Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSafetyWhere Is It Available?Consulting With a ProviderTreating Underlying Causes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Safety
Where Is It Available?
Consulting With a Provider
Treating Underlying Causes
Though often called “female Viagra,” Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) are designed to enhance sexual desire in females, but they do not affect physical performance.
This article discusses “female Viagra” medications, potential benefits and risks, and common causes for low libido.
Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images
Language ConsiderationsIn this article, “female/women” and “male/men” refer to people who identify as cisgender and have the typical reproductive organs of cisgender women and men. Verywell recognizes that some people who identify as women or men do not have the same anatomy as described in this article.
Language Considerations
In this article, “female/women” and “male/men” refer to people who identify as cisgender and have the typical reproductive organs of cisgender women and men. Verywell recognizes that some people who identify as women or men do not have the same anatomy as described in this article.
Female Versions of Viagra
These medications are approved to treat female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD), also known ashypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), in premenopausal women.
Neither medication is approved for use in men and neither has any effect on physical sexual performance.
Addyi
Addyi is a serotonin 5-HT-receptor agonist. It affectsserotoninand other natural substances in the brain, but the exact mechanism of action is unknown.
It’s an oral medication you take once a day at bedtime, whether or not you plan to have sex. It can take several weeks to start working. You should stop taking it if there’s no improvement after eight weeks.
Vyleesi
Vyleesi is a melanocortin receptor agonist. It activates certain natural substances in the brain that affect mood and thinking, but the exact mechanism of action isn’t clear.
Using a prefilled syringe, you inject it just under the skin in the abdomen or thigh as needed, at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. It’s unclear how long any effect may last, but the label recommends no more than one injection in 24 hours and no more than eight injections per month.
Can Women Take Viagra?
Some providers may prescribeViagraoff-label (for uses not intended or approved but that may be beneficial) for women. One study suggested that Viagra may improveclitoraland uterine blood flow in healthypostmenopausalwomen.
A small, older (from 2008) randomized trial explored the use of Viagra in women withsexual dysfunctionassociated with taking antidepressants. Results suggested that Viagra may reduce adverse sexual effects in this population.Other research stated that there’s “inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence” for its benefits.
Research into the potential risks and benefits of Viagra for women is limited.
Safety of “Female Viagra”
The most common side effects of Addyi are:
Some people may experiencelow blood pressureandfainting. People withliver diseaseshould not take Addyi. Addyi has had its share of controversy. Due to concerns about safety and efficacy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withheld approval twice before finally giving it the go-ahead.
The most common side effects of Vyleesi are:
Some people may experience a temporaryincrease in blood pressureand a reduction in heart rate or focalhyperpigmentation(areas of darkened skin). People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take Vyleesi.
You also should not take these medications if you are:
Serious InteractionsTaking Addyi and alcohol within two hours of each other raises the risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting. Do not take Addyi if you also take moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.Vyleesi can slow absorption and make some oral medications, such as antibiotics, less effective. Do not use it if you take oral naltrexone products for alcohol or opioid addiction.
Serious Interactions
Taking Addyi and alcohol within two hours of each other raises the risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting. Do not take Addyi if you also take moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.Vyleesi can slow absorption and make some oral medications, such as antibiotics, less effective. Do not use it if you take oral naltrexone products for alcohol or opioid addiction.
Taking Addyi and alcohol within two hours of each other raises the risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting. Do not take Addyi if you also take moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Vyleesi can slow absorption and make some oral medications, such as antibiotics, less effective. Do not use it if you take oral naltrexone products for alcohol or opioid addiction.
Is “Female Viagra” Available Over the Counter?
Viagra, Addyi, and Vyleesi require a prescription from a healthcare provider and should come from a reliable source.
Illegitimateonline pharmaciesmay not comply with laws or health and safety regulations.Being able to order without a prescription is a big red flag. Check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before trying products that claim to boost libido.
Talking to a Provider About “Female Viagra”
Addyi and Vyleesi are approved to treat FSIAD/HSDD, so you’ll want to ensure the diagnosis. You must be open with your healthcare provider about your sex drive and how it affects your quality of life. Your provider will want to rule out health conditions, medications, and other problems contributing to low libido.
Even with a diagnosis, there’s still a lot to consider. The two drugs have different routes of administration. You will need to consider if you want to take a pill daily, or if you are comfortable injecting yourself before sexual activity. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
Treating Underlying Causes of Low Libido
Female sexual function involves complex physiological, psychological, and social interactions. Underlying causes of low sexual desire include:
Treatment depends on the specific cause. Finding ways to manage stress and treating chronic medical conditions may help improve sexual desire.
Natural RemediesWhile research is limited, you can try somenatural female enhancement/libidoboosters. These include:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),psychosexual counseling, andrelationship counselingL-arginine and ginsengExercise, yoga, and stress management
Natural Remedies
While research is limited, you can try somenatural female enhancement/libidoboosters. These include:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),psychosexual counseling, andrelationship counselingL-arginine and ginsengExercise, yoga, and stress management
While research is limited, you can try somenatural female enhancement/libidoboosters. These include:
Summary
There’s no female version of Viagra (a drug that treats ED). Viagra doesn’t affect libido and isn’t approved for use in women. Addyi and Vyleesi, often called “female Viagra,” are approved to treat low libido in women, but they don’t affect sexual performance.
If your libido has been lower than usual for six months or more and is causing distress, it may be time to see a healthcare professional. With a diagnosis of FSIAD/HSDD, these “female Viagra” drugs may be an option. Your provider can explain the benefits and risks based on your situation and personal preferences.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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