The invention provides compositions and methods suitable for ameliorating female sexual dysfunction, and in particular, female sexual arousal disorder. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides a semisolid composition suitable for topical application comprising: an effective amount of a vasoactive prostaglandin, a penetration enhancer, a polymer thickener, a lipophilic component, and an acidic buffer system. In other embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating female sexual arousal disorder by applying an effective dose of a topical semisolid prostaglandin composition to the anterior wall of the vagina.