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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.
Generally, arousal problems in women can't be treated with a pill.
Sildenafil (Viagra) is an oral medication to treat erectile dysfunction — the inability to maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Other erectile dysfunction drugs for men include tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).
Viagra works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes muscles in blood vessels of the penis. This increases blood flow and allows a man to have an erection in response to sexual stimulation. A similar treatment or a Viagra for women, however, doesn't exist. Although women experiencing loss of sex function due to antidepressants may respond to Viagra, 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 as a reaction to current relationship frustrations and 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 discomfort during sex. Certain infections, such as yeast infections, can have the same effect.
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 that you consult a sex therapist.
Next questionSex after years of abstinence: OK to resume?
- Viagra (prescribing information). New York, NY.: Pfizer Inc.; 2007. http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_viagra.pdf. Accessed Jan. 22, 2009.
- AAMFT consumer update: Female sexual problems. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. http://www.aamft.org/families/Consumer_Updates/FemaleSexualProblems.asp. Accessed Jan 13, 2009.
- Sexuality and sexual problems. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp072.cfm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Thielen J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 21, 2009.
- Nurnberg HG, et al. Sildenafil treatment of women with anti-depressant associated sexual dysfunction. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300:395.
