Does Viagra have an effect on women?
Publicado: 2023-10-17 11:20:54
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Viagra is a brand name for a drug called sildenafil. It is an oral medication approved to treat men with erectile dysfunction (ED). The drug works by dilating blood vessels. With increased blood flow to the penis, it is easier to get and maintain an erection. Viagra is aimed at sexual performance, not sexual arousal.
There is limited evidence that the drug is somewhat beneficial for women with sexual dysfunction. It should be noted that sildenafil is also available as Revatio, available in doses of 20 milligrams (mg) (which is less than a dose of Viagra). It is used to treat pulmonary hypertension in both men and women. In this article, however, we focus on Viagra and sexual dysfunction in women, whether it is safe and the alternatives available.
Can women take Viagra?
The FDA has not approved Viagra for use in women in the US. But your doctor may prescribe it for off-label use. Like all drugs, Viagra can cause side effects. It can also interact with other medications. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor before taking Viagra.
What happens if a woman takes Viagra?
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that affects blood flow.
Potential Benefits
We know that in men, Viagra dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis. Women who take it may also have increased blood flow to their genitals. This can help increase sensitivity, arousal and orgasmic function. Studies of efficacy in women have had mixed results.
It helps to understand that sexual dysfunction in women is a complex issue. There are often several contributing factors. One thing that can suppress libido is the use of certain antidepressants, specifically:
⦁ selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
⦁ serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
A small randomized controlled trial in 2008 involved women with depression who took these drugs and experienced sexual dysfunction. The study received funding from Pfizer, the maker of Viagra. The results showed that Viagra can help reduce the adverse sexual effects of SSRIs and SNRIs. Women who took Viagra reported better results than those who took a placebo.
There is “inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence” for this, according to a 2015 article authored by physicians at the Mayo Clinic. A 2014 review article looked at a study of postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder. Some study participants experienced improved arousal, vaginal lubrication and orgasm. But this was not the case for women whose sexual arousal disorder is linked to neurological or vascular problems.
A 2002 randomized clinical trial compared sildenafil to placebo in pre- and post-menopausal women. They found no significant difference. More research is needed to fully understand whether women can expect any benefit from Viagra.
Side effects
Viagra can cause your blood pressure to drop, especially a few hours after taking it. This can be a problem if you already have low blood pressure or take medication that lowers blood pressure. Although Viagra appears to be safe for most men, there is little data on its safety in women, particularly in the long term. In studies that included women, it appears to be quite well tolerated. Side effects included:
⦁ headache
⦁ nasal congestion
⦁ blush
⦁ visual disturbances
⦁ indigestion
⦁ palpitations
How much Viagra should a woman take?
Viagra comes in doses of 25, 50, and 100 milligrams. Men are generally advised to start with the lowest dose, increasing it only if it doesn't work. You should take it from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. The maximum dose for men is 100 milligrams per day.
In studies of women, doses generally ranged from 10 to 100 milligrams. The product label does not include dosage information for women because it is not intended for this use. If you plan on taking Viagra, consider the source. Some online sites that claim to sell Viagra are selling counterfeit drugs. These may not work like Viagra and may not be safe. To access the real medicine, you will need a prescription. A doctor will decide on the dose and provide safety information.
Is there a Viagra for women?
Viagra is an erectile dysfunction medication that improves blood flow to the penis. Viagra is a brand and there is no such thing as “Viagra for women”. There are, however, some FDA-approved drugs to treat low sex drive in women. One of them is Addyi. Because it was a pink pill and Viagra was a blue pill, the nickname “female Viagra” was about to happen. But they are different drugs with different missions.
Addyi is a brand name for a non-hormonal drug called flibanserin. The recommended dose is 100 milligrams. You should take one pill every day at bedtime. Another drug, Vyleesi, is a brand name for bremelanotide. You should inject it under the skin on your abdomen or thigh about 45 minutes before you plan to have sex.
Both drugs are approved to treat acquired generalized sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Specifically, it's low sex drive that causes distress, but it's not related to:
⦁ a medical or mental health condition
⦁ relationship problems
⦁ use of other drugs
Viagra is a sexual performance enhancer. Addyi and Vyleesi treat sexual desire, although the exact mechanism of action is unclear. They seem to affect certain pathways in the brain that influence sexual desire. Side effects of Addyi include low blood pressure, fainting and nausea. These effects can be intensified if you take birth control pills or drink alcohol.
Side effects of Vyleesi include a temporary increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate. It can also cause nausea and isolated patches of skin lightening (focal hyperpigmentation). Research suggests that Addyi Trusted Source and Vyleesi Trusted Source offer small benefits to premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorders.
