The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Viagra (sildenafil) for use in women.
Other more effective options may be available, depending on the cause of yourlow libido.
Viagra (sildenafil)is a prescription medication approved for treatingerectile dysfunction(ED) in adult males.
Getty Images / Angelo D’Amico
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
What Is Viagra and How Does It Work?
Viagra is aphosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitorused to treaterectile dysfunction(ED) in males.
Does Viagra Work for Women?
Viagra is not FDA-approved for use in females, but a healthcare provider may prescribe it off-label.
Theres limited evidence that Viagra is beneficial for females with sexual dysfunction.
Still, more clinical trials are needed to support these findings.
Sexual dysfunction in females can be complex, and there are often several contributing factors.
Therefore, Viagra might not be the best option for improving low libido in females.
What Happens When a Woman Takes Viagra?
In males, following sexual stimulation, Viagra dilates blood vessels.
It increases blood flow to the penis to result in an erection.
Preclinical studies have shown that phosphodiesterase type5 is present in vaginal, clitoral, and labial smooth muscle.
This suggests that PDE5 is involved in female sexual function, particularly genital arousal.
In females, sildenafil may also increase blood flow to the genitals.
That may help increase sensitivity, arousal, and orgasmic function.
What Are the Side Effects of Viagra in Women?
This could be a sign of asevere eye condition.
You should also stop Viagra if a sudden decrease or loss of hearing occurs.
What Other Treatments Are Available for Low Libido?
Healthcare providers may prescribe other treatments to help improve sexual dysfunction disorders in females.
The treatment may depend on what pop in of sexual dysfunction you’re experiencing and what’s causing it.
It is meant to be taken daily at your bedtime.
HSDD is because of an imbalance of neurotransmitter activity in the brain that affects sexual desire.
The exact way that Addyi works to treat HSDD is unknown, but it does affectserotoninin the brain.
It is stopped after eight weeks if there’s no improvement.
Additionally, it is not recommended for low libido sparked by other health conditions or medications.
Vyleesi (Bremalontide)
Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is an FDA-approved injection for premenopausal females with HSDD.
It’s unclear how exactly Vyleesi works to improve HSDD.
However, it is known to activate melanocortin receptors present in the skin andcentral nervous system.
Melanocortins are a group of small protein hormones thought to play a role in sexual response.
you’re able to take this medication 45 minutes before engaging in sexual activity, as needed.
You should not exceed one dose per day or eight doses per month.
Stop using it if there is no improvement after eight weeks.
It comes as a tablet meant to be taken once per day.
Certain lifestyle behaviors can also contribute to your sexual health and overall wellness.
These include:
Summary
Viagra is not yet approved for treating sexual dysfunction disorders in females.
These medications work by affecting specific pathways in the brain involved in sexual desire.
The following FDA-approved drugs can help improve sexual dysfunction and boost libido: Addyi, Vyleese, and Osphenia.
Osphenia is approved to help with painful intercourse and vaginal dryness due to menopause.
It can be taken once daily.
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Food and Drug Administration.Vyleesi label.
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