Research
Dr. Javaid has consistently presented her groundbreaking research at the annual conferences of major sexual health and menopause organizations.
These include National Menopause Society, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), Sexual Menopause Society of North America (SMSNA), and more.
Stewart K, Javaid S, Schallen KP, Bartlett S, Carlson NA. Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment as Adjunctive Therapy to Topical Steroids for Managing Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus. Lasers Surg Med. 2022;54(1):138-151. doi:10.1002/lsm.23476.
THE OVERVIEW:
This study evaluated the use of fractional CO2 as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) inadequately controlled with topical corticosteroid monotherapy. Study participants who received three to five monthly adjunctive treatments with fractional CO2 reported significant improvements in VLS clinical symptoms, quality of life, and sexual function.
Krychman M, Javaid S, Nezolosky M, Suozzi N. Effective Treatment of Menopausal Hot Flashes Improves Downstream Female Sexual Complaint. J Sex Med. 2024;21(suppl 5):qdae054.128. Presented at: The 2024 Annual Meeting of The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH); February 22-25, 2024; Long Beach, CA. doi:10.1093/jsm/qdae054.128.
THE OVERVIEW:
In this retrospective review of a random convenience sample of 56 subjects from the HerMD centers, a comprehensive approach to the treatment of hot flashes led to significant downstream improvements in sexual health concerns, including libido, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia. HerMD’s evidence-based approach, which incorporates structured menopausal education for providers, close patient monitoring, and personalized dose optimization, was key to achieving positive clinical outcomes.
Javaid S, Suozzi N, Nezolosky M, Krychman M. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) for the Treatment of Vaginismus. Menopause. 2023;30(12):1247-1305. Presented at: The Menopause Society Annual Meeting; September 27-30, 2023; Philadelphia, PA. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002288.
THE OVERVIEW:
This retrospective review evaluated vaginal botulinum toxin injections as a treatment modality for vaginismus. Among 20 analyzable subjects from the HerMD centers, 95% reported symptom improvement and 88% achieved successful intercourse, with no adverse events.
These findings highlight vaginal botulinum toxin as a promising adjunct to traditional therapies for vaginismus, emphasizing the need for future research to validate its role in multimodal vaginismus care.
Javaid S, Suozzi N, Nezolosky M, Krychman M. Utilizing Advanced, Innovative Technologies to Improve Symptoms Associated with Sexual Health and Menopause Conditions. Menopause. 2023;30(12):1247-1305. Presented at: The Menopause Society Annual Meeting; September 27-30, 2023; Philadelphia, PA. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002288.
THE OVERVIEW:
A retrospective review of patient outcomes at the HerMD centers explored the efficacy of the EmpowerRF platform’s VTone and FormaV handpieces for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Study findings revealed that 95% of those diagnosed with GSM and 90% of those diagnosed with SUI reported improvements in their symptoms after treatment with the EmpowerRF handpieces.
These promising data demonstrate the potential of advanced technologies like the EmpowerRF platform as effective alternatives to hormone-based therapies, although there is a need for randomized trials to fully validate the clinical benefits of these innovative treatment options.
Javaid S, Chelliah J. Exploratory Analysis of Women’s Perception of Flibanserin’s Impact on Their Relationship with Their Partner. J Sex Med. 2023;20(Suppl 1):qdad060.406. Presented at: The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) & Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) Joint Scientific Meeting; October 27-30, 2022; Miami, FL. doi:10.1093/jsm/qdad060.406.
THE OVERVIEW:
This retrospective analysis explored whether women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) treated with flibanserin perceived changes in their relationships with their partners. Among 146 eligible subjects, 10% had documented positive changes in their relationship, including improved libido, increased intimacy, better communication, and a happier partner. Additional studies are needed to confirm the true effect of flibanserin on relationship satisfaction.
Javaid S, Chelliah J, Brown L. Changes in Female Sexual Function Index Scores (FSFI) in Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) Treated with Flibanserin at a Specialty Clinic. Menopause. 2022;29(12):1097-2112. Presented at: The North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting; October 12-15, 2022; Atlanta, GA. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002112.
THE OVERVIEW:
In this retrospective review evaluating the impact of flibanserin on Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores among postmenopausal women with HSDD treated at the HerMD centers, improvements across all six FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) were observed. Consistent with pivotal flibanserin trials, the average and median score changes in the FSFI desire subdomain were approximately 1 point. More extensive studies are needed to verify whether flibanserin enhances other aspects of sexual function beyond desire.
Martin J, Javaid S, Chelliah J, Brown L. Effect of Flibanserin on Personal and Interpersonal Relationships in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) Treated at a Specialty Clinic. Presented at: The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health Annual Meeting; September 29-October 2, 2022; Houston, TX.
THE OVERVIEW:
This retrospective review examined the impact of flibanserin on quality of life and personal relationships among women with HSDD treated at the HerMD centers. Of the 146 subjects who used flibanserin, 24% reported improvements in general medical conditions, while 10% noted relationship benefits such as increased intimacy, improved communication, and enhanced mood. Further studies are necessary to confirm flibanserin's effects on overall well-being and partnered relationships.
Javaid S, Brown L. Evaluation of Flibanserin's Benefits and Tolerability in Women with Low Libido and a History of Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2022;40(suppl 16):e18761. Presented at: The American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; June 3-7, 2022; Chicago, IL. doi:10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.e18761.
THE OVERVIEW:
This small, retrospective review investigated the benefits and tolerability of flibanserin in women with low libido and a history of breast cancer—an underrepresented population in historical flibanserin clinical trials. Among 20 subjects, flibanserin was generally well-tolerated, with the majority of women reporting improved libido and orgasm, along with additional benefits, such as better sleep and mood.
