Everything You Should Know About Female Viagra
"Female Viagra" typically refers to flibanserin (Addyi) or bremelanotide (Vyleesi), which are FDA-approved for treating low sexual desire in premenopausal women.
Unlike Viagra for men, these medications don’t work by increasing blood flow but instead act on brain chemicals to boost libido.
They require consistent use, are not taken on demand, and are used under a doctor's supervision.
While male ED treatments are well-known, options for women are less talked about.
If you're curious about what “female Viagra” actually does, its safety, and who it’s for, then this blog is for you.
Know about these libido-enhancing medications for women.
What is Female Viagra, and how does it work?
Female Viagra refers to FDA-approved drugs like Addyi and Vyleesi, used to treat low sexual desire (FSIAD) in premenopausal women.
These drugs work by affecting brain chemicals linked to mood and arousal.
Know how these drugs work:
Addyi (Flibanserin)
Addyi is a daily oral pill designed to boost sexual desire.
Originally developed as an antidepressant, Addyi works by altering brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
Effects may take up to 8 weeks after use as prescribed by a doctor.
The Common side effects of Addyi include low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and fainting.
These side effects are more likely to appear if you consume alcohol with it.
Vyleesi (Bremelanotide)
Vyleesi is an injectable drug used 45 minutes before sexual activity.
It activates brain pathways related to mood and desire.
The Effects of Vyleesi can last up to 24 hours, and it's limited to eight uses per month.
Common Side effects that may appear during its use include nausea, headache, and injection site pain.
How do you access these FSIAD Drugs?
If you are concerned about your sexual health, you must see a doctor first.
They may help you advise the best possible treatment available for you, depending on the causes.
If a doctor prescribes the following drugs or any other medications, you can start treatment with them.
How to Take Female Viagra?
There are two main types of Female Viagra:
1. Addyi (Flibanserin) Usage Instruction
- Take one pill daily at bedtime.
- It’s best taken without alcohol, as the combination may cause a drop in blood pressure or fainting.
- You can either take it with food or on an empty stomach.
- Addyi is not meant for use right before sex; it needs consistent daily use for results.
2. Vyleesi (Bremelanotide) Usage Instruction
- Vyleesi is injected into the thigh or abdomen at least 45 minutes before sexual activity.
- Use only when needed and not more than 8 times per month.
- Avoid alcohol near the time of use, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Always follow your doctor’s guidance for safe and effective use of these drugs, known as Female Viagra.
What causes low-sex desire in females?
Female sexual arousal is mainly tangled in a complex act.
Most of the sexual complications among females occur due to difficulty with arousal.
Many factors can lead to a fault in sexual desire and result in female sexual dysfunction; for Example:
- The stress of daily life can reduce the desire for sex in females and may affect sexual performance.
- Changes in lifestyle and situations, like pregnancy or menopause, can also affect sexual desire.
- Highs and lows in sexual desire may appear at the beginning or end of a relationship in females.
- For some women, achieving an orgasm can be difficult during sexual activity. It can appear due to any concerns that lead to a loss of interest in sex for a female.
- Mental health plays a vital role and may also lower the desire to have sex. Also, past experiences with mental health can lead to such complications.
- Some chronic health conditions can also contribute to problems like low sex desire. It can be due to diabetes or multiple sclerosis. These medical conditions can bring changes in the sexual response cycle and the orgasmic response.
Is Female Viagra Effective?
Female Viagra can be effective, but results can vary.
Clinical trials for Addyi and Vyleesi show small but meaningful improvements in sexual desire compared to placebos.
Addyi may take 4 to 8 weeks of daily use to show its results.
Vyleesi works faster, about 45 minutes before sex, but is used as needed.
Neither is a guaranteed fix, but both help some women with low sexual desire.
Misconceptions and Myths About Female Viagra
Many people believe Female Viagra works like the male version, but that’s a myth.
It’s not a quick-fix pill that boosts sexual desire instantly.
Instead, it gradually improves sexual interest over time, as it affects brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.
Unlike male ED pills, it doesn’t create physical arousal or immediate results.
It's often misunderstood and confused with male sexual enhancers like Viagra.
However, their mechanisms and purposes are different.
Caution:
Viagra can pose risks for males with cardiovascular issues or when combined with nitrates. It's not officially approved for females, and caution is needed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Can Women Take Viagra (Sildenafil)?
Viagra is FDA-approved for men with erectile dysfunction, not for women.
Some studies have tested its effects in women, especially postmenopausal,
Also, for those with antidepressant-related sexual issues, the results are mixed.
While it may increase blood flow, it doesn't target the brain pathways involved in female sexual desire.
FDA-approved options for women, like Addyi and Vyleesi, are specially designed for females.
So, Women should not take Viagra without medical guidance and should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
Know how Sildenafil is used to treat ED in men?
Conclusion:
If you face any difficulty with sexual function or desire, you must consult a doctor.
It would be best to disclose your sexual problems without hesitation to a sex therapist as soon as you suspect them.
In most cases, the condition can be well managed with effective treatments in this era.
Medications, hormones, lubricants, creams, clitoral stimulation, or other aids are available to help.
Female Viagra, like Vyleesi, may raise blood pressure and cause nausea or skin discolouration. Vyleesi aims to improve sexual desire, but results can take weeks and vary by person.
Hormones, emotions, physical touch, and mental stimulation influence female arousal. Estrogen and testosterone play key roles, as do mood, attraction, and communication with a partner.
Two FDA-approved options for women as Female Viagra include Addyi and Vyleesi. They treat low sexual desire in premenopausal women but work differently and are taken as daily pills or injections.
Female Viagra is not meant for men and won’t have the same effect. Men should use ED medications like sildenafil or tadalafil for better results.
Female Viagra is not meant for men and won’t have the same effect. Men should use ED medications like sildenafil or tadalafil for better results.
If a man takes Viagra, it won’t affect a woman directly. However, improved erectile function may positively impact intimacy and sexual satisfaction for both partners.
Female Viagra doesn’t work instantly. It’s usually taken daily, and it may take 4–6 weeks to show noticeable improvements in sexual desire and arousal.