What Happens If A Woman Takes Viagra?
Nearly one third of women between the ages of 30 and 59 experience a lack of libido or sexual dysfunction at some point. Can Viagra be used to help? We take a closer look…
Viagra is one of the most popular prescription drugs we, here at ZipHealth, prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction, also known as male impotence. 80% of men find it helps them achieve harder, stronger erections.
But many women also experience sexual difficulties. Nearly one third of women between the ages of 30 and 59 experience a lack of libido or sexual dysfunction at some point. Can these famous blue pills be used to help? We take a closer look…
How does Viagra work?
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil, a type of drug known as a PDE5 inhibitor. It works by causing the smooth muscles around penile blood vessels to relax. This makes the blood vessels widen, increasing blood flow to the penis when a man experiences sexual arousal.
We prescribe this medication to men with erectile dysfunction to improve their blood flow and help them get and maintain erections during sex.
Can women take Viagra?
Some people believe Viagra can have benefits for women too, thinking it could increase sexual satisfaction by increasing blood flow to the genitals. However, clinical studies have found no significant evidence that Viagra is a potential treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD). There's also no evidence that it can treat vaginal dryness, boost female libido or improve sexual intercourse in any way for women.
In short, Viagra is proven to increase penile blood flow in men, helping them get erections, but there is no research that shows it improves arousal, sexual response or lubrication in women.
Side effects and risks
Viagra can cause some side effects, no matter who it's taken by. Common side effects for anyone taking it include:
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Flushed skin
- Dizziness
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Conclusion
Viagra is only licensed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in men in the US. It should not be taken by women and we would not prescribe this medication for women.
There's no conclusive evidence that Viagra can treat sexual dysfunction in women, improve their sex drive or increase sexual satisfaction. It could also cause undesirable side effects.
If you're experiencing female sexual dysfunction, low sexual desire or have any other concerns about your sexual health, we recommend that you speak to your doctor for advice.
Want to learn about sexual health treatments? Find out more at ZipHealth.