Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury
Viagra is an ED medication that improves blood flow to the penis. Viagra is a brand name, and there’s no “Viagra for women.” There are, however, a few FDA-approved medications to treat low female sexual desire. Because it’s a pink tablet and Viagra is a blue tablet, the nickname “female Viagra” was bound to happen.
| Region | Cost Range per Dose | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $10-$25 | Prescription only | Off-label use limited |
| Europe | €8-€20 | Prescription, some OTC in countries | Varies widely |
| Asia | $5-$15 | Often available OTC or via clinics | Cost-effective options |
| Australia | $15-$30 | Prescription only | Under medical supervision |
But these are different drugs with different missions. Addyi is a brand name for a nonhormonal medication called flibanserin. You inject it under the skin on your abdomen or thigh about 45 minutes before you plan to have sex.
Why is this medicine prescribed?
That can be a problem if you already have low blood pressure or take medications that lower blood pressure. Most information about Viagra’s safety looks at male use, not female use, particularly in the long term. More research is necessary to see if the same side effects may occur. The product label doesn’t include dosing information for FSAD because it’s not the intended use. In studies, doses for female use may vary significantly.
Recent advances in female sexual dysfunction
If you do plan on taking Viagra, consider the source. Some online sites that claim to sell Viagra are selling counterfeit drugs. These may not work like Viagra and may not be safe. To access the real thing, you’ll need a prescription. A doctor will decide on the dose and provide safety information. Both medications are approved to treat acquired, generalized sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
- Common side effects in women may include dizziness and nasal congestion.
- Women should avoid it if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Combining sildenafil with nitrates can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
- It is important to follow prescribed dosages strictly.
Specifically, it’s for low sexual desire that causes distress, but is unrelated to: Addyi and Vyleesi treat sexual desire, though the exact mechanism of action isn’t clear. They seem to affect certain pathways in the brain that influence sexual desire.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 220 + 18 Sachets | 662.24€ 630.70€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 60.91€ 58.01€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 277.56€ 264.34€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 198.48€ 189.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 111.25€ 105.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 481.98€ 459.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 54.26€ 51.68€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 71.99€ 68.56€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 30 + 5 Sachets | 136.20€ 129.71€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 225.33€ 214.60€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 47.97€ 45.69€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 32 Pills | 120.11€ 114.39€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 327.15€ 311.57€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 158.82€ 151.26€ |
Side effects of Addyi include low blood pressure, fainting, and nausea. These effects may be more intense if you take birth control pills or drink alcohol. Side effects of Vyleesi include a temporary increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate.
How does Viagra work?
Yes, anyone can take sildenafil (Viagra), regardless of gender. Viagra is another brand of sildenafil that doctors primarily prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Viagra for female use, your doctor may prescribe it for off-label use. Like all drugs, Viagra can cause side effects. It can also interact with other medications.
Increased genital blood flow
It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking Viagra. PDE5 is an enzyme that affects blood flow. Below are some potential effects of taking Viagra. Viagra dilates blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the penis. Viagra may also cause increased blood flow to the genitals of people without a penis, which may help increase sensitivity, arousal, and orgasmic function. It can also cause nausea and isolated spots of skin lightening (focal hyperpigmentation).
- Female sexual dysfunction affects many women worldwide.
- Medical research continues to explore effective treatments.
- Sildenafil's role remains experimental for many women.
- Consultation with specialists is recommended for personalized care.
Viagra is FDA approved to treat erectile dysfunction. It doesn’t have approval for treating female sexual dysfunction, and studies thus far have had mixed results. There’s no “female Viagra,” but there are a couple of drugs with approval to treat sexual dysfunction associated with specific conditions. There are many reasons for low sex drive.
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The bottom line is that FSD is a complex, multi-factorial issue that can show up in the bedroom in more ways than one. While Viagra may help with certain aspects of sexual arousal, it doesn’t address the root cause of sexual dysfunction in women. If you’re curious about how Viagra might work for you, it’s crucial to approach this decision with caution and under the guidance of your healthcare professional. If you're facing sexual difficulties, know that there are treatments designed specifically for women. For instance, medications such as flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) have been approved by the FDA to address hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Side effects
These medications work differently than Viagra and are tailored to help with low sexual desire in women. In addition to medical treatments, non-medical approaches like sex therapy, lifestyle changes, and addressing relationship issues can also play a vital role in improving sexual health and satisfaction. In women, Viagra doesn't directly cause vaginal lubrication — ie, "getting wet." Some studies have explored Viagra's effects on women, particularly those with sexual arousal disorders, but the results have been mixed and inconclusive. In women, Viagra can increase blood flow to the genital area, which might enhance physical sensations during arousal and potentially contribute to increased lubrication. However, this effect is not direct or guaranteed, and Viagra doesn't act as a lubricant itself. Before taking Viagra or any other medication, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of these medications for you.
Sildenafil Arousal Cream FAQs
A doctor may prescribe viagra off-label if you have sexual dysfunction. Other medications, such as flibanserin (Addyi), may help treat female low sex drive. It’s an oral medication approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The drug works by dilating blood vessels. With increased blood flow to the penis, it’s easier to get and sustain an erection.
Exploratory Phase 2b RESPOND Study, Completed in 2023
Viagra targets sexual performance, not sexual arousal. There’s limited evidence that the drug is somewhat beneficial for female sexual dysfunction. This article explores whether viagra is safe or effective for female sexual dysfunction, and available alternatives. The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities. While some side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants tend to decrease or resolve over time, other side effects such as sexual dysfunction rarely remit spontaneously. Treatment of sexual side effects in women is especially important when about 30-70% of patients taking antidepressants may experience sexual side effects, combined with the fact that women are prescribed antidepressants at rates of 2 to 1 when compared to men. Sexual side effects in women may entail decreased sexual desire, difficulty with orgasm, genital sensitivity, reduced sexual activity, pain with sexual intercourse, decreased vaginal lubrication, and dissatisfaction or loss of pleasure from sexual activity.
| Aspect | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Expectation Management | Enhancing sexual satisfaction through expectations | Important to set realistic goals |
| Placebo Effect | Some improvements due to psychological factors | Not solely pharmacological |
| Partner Support | Facilitates better outcomes | Communication is key |
| Psychological Counseling | May benefit women with sexual dysfunction | Can optimize use and outcomes |
Sildenafil, marketed under the name Viagra, is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men, and has received study for men with depression and erectile dysfunction associated with SSRI treatment. In women, initial trials using selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors looking at both premenopausal and postmenopausal women did not show significant improvements for sexual arousal disorder; however, later randomized controlled trials supported their use for the improved frequency of sexual intercourse, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. conducted over 7 outpatient medical centers, 98 premenopausal women with remitted depression on SSRI antidepressants, ages 18-50 years old, were enrolled into an 8 week prospective, parallel- group, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.
How might Viagra work in women?
Instead, any impact on lubrication would be indirect and depend on whether the woman experiences increased sexual arousal. If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or issues with lubrication, you're better off using lube! It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour for Viagra to start working after it's taken orally, and the peak effects typically occur within one to two hours. However, this can vary depending on factors such as metabolism, whether you’re on an empty stomach, and your overall health. It's also worth remembering that the effects of Viagra in women are not as well understood as in men, and they may vary from person to person.
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.
Since Viagra isn't specifically approved for use in women, these timeframes are based on limited research and anecdotal evidence. Sildenafil (Viagra) has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating erectile dysfunction. It doesn’t currently have approval for female sexual dysfunction. Viagra can cause various side effects, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. It can also interact with other medications, so speak with a doctor before taking it. This study used the Clinical Global Impression sexual function scale as a primary measure, and also utilized the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-female version, and the University of New Mexico Sexual Function Inventory- female version, a sexual activity event log, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
Other approaches
It helps to understand that sexual dysfunction is a complex issue. In a 2024 study, a topical cream with 3.6% sildenafil improved outcomes in people with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), particularly people without orgasm dysfunction. Another 2024 study found that age and hormonal contraceptives didn’t affect the effectiveness of topical sildenafil creams on FSAD. However, additional use of psychiatric medication decreased sexual desire in people using the cream and participants who used a placebo. More research is necessary to fully understand any potential benefit from the Viagra form of sildenafil for female sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction in the United States: prevalence and predictors
One thing that can suppress libido is the use of certain antidepressants, including: A 2025 review looks at the effects of various medications to treat antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction. It suggests that sildenafil may improve orgasm results and most Female Sexual Function Index scores. However, it had limited effects on pain during women sildenafil sexual activity. It was also not the most effective medication included in the review. Viagra may cause blood pressure to drop. This study showed that doses of sildenafil between 50mg-100mg, with the mean study dose of 91.7 mg, lead to an improvements in sexual side effects in the treatment group compared to the placebo control group.