Is There a Viagra for Women?

An erection requires increased blood flow into the penile region. Viagra helps increase this blood flow in the blood vessels of the penis when sexually stimulated.

This reduces sexual strain and allows men to get erections long enough to enjoy full sexual intercourse.

However, it does not improve libido, only impotence. So men still need to be sexually stimulated for Viagra to work.

No. Viagra is licensed in the UK for adult men with erectile dysfunction, and it is not indicated for use by women.² Do not take a Viagra tablet that was prescribed for someone else.

Sildenafil, the medicine inside Viagra, is licensed for women, but only for a lung condition. Revatio tablets contain sildenafil and treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is raised blood pressure in the lung arteries.³

No research has yet been able to prove that Viagra is helpful in women. For this reason, official bodies haven’t granted its approval for use by women in the UK (or US).

Its use has been recorded unofficially, with reports that it improves sexual intercourse. But women generally lose their sexual libido on a psychological basis rather than a medical basis. Since Viagra’s mechanism of action is mainly physiological, researchers argue the effect of Viagra in women may be placebo.

It’s also very important to keep in mind that the reproductive systems of men and women work very differently.

Loss of sexual libido in women can lead to total disinterest in sexual desires. They can also experience painful sex or spasms in vaginal muscles. This further discourages women from engaging in any sexual activities.

Some women believe the increase in blood flow to the vaginal region can improve orgasm, but this has never been proven. In research carried out on female use of Viagra, results have been inconclusive.

Since there has been no proper testing, there’s also no written record of the interactions and side effects women may experience.

There are also possible risks associated with women taking Viagra, so women should avoid it. If you have a decreased libido, your doctor should be able to recommend suitable treatments.

What side effects does sildenafil cause?

Sildenafil commonly causes headache, flushing, indigestion and diarrhoea.³ Tell your doctor if you have taken sildenafil that was not prescribed for you and felt unwell.

A lot of companies and websites market unlicensed and illegal drugs as ‘Female Viagra’, which promise to improve sexual interaction for women. Yet, there has been no recorded research to support the use of these pills.

Most of these drugs are sold without a prescription. It is best to buy medicines with a proper prescription because non-prescribed medications can cause unnecessary health risks.

Doctors have also advised against taking popular herbal supplements sold in UK health stores.

There are no Viagra-equivalent drugs for women. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved alternatives, which doctors prescribe to treat female sexual dysfunction.

One of these medications is known as Addyi (flibanserin). Originally marketed as an antidepressant, physicians now use it to treat reduced sexual libidos.

However, the drug might not be effective, as cases vary on an individual basis. There are other alternatives, such as injections and medicines, which the FDA is also considering.

Even with all the new medications being tried and tested in the market, their side effects and interactions stop them from being released.

While the FDA has approved Addyi, it has common side effects like dizziness and nausea.

Women are also discouraged from drinking alcohol during the treatment, with other medications having similar disadvantages. This makes it an inconvenient treatment for women.

Unlike men, women have a complicated sexual response.

Some find a decreased sex drive due to their daily stresses, and some lose their interest depending on their emotional happiness in a relationship. Others might lose their sexual desire due to underlying biological conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes.

A single medication cannot treat all women. Therefore, affected women must discuss their medical histories and available options with their gynaecologist before starting treatments.

Treatment depends on what is causing it. See your doctor if you are worried about your low sex drive. Tell them if you think a medicine or your hormonal contraception is affecting it.⁵

The treatments your doctor can offer match the cause:

• a vaginal lubricant, where dryness or painful sex is the problem⁵
• testosterone gel or cream, which can improve a low sex drive around the menopause⁶
• a change to a different medicine or type of contraception, where one of those is the cause⁵

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on August 9, 2018. It has been updated for accuracy, readability and comprehensiveness.