Viagra for Women: Can Females Take It?

Can women take Viagra?

No, Viagra is not licensed for use by women in the UK. It is only licensed to treat erectile dysfunction in men. This means that women cannot take Viagra safely in the UK. Female Viagra is not proven to work and there have not been enough studies for us to know its long-term impact on a woman’s body.

Low libido and sexual arousal in women are complex issues. If you're experiencing low sexual desire, you should see your GP. They may recommend a psychosexual specialist or other treatment that might help.

What happens if a woman takes Viagra?

We do not fully know the long-term impact or how safe the drug is for women. What we do know, is that Viagra widens blood vessels and has the potential to increase blood flow to the genitals. Whilst this can stimulate an erection in males, there is no evidence to suggest that this can improve sexual function in women.
In women who suffer from certain medical conditions or use certain medication, Viagra could have a serious reaction. For example, nitrates, a medication for high blood pressure and heart disease, has a fatal interaction with Viagra.

The increased blood flow around a woman’s body can cause the common side effects, including headaches, feeling sick, hot flushes including facial flushing, indigestion and dizziness. However, contrary to this hypothesis, a study which involved women taking sildenafil found no signs of adverse effects in females.

Does Viagra work on women?

Given that Viagra’s mechanism of action is to fill with blood and cause an erection, it will not work for women. However, there is ongoing research investigating its potential effectiveness in treating certain female sexual dysfunctions.

Is there Viagra for females?

Presently, two products aimed at addressing female sexual dysfunction have been likened to Viagra: Flibanserin (marketed as Addyi) and Lady Era. Although both target FSD they work in different ways. Unfortunately, neither has undergone sufficient validation, and they remain unavailable for purchase in the UK.

Flibanserin (Addyi)

Flibanserin, also known as Addyi, holds a license for treating FSD in the US, but lacks approval in the UK. Positioned as the "female Viagra," this pill targets women experiencing low libido pre-menopause. Its mechanism involves rebalancing specific brain chemicals to increase sexual motivation, elevating dopamine and norepinephrine while reducing serotonin levels linked to sexual inhibition.

Lady Era

Lady Era uses sildenafil citrate, the active compound found in Viagra, to enhance genital blood flow and arousal in women. However, studies examining sildenafil's efficacy for female sexual dysfunction produced inconclusive results, contrasting with the positive feedback seen in men. Consequently, Lady Era is not sanctioned for medicinal use in the UK.

Natural treatments

For those seeking alternatives, natural Viagra for women emerges as an option. Many opt for herbal or natural remedies such as L-arginine, Ginseng, Ginko, Maca, and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to address FSD. Despite their popularity, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy lags, and there is further need for research and trials.

Are there pills to increase sex drive in women?

• Flibanserin (Addyi): This medication is approved in the US to treat FSD. It works by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain to increase sexual desire.
• Bremelanotide (Vyleesi): Also approved in the US to treat FSD, bremelanotide is a peptide hormone that acts on melanocortin receptors in the brain, enhancing sexual desire.
• Testosterone therapy: In some cases, testosterone supplementation may be prescribed off-label to women with low sexual desire, particularly those who have undergone surgical menopause or have reduced testosterone levels due to other factors.
• Off-label use of other medications: Some antidepressants, such as bupropion, have been used off-label to address sexual dysfunction in women. Additionally, certain medications used to treat male erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), have been studied for their potential benefits in women with sexual arousal disorders.
• Hormone therapy: Hormonal imbalances, such as low estrogen levels, can contribute to sexual dysfunction in women. Hormone therapy, either in the form of estrogen therapy or combined estrogen-progestin therapy, may be recommended for women experiencing symptoms related to menopause, such as vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse, which can impact sexual desire and arousal

Where can you buy them from?

Neither Flibanserin nor Lady Era are licensed in the UK as they have not been sufficiently proven to work. It is therefore not possible to obtain these treatments legally in the UK.

The other treatments are hormone replacement therapy or off-license medication. These can only be prescribed by a doctor.

How can I improve my sex drive?

Women can take several steps to improve their sex drive or address factors contributing to low libido. Here are some strategies:

• Address underlying health issues: Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, depression, anxiety, and chronic illnesses, can affect libido. Seeking treatment for these conditions with the help of a healthcare provider may help improve sex drive.
• Manage stress: High levels of stress can negatively impact libido. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or seeking therapy can help manage stress and improve sexual desire.
• Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is important for overall health and sexual function. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing self-care activities can all contribute to feeling better physically and emotionally, which may enhance libido.
• Try arousal techniques: Experimenting with different forms of stimulation, such as massage, sensual touch, or incorporating sex toys, can help enhance arousal and pleasure.
• Invest in intimacy: Building emotional intimacy and connection with your partner outside of the bedroom can strengthen your bond and increase desire. Engage in activities together, share quality time, and express affection regularly.
• Consider therapy: Individual or couples therapy with a qualified sex therapist can provide a safe space to explore sexual concerns, improve communication, and learn techniques to enhance intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
• Evaluate medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants and contraceptive pills, can affect libido. If you suspect that medication is impacting your sex drive, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider.
• Explore hormonal therapy: For women experiencing menopausal symptoms impacting libido, hormone therapy may be an option. Discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor is essential.
• Communicate with your partner: Open and honest communication about desires, preferences, and concerns can help strengthen intimacy and connection, which can positively impact sexual desire.

It's important to remember that sexual desire and arousal can vary greatly among individuals and may fluctuate over time. What works for one person may not work for another, so it's essential to explore different strategies and approaches to find what works best for you. Additionally, seeking support from healthcare professionals or counsellors can provide personalised guidance and support in addressing sexual concerns.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.