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Viagra is arguably the most widely-known prescription drug name on the American market. Often dubbed the blue pill, Viagra was the first PDE5 inhibitor approved by the FDA to treat ED. Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual issue among men, currently affecting nearly 30 million in the U.S alone!
This drug works by simply improving blow to the penis. Currently, it’s not approved to treat sexual dysfunction in females, but some may use it! In these scenarios, your healthcare provider may prescribe the drug off-label to help with arousal problems.
Today in this post, we explain whether using Viagra in women is safe and effective for low libido in women. What’s more, we will explore some of the available female ED FDA-approved medication options.
So, what is low libido in women?
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, HSDD, currently known as female sexual interest, arousal disorder, is a form of sexual dysfunction that results in a reduced sex drive in females. Unfortunately, a significant number of women usually pass off their HSDD symptoms as the inevitable effects of aging or hormonal changes in their bodies.
Sexual dysfunction in women usually involves a number of issues with the ability to enjoy intercourse, such as impaired sexual desire, impaired arousal, painful sex, or impaired climax. Among them, impaired desire or reduced interest in sex also referred to as low libido, is a highly prevalent sexual dysfunction in women. Research shows that it currently affects 1 in every 3 women in the United States.
It is worth noting that libido and arousal, which is sexual stimulation, are two different things. This implies that you may have the urge or desire to have sex but the inability to get aroused. Simply put, arousal disorder is different from low libido and may warrant different treatment.
So, can women take Viagra?
It is imperative to note that the Food and Drug Administration is yet to approve Viagra for use in women. However, as earlier mentioned, your doctor may prescribe Viagra for off-label application.
Usually, after sexual stimulation in men, there is a release of nitric oxide, which helps boost the levels of a regulatory agent in cells known as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The increase in cGMP triggers smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in increased blood circulation toward a man’s penile region to cause an erection.
In men, an erection diminishes when an enzyme referred to as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) breaks down. The active ingredient in Viagra blocks the action of PDE-5, implying that blood flow to the genitals is increased, causing a long-lasting erection.
As earlier explained, when a woman has a low libido, it means she has less interest in sex, so physical effects may not be an issue. When used in women, Viagra may increase blood flow to the genitals, leading to increased sensitivity and stimulation.
Studies have proven that Viagra may benefit women having difficulty with sexual arousal because it may help them respond better to sexual stimulation. However, Viagra may not benefit a woman with low sexual desire.
The FDA has approved two medications; Addyi (flibanserin) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) to address either arousal or low libido in women. However, these two drugs are only approved for use in women who are yet to enter menopause.
So, what happens if a woman takes Viagra?
Just as the drug helps boost blood flow to the male genital area, it may also enhance blood circulation in the female reproductive parts. And when this occurs, it can result in increased sensitivity and stimulation. And this means that you will become sexually aroused even if you are a female!
Should a woman take Viagra?
According to a particular study, Viagra may not only boost blood flow to the genital area in females, but increase sensitivity in the area as well. However, little data indicates that it’s either safe or effective for females, and the FDA is yet to approve the blue pill for this particular use!
In rare cases though, a healthcare provider may prescribe Viagra off-label to treat FSIAD if the suspected cause is the use of antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. So, if you are a female and would want to try Viagra, you should consult a medical expert, who may prescribe it off-label.
Does Viagra work for women?
As already explained, Viagra is neither indicated nor approved for use in women by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. However, the drug may sometimes be prescribed to females off-label, which simply means without the FDA approval.
Viagra is a highly effective medication for treating erectile dysfunction in men, but it has not had similar results in tackling sexual disorders in women. In males, it works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the penile region, allowing blood to flow into the penis and cause an erection.
It works the same way in women, but the effects aren’t as effective. It boosts blood flow to the clitoris and labia of the vagina. Enhancing blood flow may, in turn, increase lubrication and sensation, which may can potentially help women with sexual arousal and orgasm.
So, what is the best female Viagra pill?
Viagra is specifically an ED drug that enhances blood flow to the male penile region. Viagra is the brand name and there is nothing like Viagra for women!
However, there are a few FDA-approved medications to treat low libido or sexual desire in women. These drugs include Addyi and Vyleesi which may be used to treat FSIAD, and only in premenopausal women. And for those undergoing menopause or who have gone through it, estrogen replacement therapy could be the best way to boost low sex drive.
Addyi is a brand name for a non-hormonal drug known as flibanserin. The recommended dose is 100mg, and you take one pill daily before you retire to bed. However, it isn’t recommended for low libido caused by medical problems, medications, or relationship issues!
On the other hand, Vyleesi is a brand name for bremelanotide. It is usually injected under the skin on your abdomen or thigh for nearly 45 minutes before engaging in intercourse. These two drugs are approved to treat generalized, acquired sexual desire disorder in premenopausal females. Flibanserin is arguably the best female Viagra’ not only because it’s available in tablet form, but also highly effective and has fewer potential side effects.
How long does women’s Viagra last?
According to the FDA, bremelanotide should be injected into the abdominal skin or thigh at least 45 minutes before intercourse. The effects usually last for up to 24 hours. However, you should not use it more than 8 times a month.
On the other hand, flibanserin is taken as a pill, not as an injection. You take it daily before you go to bed, even if you don’t plan to have sex that particular day. And it can take up to eight weeks to see a boost in sexual desire, though some patients may experience the effects much sooner.
So, how does Flibanserin work?
The biological processes for a sustainable libido not only include hormones, but neurotransmitters as well. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine play a vital role in how often a person thinks about and desires sex. And it’s the balance of these neurotransmitters that makes you want, need, or think about sex.
However, this balance also helps keep sexual desire under control, so that you don’t always think about intimacy. Women suffering from sexual dysfunction issues, particularly hypoactive sexual desire disorder, never experience the normal sexual desire even if they are in stable, intimate relationships.
According to research, flibanserin alters your brain’s serotonin system and indirectly impacts dopamine. When reduced sexual desire or arousal is linked with serotonin levels in the brain, flibanserin may be highly effective. In case you didn’t know, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and motivation. This is the simplest explanation you can get!
So, how long does it take for flibanserin to work?
Clinical trials have consistently revealed that flibanserin can take up to four weeks to see results, and between 8-12 weeks to experience optimal results. And if you don’t see notable results after 12 weeks, you are possibly not a responder and you’ll have to consult your healthcare provider for assistance!
So, what happens after taking flibanserin?
First and foremost, let’s reiterate that this drug will only yield effective results with consistent use. Usually, you’ll notice a positive change in your sexual desire after 8-12 weeks. Like any other medication, flibanserin can cause some potential side effects. In this regard, dizziness, fainting caused by a drop in blood pressure may occur. However, these side effects are not common!
The Bottom line – Can Women Take Viagra?
Sexual dysfunction is a common health concern that currently affects many people across the globe. If you are currently struggling with ED, the chances are high that your sexual partner may also be suffering from it. Experts agree that this sexual problem affects both partners, implying that the best way to tackle is to get help together.
Women usually experience their own type of sexual dysfunction, which when not addressed often results in a lack of intimacy, lots of frustration, emotional issues, and an overall shortage of satisfaction. Thanks to the advancements in the medical industry, we now have medications that can help women with sexual dysfunction concerns.
Knowing the causes of your sexual dysfunction as well as the available treatment options will help you to choose a drug that works best for you. And while both Viagra and flibanserin are proven sexual dysfunction drugs for men and women respectively, you need to visit your doctor to assess your condition and determine whether you are a good fit for any of these drugs!
