Sildenafil citrate (Viagra), commonly known as the blue pill, has been used to treat male erectile dysfunction for many years. Also, there are other drugs that can increase sexual desire in men, including tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).
However, it could be hard to find a female alternative. Also, although it has been tested, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Viagra to treat sexual problems in women.
In response, the pharmaceutical industry created similar drugs to arouse female sexual interest and increase libido, but are they the same? Read on to learn more about them!
Can Women Take Drugs to Increase Their Sexual Desire?
Before delving into the different alternatives available to women, it is important to answer a common question: can women take viagra if they have a low sexual desire?
Many doctors prescribe Viagra for women who need to treat sexual problems, including hypoactive sexual desire disorder. However, as mentioned, it’s not an FDA-approved drug.
Also, there are other medications that target female sexual needs and are a better option if you are a woman.
Is There an FDA-approved Viagra Equivalent for Women?
Viagra is a medication specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction. Therefore, there is no identical drug for women.
The two FDA-approved alternatives have similar goals but are completely different in content and how they work. Those are the Flibanserin (Addyi) and the Vyleesi (Bremelanotide).
Both drugs were created to treat low female sexual arousal. However, despite being FDA-approved, postmenopausal women cannot use them.
Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction
Some conditions can cause sexual dysfunction in women, including female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD).
Actually, the term describes a diagnosis that encompasses two conditions: female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
A woman can be diagnosed with FSIAD if she has three of these symptoms for more than six months:
- Low or absent sexual interest
- Absence of erotic thoughts or fantasies
- Low sex pleasure or arousal
- Absent or low interest or asexual during sexual intercourse
- No or absent genital sensations during sex
Previously, the three conditions were treated as different diagnoses. However, FSIAD now encompasses both and is often referred to as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
What Can Cause Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or Similar Conditions?
FSIAD/HSDD or other female sexual dysfunction conditions can have different causes, including:
- Couple or relationship problems
- Anxiety or depression
- Fatigue
- Self-esteem or image issues
- Low levels of sex hormones
- Stress
- Sexual abuse or past trauma
- Illnesses or medical conditions such as cancer, bladder problems, or heart problems
- Menopause
- Pregnancy, recent lactation, or childbirth
Regardless of the causes, these conditions can have a negative impact on women’s sexual health and lives. Therefore, when it comes to treating female sexual interest disorders, many look to Viagra-loke solutions.
Viagra Alternatives for Women
As mentioned, two drugs can help women treat the issues that affect their sexual life: Addyi and Vyleesi.
Both are different since Addyi is an oral medication and Vyleesi is an injection, but both can treat sexual disorders in premenopausal women.
Unlike Viagra, which can increase blood flow to the penis in order to treat the physical problems men can have during sex, Addyi and Vyleesi increase sexual excitement.
In other words, these drugs have direct effects on your brain and your hormones, making you want to have sex. Find more information about each one below!
What Is Addyi (Flibanserin)
Also known by its brand name Addyi, flibanserin is a prescription pill that women can take once before bed to increase their sexual desire.
It was the first FDA-approved treatment for female sexual interest/arousal disorder. However, this medication can only be taken by premenopausal women. The FDA has also said that Addyi cannot be used by women who have gone through menopause or men.
Also, flibanserin does not improve sexual function. This drug works with chemicals in the brain and does not treat sexual disorders related to physical problems or external factors, such as other medications and high stress levels.
Side Effects
Those who take Addyi may experience some side effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions
Addyi can significantly increase blood pressure and cause fainting if combined with alcohol. In addition, it should be avoided if you are taking oral contraceptives, have liver conditions, are nursing, or are taking CYP3A4 inhibitors.
What Is Vyleesi (Bremelanotide)
Another approved drug to treat sexual problems in women is Bremelanotide or Vyleesi.
Premenopausal women who want to treat HSDD should take this injection 45 minutes before having sexual intercourse, understanding that the effects can last up to 24 hours. However, Vyleesi does not influence sexual performance but improves desire and arousal.
This medication is contraindicated for women who have already gone through menopause and for men. Also, it can’t treat sexual problems caused by physical or external factors.
Side Effects
Vyleesi cannot be taken more than eight times in a month. Additionally, some women may experience the following side effects:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Irritation or a rash at the injection site
- Flushing
- Hot flashes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Tingling
- Decreased heart rate
- Hyperpigmentation or dark spots on the face, breasts, and gums
- Allergic reactions
Also, if you take oral medications, you should be aware that Vyleesi may reduce their effectiveness, as it slows down the gastric system’s emptying.
Those taking medications containing naltrexone and opioids shouldn’t use this drug.
How Do Both Drugs Work?
As mentioned, Addyi and Vyleesi are very different from Viagra, which increases blood flow to the genitals to cause an erection and enhance sexual pleasure. Instead, Flibanserin may influence the serotonin system in the brain.
Additionally, this oral medication may indirectly affect dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure. If low sexual arousal is related to levels of these hormones, Addyi can be an effective treatment. In other words, this drug sends transmitters to your brain and can increase your sexual desire.
Vyleesi directly targets melanocortin receptors, which play a key role in sexual function in women. In addition, Bremelanotide has effects on brain pathways that influence sexual response.
Comparable Key Aspects
- Both Vyleesi and Addyi treat sexual disorders in women.
- Both drugs can only be used by premenopausal women
- Addyi is an oral medication, while Vyleesi is an injection.
- Vyleesi can only be used eight times a month, while the Addyi must be taken daily.
- Addyi’s effect lasts around 11 hours, while Vyleesi’s effect can last up to a day.
- Both medications can treat sexual problems caused by emotional or social factors.
Why Take a Viagra-like Drug?
Although Vyleesi and Addyi don’t work like the blue pill, they can have similar benefits in people’s lives. Women’s sexual response is complex, as it can be affected by various factors, such as lack of desire or low arousal.
Also, having problems during sexual encounters with your partner is such a big deal, isn’t it? Many women experience relationship and self-esteem issues when their sex life is not healthy or positive.
Fortunately, as long as they are prescribed by medical providers and expert advice is followed, Vyleesi and Addyi can help.
Treating sexual disorders and feeling pleasure is important for a woman’s sexual health. Therefore, if you have experienced related issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help!
Alternatives to Medication
Since sex desire is complex, some medications could fail to increase libido or sexual arousal. However, depending on the cause of the issues, some alternatives to medication might work, too. These are some:
- Cognitive therapy to address past trauma
- Psychotherapy to address negative feelings related to sex
- Behavioral therapy for couples if sexual issues are caused by difficulties in the relationship
- Natural products like ginseng, ginkgo, and maca root
- Exploration of new experiences during sex, including toys and techniques
To increase sexual arousal or improve low libido, you can also follow these tips:
- Learn to manage anxiety and stress, as both can hinder sex arousal
- Focus on foreplay to have better sexual experiences
- Sleep well, as it can improve your mood and energy levels
- Try sex therapy to improve your physical and sexual response to sex
- Improve your relationship quality through couple activities, such as date nights
- Improve communication when you don’t have sex
Final Thoughts
Viagra is one of the best-known drugs for enhancing sexual activity in men.
Many women have also used it to achieve that goal. However, it has not been designed to address female sexual problems.
If you have low sex arousal, both the Addyi and the Vyleesi can help you find the solution!
Flibanserin boosts sexual desire by interacting with melanocortin receptors, while Addyi works with brain chemicals and the dopamine system. However, both can help you go through your sexual difficulties.
There’s no such thing as female viagra, but two excellent options can greatly help you. If you want to find out which is best for you, talk to your doctor!