Viagra is a medicine well-known for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men (or assigned male at birth). However, can women take Viagra too?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Viagra as a legal medicine for ED. It is a male sexual condition that causes the inability to get or maintain an erection.
It has not been approved for female* use. However, it is often prescribed off-label to women (without the FDA’s approval).
This article discusses Viagra’s use for women and other treatments for female sexual issues.
Table of Contents
Can women take Viagra
Women cannot take Viagra because the FDA has not approved the drug for female use.
Viagra is designed to assist men in attaining and maintaining an erection during sexual activity. It is not intended for women, as female Sexual Dysfunction differs from Erectile Dysfunction.
Female Sexual Dysfunction includes problems with sexual desire, response, and orgasms. The symptoms include low sexual desire, inability to attain orgasm, and pain during intercourse.
Viagra does not increase sexual desire. It is a PDE5 inhibitor and not an Aphrodisiac. In men, Viagra works by increasing the blood pressure in the penile tissues and producing an erection.
Aphrodisiac: Foods or medicines that help stimulate sexual desire.
Viagra does not increase your sex drive or affect your orgasms. Therefore, it does not particularly address female sexual problems.
Yet, in some instances, it may also be beneficial for women. It may improve genital sensitivity and stimulation. Consequently, it may enable women to respond better to arousal.
What happens when a woman takes Viagra
Source: PR_Image_FactoryIf women take Viagra, they may experience a boost in blood flow.
Viagra enhances the blood flow required for erections in males. Likewise, it may improve blood flow in the female genitalia.
Enhanced blood circulation can promote lubrication and sensitivity in the female genitalia.
Consequently, it may enhance sexual stimulation or help women respond better to arousal.
Yet, it is ineffective if there is a lack of sexual desire.
What does Viagra do to a women
Viagra may increase blood flow in women’s reproductive parts. However, it may also increase blood flow in other parts of the body.
Studies suggest that women who take Viagra for Sexual Dysfunction may experience mild or moderate side effects.
It may produce similar side effects in women as in men who take it for ED. Some common side effects of Viagra in women include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Vision changes
- Nasal congestion
Viagra is not FDA-approved for treating female issues. For women, the side effects may outweigh the benefits. Consult a doctor before taking Viagra.
Your doctor may recommend a more effective treatment for Sexual Dysfunction in women.
Is there a Viagra for women
Source: Iurii_MaksymivThere is no ‘Viagra for women’ as Viagra is simply a brand name for an ED medicine.
The active ingredient in Viagra, Sildenafil Citrate, may benefit female sexual issues.
Doctors may prescribe Lovegra, a medicine containing Sildenafil, to women. It is marketed as ‘female Viagra.’
Additionally, the FDA has approved the medicine Addyi (Flibanserin) for FSIAD (Female Sexual Interest / Arousal Disorder).
It is a medicine that helps treat low libido in women. It works by increasing the brain chemicals that boost sexual desire.
The generic version, Flibanserin, is also available as Fliban.
Addyi is not FDA-approved for premenopausal women with low sex drive. The FDA recommends Vyleesi (Bremelanotide) for premenopausal women instead. It is an injectable medicine.
Another medicine that addresses Sexual Dysfunction in women is Osphena. It helps treat vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during sex and reduce libido.
The bottom line
So, can women take Viagra? Technically, no. But they may use it if a doctor prescribes it off-label.
Viagra may help some women with sexual stimulation by increasing blood flow in the vagina. But it may not work for everyone and cause unwanted side effects instead.
Overall, it is not the standard treatment for female Sexual Dysfunction. You may consider other FDA-approved medicines that address female sexual issues.
It is advisable to consult a doctor for the best treatment option for your sexual problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can male Viagra work on females?
Viagra works by increasing blood flow in the penis and producing an erection. It cannot have the same effect on women as the female sexual function differs from men’s.
But, Viagra may enhance blood flow in the female reproductive organs. As a result, it can cause sensitivity and stimulation.
What happens if a woman takes Viagra or Cialis?
If women take Viagra or Cialis, they may experience increased blood flow in their reproductive organs.
But it may also produce unwanted side effects. The side effects of Viagra usually go away after a few hours. Meanwhile, Cialis’ effects remain for a longer time.
How long does Viagra last in a woman?
Viagra may last up to 4 hours in a woman. But it can last longer. The effects usually start wearing off after 2 to 3 hours.
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