic option.