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Can Women Take Cialis: Safety and Current Research

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Can Women Take Cialis

Cialis is an FDA-approved medicine for men to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and an enlarged prostate. Its active ingredient, Tadalafil, is the longest-lasting ED pill that offers better sexual function for over 36 hours. Its potential benefits for sexual dysfunction have sparked interest, leading many to wonder, Can women take Cialis? 

Generally, the answer to this question is no, as Cialis is not FDA-approved for use in females. Even current research is limited to ensure its safety. However, sometimes it is used off-label with a doctor’s prescription.

This article explores what research specifically about Cialis’ use in women says. It outlines benefits, safety, possible side effects, and discusses alternative treatments and natural approaches, offering a clear, medically grounded guide for women considering options for sexual health.

Can a woman take a Cialis pill for sexual dysfunction?

No, Cialis (Tadalafil) is not usually used for treating sexual dysfunction in females. It is not FDA-approved for this purpose. However, some doctors prescribe it off-label because Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), the enzyme targeted by Tadalafil to improve blood flow, is also present in the clitoral and vaginal tissues. So, using Cialis potentially improves arousal or sensation in women by enhancing genital blood flow.

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Currently, due to limited evidence and a lack of safety information, it is still not widely approved for women’s use. Here’s what the available research says:

  • A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2012 demonstrated that daily Tadalafil significantly improved genital arousal in Type 1 Diabetic premenopausal women with genital arousal disorder. This not only emphasised the sexual function benefits but also the potential safety for women with Diabetes.
  • Another review published in ResearchGate in 2017 reported improvements in sexual function with the use of Tadalafil daily in midlife and older women based on several studies. 

However, these findings are preliminary, and larger controlled trials are lacking. Currently, there is a clinical trial (Phase III) registered for using Tadalafil for women with Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD). If the results are positive, it can be a promising treatment in the upcoming years. 

For now, the medical community advises the cautious use of Cialis or Tadalafil in women, if necessary, and only under professional supervision.

Did you know?
Tadalafil, the active ingredient present in Cialis, is also FDA-approved to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in women.

What happens if a woman takes Cialis?

When a woman takes Cialis, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. It typically takes 30-60 minutes. It acts by relaxing smooth muscles and enhancing blood flow to the pelvic region. This increased circulation can influence physical arousal and cause:

  • Increased genital blood flow: Women may experience greater clitoral and vaginal sensitivity due to improved circulation. 
  • Enhanced lubrication: Some individuals may experience easier or faster natural lubrication during arousal. 
  • Heightened responsiveness: Physical arousal may feel stronger or more easily achieved.
  • Improved satisfaction: Women may experience better sexual satisfaction. These effects can be notably higher among women with antidepressant-related dysfunction.

However, not all women experience these positive effects for sexual dysfunction. Many women may notice no change, or some may also experience side effects, such as headache, flushing, indigestion, upset stomach, back pain, or muscle aches. These are usually mild, but rare and severe effects like vision loss or allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.

Warning:
Never use Cialis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it lacks human safety data for the fetus and infants and passes through breastmilk in unknown amounts. So, it can potentially harm the baby.

Alternatives to Cialis for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Women have approved medicines and effective natural or off-label alternatives for managing Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) other than Cialis:

  • Flibanserin: It is the only FDA-approved pill for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), also known as Low Libido, in premenopausal women. It regulates brain chemicals called neurotransmitters to improve desire.
  • Bremelanotide: It is an injectable medicine approved for treating low sexual desire in women who have not gone through Menopause. It activates receptors responsible for sexual response and boosts sexual desire.
  • Off-label Options: Testosterone therapy is occasionally considered to boost libido but is limited by safety concerns. Off-label use of medicines like Bupropion and Buspirone can improve sexual dysfunction, mainly caused by antidepressants.
  • Therapies and techniques: Psychological interventions such as psychotherapy, sex therapy, couples counseling, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively address emotional and relational factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction. These improve communication between partners, reduce Sexual Performance Anxiety, and restore intimacy.
  • Diet and lifestyle: A diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and essential nutrients supports hormonal and vascular health, which benefits sexual function. Regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep likewise play critical roles in overall sexual wellbeing.
  • Herbs and supplements: Some women can benefit from herbal products like Maca root, Ashwagandha, and Ginseng to boost libido, arousal, and stamina. However, evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Consulting a licensed doctor is advised before using supplements.

Conclusion

Women should ideally not take Cialis as it is not FDA-approved for use in women. Its use for Female Sexual Dysfunction is off-label and supported only by limited evidence. The existing studies indicate potential benefits but are insufficient to warrant routine use. So, women can take Cialis only if necessary and prescribed by a doctor.

Side effects, such as headaches or dizziness, and a lack of regulatory approval necessitate medical oversight when considering Cialis for women. Safer, FDA-approved alternatives such as Flibanserin and Bremelanotide are available for women with sexual dysfunction. 

Herbs like Ginseng or off-label options like Testosterone therapy can also benefit women when used under medical guidance. Psychological therapies and lifestyle approaches, like better sleep and diet, are recommended as an addition to first-line FDA-approved treatments to improve sexual health in women.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can women take Cialis and alcohol together?

No, drinking alcohol while on Cialis can increase the risk of dizziness, headache, and fainting due to lowered blood pressure. It’s best to avoid alcohol or consult a doctor before combining the two.

Does Cialis impact hormones in women?

No, Cialis does not directly affect female hormone levels like estrogen or progesterone. It mainly improves blood flow and may help women with sexual dysfunction, such as a lack of libido or arousal.

How long does Cialis remain active in women?

The precise duration for which Cialis lasts in women is not well studied. Generally, Cialis has a half-life of about 17.5 hours, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. The current duration is mainly based on available data for men.

Can women take Cialis to lower BP?

No, women should not take Cialis (Tadalafil) for general Blood Pressure (BP) control. It is specifically prescribed by a doctor for a different approved condition, called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), which is High Blood Pressure in the lungs

Can Cialis interact with birth control pills?

No, there are no known interactions between Cialis and birth control pills. But it is advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining medications to ensure efficacy.

Citations:
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Janet Fudge is a highly skilled and experienced pharmacologist who serves as a contributing writer for CheapMedicineShop.com. With a strong academic background from a premier US University and a passion for helping others, Janet has become a trusted voice in the pharmaceutical world. After completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Janet embarked on a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, working with various clients, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and drug manufacturers. Her in-depth knowledge of pharmacology and dedication to patient-centered care has led her to excel in her field. As a writer for CheapMedicineShop.com, Janet uses her wealth of expertise to provide readers with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information on various topics related to medicine and healthcare. Her engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics into easily digestible content make her a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and the general public.

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