When it comes to hypoactive sexual desire, this drug designed for men may do the trick for women, too. Here's a closer look at the evidence.
It’s usually men who say “Viva Viagra” for their erectile dysfunction. But the little blue pill may play a role in treating sexual dysfunction in some women, too. A growing number of studies seem to indicate that Viagra can increase sexual arousal in certain groups of women and break the symptoms of low libido or the more serious hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
“We have all been inundated with the commercials for these products to treat male erectile dysfunction,” says Kent Holtorf, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist and founder of the Holtorf Medical Group in Torrance, Calif. “They typically do not increase libido in men, but desire and orgasm is more complicated in women than in men. These medications can effectively improve the cascade of arousal in women and can increase libido and sexual satisfaction for about 30 percent of women.”
Since that “30 percent” number is pretty low, Viagra as a treatment for women with reduced sex drive remains controversial. It is not approved for that use by the FDA, and many doctors will not prescribe it to women. However, some studies have shown that Viagra can help certain groups of women who have a low sex drive as a complication of another condition.
“There are some small sub-types of women, like those who have arousal concerns as a result of chronic diabetes, who may benefit from this medication if they complain of changes in lubrication and arousal,” says Michael L. Krychman, M.D., executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine in Newport Beach. “A recently published study showed that for some women on antidepressant medications with sexual complaints, the addition of these types of medications may help reverse or minimize these complaints. More research is needed and should be forthcoming.”
Why Viagra Seems to Help
C. W. Randolph, Jr., MD, co-founder of the Natural Hormone Institute in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., points out that Viagra does not technically treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder. In fact, it’s believed that it works in women in much the same way it works in men: by enhancing your body’s nitric oxide levels to increase blood flow. “In men, nitric oxide causes the arteries to enlarge and blood to engorge the penis. Viagra enhances the body’s use of nitric oxide,” says Dr. Randolph. “In women, it is because of the same nitric oxide issue. The difference is that blood engorges the vaginal area and clitoris.”
Viagra Costs and Considerations
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Since Viagra for women isn’t FDA approved, it usually is not covered by insurance. This can make taking Viagra for women quite costly, as the pills typically cost around $120 a month, says Randolph. Some doctors do give out free samples of Viagra, but again, this would be at your doctor’s discretion.
Alternative Treatments for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Taking into account the high cost and questionable results of Viagra as a treatment for hypoactive sexual desire, some patients may be interested in alternative treatments for their sex disorder.
“We often use L-arginine, a popular supplement for sexual dysfunction that is referred to as ‘Nature’s Viagra,’” says Randolph. “In one clinical study, 77 women with decreased libido were given L-arginine. Seventy-one percent reported improvement in feelings of sexual desire and pleasure.” He adds that another study, which was published in the Journal of Sex and Marriage found that more than half of women who took L-arginine reported greater sexual desire and pleasure. “Not only does it work, but usually the monthly cost is much less: $30 to $50 dollars for supplements versus $120 for Viagra,” Randolph says.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Sexual Health Center.