- With Mayo Clinic internist
Jacqueline M. Thielen, M.D.
Sexual health basics (3)
- Natural aphrodisiacs: Do they work?
- Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
- Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?
Women's sexual health (7)
- Sex after years of abstinence: OK to resume?
- Viagra for women: Why doesn't it exist?
- Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
- see all in Women's sexual health
Men's sexual health (7)
- Penis fracture: Is it possible?
- Male yeast infection: Can I get it from my girlfriend?
- Discolored semen: What does it mean?
- see all in Men's sexual health
Sex and aging (2)
- Loss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?
- Testosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?
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Question
Viagra for women: Why doesn't it exist?
Why isn't there an equivalent of Viagra for women?
Answer
from Jacqueline M. Thielen, M.D.
Given the success of drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra), pharmaceutical companies have sought a comparable drug for women. Viagra has even been tried as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in women. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this use of Viagra. Indeed, there are no FDA-approved medications for treating sexual arousal problems in women.
Female sexual response is complex. For most women, simply addressing difficulties with arousal may not get to the actual problem — which is often a lack of sexual desire. Many factors can influence a woman's sexual desire. For example:
- Many women find that the stresses of daily life deplete their desire for sex.
- Highs and lows in sexual desire may coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship or major life changes, such as pregnancy or menopause.
- For some women, orgasm can be elusive — causing concerns or preoccupations that lead to a loss of interest in sex.
- Desire is often connected to a woman's sense of intimacy with her partner, as well her past experiences. Over time, psychological troubles can contribute to biological problems and vice versa.
- Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can alter a woman's sexual-response cycle — causing changes in arousal or orgasmic response.
If you're experiencing changes or difficulties with sexual function, consult your doctor. In some cases, hormones, creams, clitoral-stimulating products or other treatments may be helpful. These products don't work for everyone, however. Your doctor may also recommend consulting a sex therapist.
Next questionSex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
- Sildenafil citrate. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Dec. 12, 2010.
- Female sexual problems. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. http://www.aamft.org/families/Consumer_Updates/FemaleSexualProblems.asp. Accessed Jan. 12, 2011.
- Your sexual health. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp072.cfm. Accessed Jan. 12, 2011.
- Thielen J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 21, 2011.
- Nurnberg HG, et al. Sildenafil treatment of women with anti-depressant associated sexual dysfunction. JAMA. 2008;300:395.
- Feldhau-Dahir M. Treatment options for female sexual arousal disorder. Urologic Nursing. 2010;30:247.
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