Female sexual dysfunction is a common problem that many couples face. The good news is that little blue pill that helps men with erectile dysfunction can also help women facing sexual dysfunction. A number of studies seem to show that Viagra (sildenafil citrate) helps woman with symptoms of low libido and the more serious hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Female sexual dysfunction is common in women, with 43% of women reporting some degree of difficulty. Causes can be physical or psychological. It may be related to health problems associated with aging.
The drug is not approved by the FDA for women, but it works in a similar way to how it works for men. Viagra enhances the body’s nitric oxide levels, which increases blood flow. For men it increases blood flow to the penis, but in women the blood engorges the vaginal area and clitoris. It helps certain women suffering from sexual dysfunction due to other conditions such diabetes or taking antidepressant medications.
With men, Viagra treats erectile dysfunction and is not meant to treat low libido, but the drug helps women with sexual desire as well as orgasm, as these are more complicated in women than in men. Viagra can improve arousal in women and it can increase libido and sexual satisfaction in about 30% of women.
Other treatments for female sexual problems
Because Viagra is not approved for women, it is not covered by insurance, and doctors may not prescribe it for this off-label use. Woman have had success with the more affordable and natural supplement L-arginine. In one study 77% of women who took L-arginine reported improved feelings of sexual desire and pleasure.
In menopausal women suffering from HSDD, testosterone therapy has been prescribed to help women achieve satisfying sexual activity and arousal. Women receive much lower doses of testosterone than men, and it can have some minor side effects such as acne and increases facial hair.
Reference
Myers W. Viagra for women? Everyday Health.
