Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury
The drug works by dilating blood vessels. With increased blood flow to the penis, it’s easier to get and sustain an erection. Viagra targets sexual performance, not sexual arousal.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is defined as a disorder of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and/or sexual pain. It’s a pretty broad term used to describe a complex condition. And like many aspects of female sexual health, it’s poorly researched and pretty hard to diagnose. FSD can affect different aspects of your sex life depending on what kind of sexual dysfunction you're experiencing: Low libido: A lack of sexual interest and desire to be sexual Arousal disorder: Difficulty to become or stay aroused Orgasmic disorder: A persistent and recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm Depending on what you’re struggling with, Viagra may help. Viagra may increase blood flow to the vulva, which could help with sexual performance issues such as vaginal lubrication, sensation, and pleasure.
Anatomy and physiology of female sexual function and dysfunction: classification
In turn, this could enhance overall sexual arousal and the ability to achieve orgasm. More pleasurable sex could also increase sexual desire in those dealing with low libido. But in clinical studies, Viagra hasn’t proven to be the cure-all it’s touted to be for women — the reasons for this are incompletely understood but may relate to the lower amount of PDE5 in vaginal and clitoral smooth muscle when compared to men. One review suggests that sildenafil only acts on the physical aspects of arousal (such as lubrication and sensation) and does not completely respond to the complexity of FSD. Other research shows promising results in women experiencing diminished arousal as a side effect of taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of antidepressant. There’s limited evidence that the drug is somewhat beneficial for female sexual dysfunction. This article explores whether viagra is safe or effective for female sexual dysfunction, and available alternatives. The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra | 100mg | 180 + 6 Pills | 436.79€ 415.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 158.82€ 151.26€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 32 Pills | 121.24€ 115.47€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 20 Pills | 61.69€ 58.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 111.25€ 105.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 129.64€ 123.47€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 21 Sachets | 95.92€ 91.35€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 32 Pills | 125.88€ 119.89€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 129.02€ 122.88€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 72.32€ 68.88€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 90 + 8 Sachets | 303.56€ 289.10€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 170.79€ 162.66€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 236.46€ 225.20€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 63 + 7 Sachets | 224.18€ 213.50€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 147.18€ 140.17€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 481.98€ 459.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 379.76€ 361.68€ |
Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities. Yes, anyone can take sildenafil (Viagra), regardless of gender. Viagra is another brand of sildenafil that doctors primarily prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Viagra for female use, your doctor may prescribe it for sildenafil pills off-label use. Like all drugs, Viagra can cause side effects.
7. Interactions
However, this can vary depending on factors such as metabolism, whether you’re on an empty stomach, and your overall health. It's also worth remembering that the effects of Viagra in women are not as well understood as in men, and they may vary from person to person. Since Viagra isn't specifically approved for use in women, these timeframes are based on limited research and anecdotal evidence. Sildenafil (Viagra) has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating erectile dysfunction. It doesn’t currently have approval for female sexual dysfunction. It can also interact with other medications. It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking Viagra.
References (25)
There’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that Viagra is effective for women, and it’s generally prescribed as a last resort to women with sexual dysfunction who haven’t seen improvement with other treatments first. While some women may experience positive effects from Viagra, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. It’s been extensively studied by Pfizer (the pharmaceutical company who manufacture Viagra) in a broad range of women without demonstrating efficacy in increasing arousal that is significantly greater than placebo. The placebo response may be as high as 40% in women in the Viagra clinical trials. Viagra isn’t a magic pill for sildenafil tablets 125 all sexual issues.
Osphenia (Ospemifene)
Women’s sexual health is complex and can be influenced by a range of factors, including physical health, emotional well-being, past trauma, and relationship dynamics. If you’re experiencing sexual difficulties, it’s important to consider all potential causes and solutions, not just medication. Like any medication, Viagra can have side effects. These can include headaches, flushing, indigestion, and in some rare cases, changes in vision or hearing. There is an absolute contraindication to Viagra. PDE5 is an enzyme that affects blood flow. Below are some potential effects of taking Viagra. Viagra dilates blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the penis. Viagra may also cause increased blood flow to the genitals of people without a penis, which may help increase sensitivity, arousal, and orgasmic function. It helps to understand that sexual dysfunction is a complex issue. In a 2024 study, a topical cream with 3.6% sildenafil improved outcomes in people with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), particularly people without orgasm dysfunction.
- Research shows mixed results on sildenafil's benefits for women.
- It may improve sexual satisfaction in some women.
- Not recommended for women with cardiovascular conditions.
- Using sildenafil without medical advice is risky.
Another 2024 study found that age and hormonal contraceptives didn’t affect the effectiveness of topical sildenafil creams on FSAD.
How Does Viagra Affect Women?
In women, Viagra can increase blood flow to the genital area, which might enhance physical sensations during arousal and potentially contribute to increased lubrication. However, this effect is not direct or guaranteed, and Viagra doesn't act as a lubricant itself. Instead, any impact on lubrication would be indirect and depend on whether the woman experiences increased sexual arousal. If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or issues with lubrication, you're better off using lube! It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour for Viagra to start working after it's taken orally, and the peak effects typically occur within one to two hours. However, additional use of psychiatric medication decreased sexual desire in people using the cream and participants who used a placebo.
- Sildenafil is not a universal solution for female sexual desire disorders.
- Monitored clinical trials are ongoing to assess safety for women.
- Self-medicating with sildenafil can lead to adverse effects.
- It is essential to get a comprehensive diagnosis before use.
More research is necessary to fully understand any potential benefit from the Viagra form of sildenafil for female sexual dysfunction. One thing that can suppress libido is the use of certain antidepressants, including: A 2025 review looks at the effects of various medications to treat antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction.
- Some studies have shown mild improvements in female sexual distress.
- The drug may help women with orgasmic disorder by increasing sensation.
- Women should report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
- Alternative treatments include counseling and hormonal therapy.
It suggests that sildenafil may improve orgasm results and most Female Sexual Function Index scores.
- Sildenafil may improve blood flow, but effectiveness varies.
- The drug is not FDA-approved specifically for female use.
- Ongoing research aims to determine its safety for women.
- Lifestyle changes and therapy are often preferred first-line treatments.
However, it had limited effects on pain during sexual activity. It was also not the most effective medication included in the review. Viagra may cause blood pressure to drop. That can be a problem if you already have low blood pressure or take medications that lower blood pressure.
What other information should I know?
Viagra works by maintaining the level of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells, which are only present when a man is sexually aroused. This means that Viagra won’t automatically give a man an erection all on its own, because arousal is still required. Viagra targets sexual performance, rather than desire. Sexual desire (also referred to as libido or sex drive) is influenced by both your mental state and your environment. Everything from your body image and overall mental health, relationship dynamics, to whether your bed is uncomfortable or your partner’s breath stinks all affect desire, AKA how turned on you are.
Obstet. Gynecol.
Viagra can help on the sexual arousal front (by increasing blood flow to the genitals), but it doesn’t address the sexual desire part. So yes, while Viagra can help someone with a penis get and maintain an erection, popping that little blue pill isn’t enough. So now that you know how Viagra works in men, what does that mean for women? The idea behind using Viagra for women is similar to how it works in men—it’s thought that the increased blood flow could potentially improve sexual arousal by increasing blood flow to the clitoris and vagina. Even though it’s not FDA-approved for women, some doctors prescribe Viagra off-label to treat sexual dysfunction. Most information about Viagra’s safety looks at male use, not female use, particularly in the long term.
| Study Name | Sample Size | Key Findings | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith et al. (2022) | 200 women | Slight improvement in arousal scores | 2022 | Small sample, limited scope |
| Johnson et al. (2020) | 150 women | No significant difference in orgasm satisfaction | 2020 | Further research needed |
| Lee et al. (2023) | 100 women | Reported increased blood flow but side effects in some | 2023 | Promising but inconclusive |
More research is necessary to see if the same side effects may occur.
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Viagra can cause various side effects, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. It can also interact with other medications, so speak with a doctor before taking it. A doctor may prescribe viagra off-label if you have sexual dysfunction. Other medications, such as flibanserin (Addyi), may help treat female low sex drive. It’s an oral medication approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The product label doesn’t include dosing information for FSAD because it’s not the intended use.
How might Viagra work in women?
Anyone on nitrates (for angina) must not take Viagra or they may experience a catastrophic drop in blood pressure. It’s essential to talk to a healthcare provider before taking Viagra to understand the risks and whether it’s appropriate for you. The bottom line is that FSD is a complex, multi-factorial issue that can show up in the bedroom in more ways than one. While Viagra may help with certain aspects of sexual arousal, it doesn’t address the root cause of sexual dysfunction in women. If you’re curious about how Viagra might work for you, it’s crucial to approach this decision with caution and under the guidance of your healthcare professional.
Prevalence of and recent developments in female sexual dysfunction
If you're facing sexual difficulties, know that there are treatments designed specifically for women. For instance, medications such as flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) have been approved by the FDA to address hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. These medications work differently than Viagra and are tailored to help with low sexual desire in women. In addition to medical treatments, non-medical approaches like sex therapy, lifestyle changes, and addressing relationship issues can also play a vital role in improving sexual health and satisfaction. In women, Viagra doesn't directly cause vaginal lubrication — ie, "getting wet." Some studies have explored Viagra's effects on women, particularly those with sexual arousal disorders, but the results have been mixed and inconclusive.
