Can Women Take Viagra (Sildenafil)?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clearly stated that Viagra (sildenafil) is not approved for use in women at this time.

Nonetheless, in certain cases, a healthcare provider might prescribe it for off-label use, particularly in instances of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). This condition is characterized by a notable lack of sexual drive (libido) in females, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Presently, there is limited scientific evidence suggesting that Viagra has any substantial benefits for women with FSAD, as various psychological, hormonal, or relational factors can contribute to low sexual desire. Therefore, other more effective treatment options may be available tailored to the underlying cause of the low libido experienced.

Viagra (sildenafil) has been prescribed and FDA-approved primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males.

This article will delve into the question of whether Viagra can be effective for treating sexual dysfunction in women, the possible side effects associated with its use, as well as other pharmacological and non-pharmacological alternatives available to enhance libido (sexual desire) in females.

What Is Viagra and How Does It Work?

Viagra is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

When sexual stimulation occurs, PDE-5 inhibitors foster the local release of nitric oxide in the body. This results in an increase of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a crucial signaling molecule that helps relax smooth muscle tissue and dilation of blood vessels. As a consequence, blood flow to the penis is significantly enhanced, facilitating the achievement and maintenance of an erection.

The active component of Viagra, sildenafil, is also marketed under the name Revatio, which is utilized for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension and improving exercise endurance.

Does Viagra Work for Women?

Although Viagra is not FDA-approved for women, some healthcare professionals may decide to prescribe it off-label, based on individual patient circumstances. However, the existing clinical data supporting the effectiveness of Viagra for women experiencing sexual dysfunction remains limited.

In two separate clinical trials involving about 780 women dealing with various forms of sexual dysfunction, researchers administered sildenafil or a placebo. After a duration of 12 weeks, while sildenafil was well-tolerated among participants, it failed to show any significant enhancement in sexual response compared to the placebo group.

A review article focused on randomized controlled trials found that sildenafil citrate tends to be moderately effective in addressing FSAD. Nonetheless, further clinical investigations are essential to bolster these initial findings.

More comprehensive research is still required to determine if women can derive any benefits from Viagra and what specific groups may respond positively to its administration.

Female sexual dysfunction encompasses a spectrum of complexities; it can stem from various sources, such as difficulty achieving orgasm, experiencing pain during intercourse, or a diminished sexual desire (libido).

Research has shown that Viagra does not alter libido in men, and its action as a vasodilator (a medication that encourages the widening of blood vessels) is unlikely to effectively address desire-related disorders. Consequently, Viagra may not be the most effective solution for enhancing low libido in women.

What Happens When a Woman Takes Viagra?

When taken by men, Viagra promotes the dilation of blood vessels following sexual stimulation, leading to increased penile blood flow and resultant erections.

Preclinical studies have indicated that phosphodiesterase type 5 is present in the smooth muscle of vaginal, clitoral, and labial areas, suggesting a role for PDE-5 in the female sexual response, particularly concerning genital arousal. In women, sildenafil may potentially enhance blood circulation to the genital areas, which could subsequently increase sensitivity, arousal, and the likelihood of achieving orgasm.

However, the presence of PDE-5 is significantly lower within the clitoris compared to the male corpus cavernosum, which is vital for erection.

Although some studies indicate positive responses, it is conceivable that Viagra’s effectiveness in treating FSAD among women may not match the efficacy seen in men with ED, attributed largely to this disparity in concentration.

What Are the Side Effects of Viagra in Women?

For women who opt to take Viagra, the side effects experienced may correspond with those reported when the medication is utilized for treating ED in men.

Potential side effects may include:

• Headache
• Facial flushing (redness of the skin)
• Congestion in nasal passages
• Nausea
• Distorted vision
  

If a user experiences a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes while on Viagra, they should seek immediate medical attention, as it could indicate a serious eye-related condition. Additionally, it is advisable to discontinue the use of Viagra if there is a sudden decrease or complete loss of hearing.

What Other Treatments Are Available for Low Libido?

Healthcare professionals may explore alternative treatment methods to enhance sexual dysfunction disorders in women. Treatment strategies often depend on the specific type of sexual dysfunction experienced and the root causes contributing to it.

Addyi (Flibanserin)

Addyi (flibanserin) is a rose-colored tablet designed for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, specifically. It is intended to be administered daily at nighttime.

HSDD may arise from an imbalance in neurotransmitter activity within the brain that affects sexual desire. This imbalance can occur due to a lack of excitatory signals crucial for sexual responsiveness, an overabundance of inhibitory signals suppressing sexual response, or a combination of both factors.

The precise mechanism by which Addyi alleviates HSDD remains unclear; however, it is known to interact with serotonin levels in the brain. If no progress is observed within an eight-week period, the medication will be discontinued. Furthermore, it is not advised for low libido resulting from other medical conditions or medications.

Addyi also carries a boxed warning, the FDA's most severe safety alert, concerning the risk of extremely low blood pressure and the possibility of fainting.

To minimize this risk, it is critical to refrain from alcohol consumption for at least two hours before taking Addyi, and for a full day after its administration. Additionally, co-administration with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or in cases of liver impairment should be strictly avoided.

Vyleesi (Bremelanotide)

Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is another FDA-approved injectable treatment suitable for premenopausal women experiencing HSDD.

The specific mechanism by which Vyleesi enhances HSDD is not thoroughly understood. However, it is acknowledged to activate melanocortin receptors found in both the skin and central nervous system. Melanocortins are a category of small protein hormones believed to influence sexual function and response.

Vyleesi can be administered 45 minutes prior to planned sexual activity, as needed, without exceeding one dose per day or eight doses within a month. Users must discontinue use if no improvements are seen after eight weeks.

Usage of Vyleesi is contraindicated for individuals who are allergic to it, have uncontrolled hypertension, known cardiovascular issues, or are pregnant.

Osphenia (Ospemifene)

Osphenia (ospemifene) is indicated for alleviating painful intercourse and addressing vaginal dryness occurring due to menopause, which can significantly impact the sexual drive. It is available in a tablet form meant to be consumed once daily.

Osphenia functions as an estrogen agonist/antagonist and is designed to bind to estrogen receptors to stimulate certain pathways (like those in vaginal tissue) while inhibiting others.

Women with unusual vaginal bleeding, a past history of specific cancers, blood clot issues, or a history of stroke or heart attack, as well as pregnant individuals, should not use Osphenia.

Complementary and Alternative Options for Low Libido

As of now, there is insufficient scientific research affirming the efficacy of supplements for enhancing female sexual dysfunction.

Nonetheless, the following supplements have been investigated for their potential to boost libido:

• DHEA
• Vitamin E combined with ginseng
• Zinc

While these supplements may exhibit some positive effects, more extensive clinical trials are vital to establish their effectiveness before such recommendations can be made routinely.

Additionally, specific lifestyle choices can play a significant role in enhancing sexual health and overall well-being. These choices include:

• Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet
• Ensuring adequate sleep for recovery
• Implementing stress management techniques through self-care, mindfulness, or relaxation exercises
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Limiting the intake of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs

Summary

As it stands, Viagra has not received approval for treating sexual dysfunction in women. While there may be circumstances in which it is prescribed off-label, studies investigating its efficacy for women have yielded inconsistent outcomes.

There are several alternative treatment options available for women, such as Addyi and Vyleesi, tailored to different types of sexual dysfunction. These medications work by modulating specific neural pathways associated with sexual desire.

Additionally, women may explore complementary and alternative treatment strategies, including dietary supplements and lifestyle modifications aimed at improving arousal. If these issues persist, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation of potential interventions to enhance sex drive and identify other factors that may be contributing to these concerns.