For erectile dysfunction, men have plenty of drugs to choose from, including Cialis, Levitra, Stendra and Viagra, otherwise known as the “little blue pill.” For women, the treatment options are less robust.
While medications designed for men focus on increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing for an erection and sexual function, most women are physically capable of engaging in intercourse without the help of medication.
Blood flow allows vaginal walls to be moisturized and lubricated, as well as plumped and stretchy — all those physical signs of arousal that allow the body to be ready for especially penetrative sex.
The clitoris, the female equivalent of the penis, does fill with blood when aroused, but arousal is not necessarily needed in order to engage in intercourse. Therefore, there’s no true equivalent of a Viagra-like medication for women on the market, simply because genital function is different between the sexes.
Yet, women do experience sexual dysfunction, and there are medicines that can help. Female sexual dysfunction can include things like pain during sex or physical changes that affect intimacy.
The medications currently on the market, however, target a woman’s desire for sex — though it’s worth noting that when it comes to libido, it’s a bit more complicated than popping a pill and hopping into bed.
Dr. Jennifer Wider, a women’s health expert, says, “There are many reasons why women can have a lower sex drive, including depression, anxiety, stress, side effects from a medication and pain during sex, which leads to lowered desire.”
Yet, one single medication can’t possibly address all these issues. While medication may help some people get in in the mood, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
‘Little pink pill’
That said, there are drugs available that purport to get women in the mood for sex. That includes Flibanserin, the trade name for which is Addyi. Thus far, the drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration only for pre-menopausal women.
Addyi is a pill that should be taken orally every night. Clinical studies show that after eight to 12 weeks, it does boost the desire to have sex, says Dr. Lauren Streicher, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University.
“It doesn’t make someone want to have sex all the time, but it puts them more in the ‘normal’ range,” she says.
While the medication works by addressing the neurotransmitters that play a role in sexual desire, Streicher emphasizes that there’s more to libido than any medication can provide a fix for. For example, past experiences with sex might prevent some people from having a pleasurable sexual experience.
Vyleesi
Another FDA-approved drug, Streicher says, is Vyleesi, which is similar to Addyi in that it works on neurotransmitters. But unlike that medication, Vyleesi is an on-demand drug that works via injection into the thigh or abdomen within 45 minutes.
“It’s about the same efficacy — we’re looking at maybe 50% of women are really going to notice a significant difference, enough that they’re going to continue to use it,” she explains.
While medical intervention is possible for women with low libido, it may not be the first step one wants to take, though.
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