There is a lot of talk about “Viagra for women” and what effect these medications may have in females.
While there is currently no FDA approval for women using Viagra, or Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), there are some trials looking into what actually happens if women take this medication that was initially designed for men only.
And some compounding pharmacies may including these chemicals in a prescription topical cream for female sexual satisfaction off-label.
In this article, we will breakdown what we currently know about women and Sildenafil.
Viagra is in a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors.
It most likely much works the same in women and men, just on a smaller scale.
When both men and women are aroused, chemicals including Nitric Oxide and cGMP increase blood flow to either the penile or clitoral areas.
PDE-5 then comes in and degrades cGMP and blood flow reduces.
PDE-5 inhibitors attempt to maintain this increased blood flow reaction by blocking the PDE-5 breakdown enzyme.
Hypothetically, since women have this same cGMP and PDE-5 interplay occurring during clitoral stimulation, it is thought that Sildenafil may be beneficial in boosting female satisfaction as well. (Although women do have lower levels of PDE-5 as compared to men.)
In one 2003 study, women who took Sildenafil by mouth self-reported significantly increased sensation and satisfaction as compared to the placebo group.
Another study in postmenopausal women concluded that women taking oral 50 mg Sildenafil did not significantly improve sexual function, although there were increases in vaginal lubrication and clitoral sensitivity.
One study conducted in women who were having negative sexual side effects from taking SSRI or NSRI antidepressants found an improvement in antidepressant-associated sexual symptoms as compared to the placebo group.
This study, involving 53 women found that taking oral Sildenafil significantly increased orgasm frequency as compared to placebo.
While these trials seem like a promising start, this is just the beginning and more studies need to be done before oral Sildenafil can be confidently recommended for women.
Due to lack of evidence in women of childbearing age or during pregnancy - oral Viagra or Sildenafil should never be used in women who are currently or intending to become pregnant.
A placebo-controlled study involving 202 postmenopausal women reported side effects to be mild to moderate and involved effects such as: headache, flushing, nasal inflammation, nausea, and visual symptoms.
Other studies had a few interesting reports of “clitoral hypersensitivity.”
Overall, the studies consider oral Sildenafil to be well tolerated by postmenopausal women, although more studies need to be conducted to verify the safety and effectiveness of oral Sildenafil for women and should not be used unless prescribed off-label by your doctor for a good reason.
On a side note, the medication Addyi (generic name Flibanserin), is not the same chemical as Viagra (Sildenafil).
This medication is often touted as being “Viagra for women” so it may be a little confusing. However, the term is just a reference to how this medication may help enhance female satisfaction and the chemical structure and function is very different from Viagra (Sildenafil).
Addyi may improve sexual satisfaction in some women, although it may be limited by side effects such as extremely low blood pressure and potential fainting episodes when mixed with alcohol, along with needing to be taken on a daily basis to be effective.
You cannot currently purchase Viagra tablets “for women” as it is not an FDA approved product for use in females or without a prescription.
We advise you to be wary of any online retailer attempting to sell “female Viagra tablets” without a prescription, as you may not be able to verify what you are getting since there is currently no such “female Viagra” tablet available in the U.S..
We do not recommend any women attempt to take oral Sildenafil, unless prescribed off-label for you and under a doctor’s care due to lack of studies and indications for women.
However, topical compounded prescription Sildenafil creams for clitoral application may be appropriate for women who have been thoroughly evaluated by a physician.
Topical Sildenafil creams may enhance blood flow and sensitivity of the area with little risk of getting throughout the rest of the body in any significant amount.
(Although women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or looking to become pregnant should still steer clear due to lack of information.)
These medications may also be referred to as “scream creams” and may help enhance female bedroom satisfaction.
We call our scream cream formulation Strut O Cream.
Through an online consultation with our licensed physicians, we can verify if this topical Sildenafil cream may be appropriate for you, and products can be shipped quickly and discreetly to your door.
Viagra is a PDE-5 inhibitor that may work the same in the clitoral tissues as in penile tissues to increase blood flow.
Preliminary studies show Sildenafil may have promise in increasing sensitivity and sexual satisfaction in women.
The side effects of oral Sildenafil, when taken by postmenopausal women, are generally well tolerated and may include headache, vision changes, flushing, nausea, and sinus congestion.
Addyi is a female-only medication currently on the market, but it is not the same as Viagra even though some may refer to it as “Viagra for women.”
Viagra tablets are not currently approved in the U.S. for use in females.
Compounded Sildenafil “scream creams” applied locally to the clitoris may be a prescription treatment option for those looking for female sexual enhancement.
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