Low Dose Sildenafil (AKA Viagra®) for Women

This suggests that PDE5 is involved in female sexual function, particularly genital arousal. In females, sildenafil may also increase blood flow to the genitals. That may help increase sensitivity, arousal, and orgasmic function. However, PDE5 is expressed in far smaller quantities in the clitoris than in males.

• Sildenafil works by relaxing blood vessels, increasing blood flow to genital areas.
• Female sexual arousal disorder may potentially be treated with sildenafil.
• Research shows mixed results regarding sildenafil's effectiveness in women.
• Sildenafil is not approved by the FDA specifically for women’s sexual problems.
• Possible risks for women include headaches and low blood pressure.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before trying sildenafil for women.

Even though some studies have shown success, Viagra might never be as effective in female sexual arousal disorder as in males with erectile dysfunction due to the reduced quantities of PDE5. For females who do take Viagra, common side effects may overlap with those reported when the medication is taken for ED. Stop using Viagra and seek medical care if you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes. This could be a sign of a severe eye condition. You should also stop Viagra if a sudden decrease or loss of hearing occurs.

Healthcare providers may prescribe other treatments to help improve sexual dysfunction disorders in females.

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Related medical questions

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Overview of sexual dysfunction in women: Management. Viagra is sometimes prescribed to treat female sexual arousal disorder, but its effectiveness is still unclear. If a woman takes Viagra, it might help increase blood flow to the genitals, which could increase sensitivity and arousal. While some studies show Viagra might work for female sexual dysfunction, more research is needed to know for sure.

Setting and Sample

When a woman takes Viagra, it may increase blood flow to her genitals, potentially enhancing sensitivity and arousal, though its effectiveness is still inconclusive and it's not FDA-approved for this purpose. While generally safe, mild side effects can occur, and other more effective treatments for female sexual arousal disorder exist. Evidence is limited regarding the benefits of Viagra (sildenafil) for females with sexual dysfunction. While Viagra is not FDA-approved for women, healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label. Oral sildenafil (Viagra): In 2024, a review examined the effectiveness of sildenafil for female sexual dysfunction. The treatment may depend on what type of sexual dysfunction you're experiencing and what's causing it. Addyi (flibanserin) is a pink tablet approved to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal females and postmenopausal females under age 65.

HSDD is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitter activity in the brain that affects sexual desire. The imbalance can result from either a deficiency of excitatory signals that regulate sexual response, an excess of signals that inhibit sexual response, or a combination of both. The exact way that Addyi works to treat HSDD is unknown, but it does affect serotonin in the brain.

Where the Magic Happens

To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like "female," "male," "woman," and "man" as the sources use them. Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication approved for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males. PDE-5 degrades a nucleotide called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This nucleotide acts as a messenger between cells. Following sexual stimulation, PDE-5 inhibitors cause a local release of nitric oxide, which increases cGMP and relaxes the muscles around blood vessels. It is stopped after eight weeks if there's no improvement. Additionally, it is not recommended for low libido caused by other health conditions or medications.

• Sildenafil may help women with conditions like arousal disorder, but evidence varies.
• There is ongoing research into safe, effective female-specific doses of sildenafil.
• Side effects experienced by women can include dizziness, nausea, or visual disturbances.
• Consumption of alcohol while on sildenafil can increase side effect risks.
• Female sexual dysfunction can have psychological, hormonal, and physical causes.
• Sildenafil is not a cure-all; proper diagnosis is important for targeted treatment.

Addyi also has a boxed warning (the FDA's strictest safety warning) about the risk of severely low blood pressure and passing out. To lower this risk, avoid alcohol use for at least two hours before your Addyi dose and until the next day after the dose. It is also important to avoid taking it with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin or verapamil) or if you have liver problems. Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is an FDA-approved injection for premenopausal females with HSDD. It's unclear how exactly Vyleesi works to improve HSDD. However, it is known to activate melanocortin receptors present in the skin and central nervous system. Melanocortins are a group of small protein hormones thought to play a role in sexual response. You can take this medication 45 minutes before engaging in sexual activity, as needed. You should not exceed one dose per day or eight doses per month. Stop using it if there is no improvement after eight weeks. You should not take Vyleesi if you are allergic to it, have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), have known heart disease disease, or are pregnant. Osphenia (ospemifene) is approved to help with painful intercourse and vaginal dryness due to menopause, which can cause a low sex drive. It comes as a tablet that is taken once daily.

Related questions

Many factors can affect sexual desire in women. Many women find that the stresses of daily life lower their desire for sex. Highs and lows in sexual desire may go along with the beginning or end of a relationship or with major life changes, such as pregnancy or menopause. For some women, orgasm can be hard to reach. This can cause worries that lead to a loss of interest in sex.

Mohamed Alhefnawy1*, Abdulla Esawy2, Mohamed Abdelazeem1, Mohamed Elnamoury3, Ahmed Eissa4, Ahmed Zoair4, Ahmed Ghaith4, Ayman Hagras4 and Khaled Almekaty4

Desire often is linked to a sense of closeness between partners, as well as sexual issues from the past. Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can cause changes in arousal or orgasm. If you have trouble with sexual desire or response, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You might want to talk to a sex therapist. Medicines, hormones, creams, lubricants, clitoral stimulation or other treatments sometimes can help.

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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Women’s health topics - straight to your inbox Get the latest information from our Mayo Clinic experts on women’s health topics, serious and complex conditions, wellness and more. Click to view a preview and subscribe below. Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. Osphenia is an estrogen agonist/antagonist that binds to estrogen receptors to activate certain pathways (like vaginal tissue) and block others.

You shouldn't take Osphenia if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, a history of certain cancers, blood clots, a history of stroke or heart attack, or if you are pregnant. Currently, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of supplements in improving female sexual dysfunction. However, the following supplements have been researched for their potential benefits on boosting libido: While these supplements may have some benefits, larger, more comprehensive clinical trials are necessary to confirm their effectiveness before they can be regularly recommended. Certain lifestyle behaviors can also contribute to your sexual health and overall wellness.

Material and methods

Six randomized controlled trials met the criteria, considered the gold standard for evaluating treatments. Four out of six studies found that oral sildenafil was effective for female sexual dysfunction. However, in two of the studies, it was not effective. More research is needed, and whether or not sildenafil is effective at treating female sexual dysfunction remains inconclusive. Topical sildenafil (Viagra): There is minimal research on the use of topical sildenafil.

Exclusion Criteria

One randomized controlled trial aimed to explore whether topical sildenafil could improve genital blood flow and treat female sexual arousal disorder. The study found that sildenafil cream increased sexual arousal sensation, desire, and orgasm, and reduced sexual distress. Female sexual dysfunction is complex and can have multiple causes, such as a difficulty reaching orgasm, painful intercourse, or low libido. More research is needed to identify which women may sildenafil 200 mg benefit from Viagra. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Sex refers to biology: chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy. People are most often assigned male or female at birth based on their external anatomy; some people do not fit into that sex binary and are intersex. Gender describes a person's internal sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary person, or another gender, and the associated social and cultural ideas about roles, behaviors, expressions, and characteristics. Research studies sometimes don't use the terminology in this way. Terms that describe gender (“woman,” “man”) may be used when terms for sex (“female,” “male”) are more appropriate. Managing stress, such as through self-care, mindfulness, or other techniques Limiting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs Now introducing a fast-acting, non-hormonal topical female arousal cream backed by science: DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream.

• Female patients should be cautious with sildenafil due to lack of approval.
• Erectile dysfunction medications can interact with other drugs, affecting women as well.
• Some studies suggest sildenafil may help women with arousal issues but are inconclusive.
• Sildenafil may improve clitoral blood flow, enhancing sensitivity.
• Libido enhancement from sildenafil varies based on individual health factors.
• Self-medicating women with sildenafil without supervision can be risky.

DARE to PLAY Sildenafil Cream is a fast-acting, non-hormonal topical formulation designed to increase genital blood flow and enhance natural arousal sensations—like warmth, tingling, swelling, and lubrication. It has been shown to increase blood flow within about 10 minutes after application. Increases genital blood flow to improve physical arousal and heighten sensation (learn more) Women aged 18+ experiencing issues with sexual arousal About $10 per sexual experience—less than your favorite coffee run, way more satisfying.

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This dilation increases blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and sustain an erection. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is also marketed as Revatio, which treats pulmonary arterial hypertension and improves exercise capacity. In males, following sexual stimulation, Viagra dilates blood vessels. It increases blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. Studies have demonstrated that PDE5 is present in vaginal, clitoral, and labial smooth muscle.