Viagra For Women
Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medicine approved for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Given the success of this medication for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men, many women suffering from sexual dysfunction are wondering whether Viagra can also work for them.
However, because of lack of studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of Viagra in women. As a matter of fact, pharmaceutical companies have been trying to come up with a comparable drug intended for women. But unfortunately, until now, the FDA has not approved yet any medication for treatment of physiological sexual dysfunctions in women.
Viagra and Sexual Arousal in Women
Like other ED medications, Viagra works by enhancing blood flow to the penis which results in an erection. It is specifically intended for male physiology. Basically, it interferes with the action of a certain enzyme called PDE5 which is responsible for regulating an erection. It is not clear whether this same enzyme plays a role in sexual arousal in women.
Some researchers believe that Viagra may have the same sexual benefits in women as it does in men. It is thought that Viagra may increase the blood flow to the erectile tissue of clitoris probably increasing sexual response and arousal.
JAMA Study
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), it has shown that Viagra may increase sexual response in women who are taking certain antidepressant medications. Basically, the participants report low sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm due to the antidepressants. The study revealed these women who took Viagra experienced a significant increase in libido. However, this study is limited since it does not indicate whether sildenafil would work equally on women who did not take antidepressants. The study was also partly funded by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra.
Female Sexual Dysfunctional
Even if Viagra does have positive effects in sexual satisfaction of women, it is not as significant as in men. This is because sexual arousal in women is complicated. Unlike in men where an erection is considered as success, sexual response in women involves a lot of factors.
Most often, women who experience difficulties with arousal have other underlying problems – particularly lack of sexual desire. To treat sexual dysfunction in women, you have to consider many factors that often affect their sexual desire. These include: stress, problems achieving orgasm, psychological troubles, and other medical conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Being of advanced age can also negatively affect a woman’s sexual desire.
Often, treatment of sexual arousal problems in women involves a holistic approach. A pill such as Viagra may not be effective in women.
If you are experiencing difficulties achieving sexual satisfaction, be sure to consult your healthcare provider. Your physician may recommend treatment such as use of creams, hormones, clitoral-stimulating products or other therapies. He or she can give you appropriate recommendations on how to effectively manage sexual dysfunction. Do not consider using any prescription medicine unless specifically recommended by your doctor.
