What Happens if a Woman Takes Viagra?

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is incredibly common, with up to 50% of women suffering from some form of FSD. Different women experience FSD in different ways. While some struggle to become sufficiently lubricated for sex or feel a lack of sexual desire, others find they’re unable to achieve orgasm or feel pain during intercourse.

Unfortunately, the issue appears to get worse as women get older. According to a 2013 study, around 22% of women under 20 experienced FSD, while a significant 75% of those aged 40-50 suffered from sexual dysfunction.

When it comes to male sexual dysfunction, one of the best-known treatments is Viagra. So, can women take Viagra too? And are there other medications that can help women of all ages enjoy a satisfying and pain free sex life? Keep reading to find out.

Can Women Take Viagra?

Viagra works to improve sexual function in men. It has no effect on sexual desire and, at the moment, is only approved to treat men suffering with erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s not licensed for use by women as there’s no evidence to show that the medication can help to improve female sexual dysfunction. Studies haven’t fully established exactly what happens if a woman takes Viagra and, thanks to its potentially serious side effects, Viagra may not be safe for women.

As research into female Viagra is limited and the effects of taking the drug are not well established, Viagra isn’t recommended for FSD and it’s not a good idea to take it. However, there are a number of safe, medically approved alternatives that could help improve your sexual function. Speak to a medical professional to learn more.

Does Viagra Work on Women?

There have been some studies and clinical trials investigating the use of Viagra in women — particularly in the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). However, the results have been very mixed and there’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that Viagra works for women.

So, what does Viagra do to women? Well, surprisingly it may be a possible solution to painful periods. A recent study showed that women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) - spasmodic and painful cramps in the lower abdomen that begin shortly before, or at the onset of, your period – who took Viagra had significantly less pain than those given a placebo. While the study was relatively small, it’s a hopeful sign for women who experience painful periods.

Is There a "Female Viagra"?

While there are many products that claim to boost sex drive in women — including herbal supplements — there’s no direct Viagra equivalent to treat sexual dysfunction in women. In the US, two medications have been approved to treat FSD. Known as Lady Era and Flibanserin, they may help to ease some of the symptoms of FSD, though more research is needed before these drugs are available to women in the UK.

In some cases, it may be possible to buy these medications online. However, as the side effects and long term health implications of the drugs are still unknown, simply searching ‘where to buy female Viagra pill’ and purchasing medications from the internet is not advised and could come with a number of potential dangers.

Lady Era

Lady Era is a medication that’s designed to treat low sex drive in women. Like Viagra, the main ingredient in Lady Era is sildenafil. Sildenafil may increase blood flow to the vulva which could help with problems like lack of lubrication and lack of sensitivity. However, there aren’t any studies to back these claims up and the drug is not currently approved for use in the UK.

Flibanserin

Sold under the brand name Addyi, Flibanserin claims to increase sexual arousal by altering the chemicals in the brain. In the US, the drug - which started as a treatment for depression - is approved to treat low sexual desire in women before menopause. However, as research into its effectiveness is still limited, and women taking Flibanserin may be at risk of potentially serious side effects, it’s not yet licensed for use in the UK.

What Happens if Women Take Viagra?

Research into the effects of Viagra on women is very limited and the implications of the drug for female patients are not well-known. Currently, most doctors agree that Viagra is likely to be ineffective for treating FSD. More importantly, thanks to the long list of possible side effects associated with the drug, it’s also potentially unsafe.

While it’s likely to have little to no impact on a woman’s sexual experience, it’s also important to consider that taking Viagra could have severe consequences for a woman — especially as the effects of taking it are so poorly known. As a result, the drug is generally not considered safe for a woman to take.

If a woman were to take Viagra, the following may happen:

• You may experience side effects. Common side effects of Viagra in men include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion and dizziness. While more severe (yet very rare) side effects may include heart attacks and serious skin reactions. It’s possible that women may experience similar side effects if they take Viagra, although the likelihood and severity may vary. It’s also possible that women may experience different side effects altogether.
• Your hormones may be affected. As Viagra may influence blood flow and vascular function, it could potentially have an indirect effect on hormonal balance in women. However, the specific consequences and long-term effects of such hormonal changes, if any, are not well-understood.
• It may interact with other drugs. Viagra can interact with certain medications, such as nitrates or alpha-blockers, leading to potentially serious health complications. It is not known how Viagra might interact with medications such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception.
• It may simply be unsafe. Since Viagra has not been extensively studied in women, the long-term safety implications and potential risks associated with its use in females are not fully known. Viagra is not licensed for use by women, and using any drug that has not been prescribed or reviewed by a medical professional is potentially very dangerous.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before considering any off-label use of medications, including Viagra or any other erectile dysfunction treatments.

I am a Woman, and I Took Viagra - What Should I Do?

If you’ve taken Viagra — either accidentally or intentionally — there’s no reason to panic. The likelihood is it’ll have little to no effect at all. However, if you’re concerned about the possible effect of taking Viagra as a woman, you should consult a healthcare professional such as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner, as soon as possible.

It’s also important to monitor for any adverse effects or reactions, such as blurred vision, dizziness, light sensitivity, skin rash, increased heart rate, or anything else abnormal. Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms or side effects, and if any severe or concerning symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention.

Viagra Alternatives for Women

Before you can begin to treat your FSD, you first need to understand what’s behind it. A lot of the time, FSD is caused, or aggravated, by the menopause, mental health problems and relationship issues. It can also be a side effect of other medications. Getting to the root of your FSD should help you find a safe and effective treatment.

• Menopause – If your FSD began when you started going through the menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help to relieve your symptoms. Using lubricants can also help to treat vaginal dryness, a symptom commonly associated with the menopause.
• Mental health issues – There are a number of treatments available for people suffering from mental health issues. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication and exercise.
• Medications – If you believe your FSD is the side effect of another medication that you’ve been prescribed, switching to an alternative treatment could help.
• Herbal supplements – Some herbal supplements may help to ease the symptoms of FSD. Studies have shown some positive results for plants including Angelica sinensis, Cimicifuga racemosa, Ferula hermonis, Ginkgo biloba, Humulus lupulus, Lepidium meyenii, Tribulus terrestris, Trifolium pratense and Vitex agnus-castus, though more research is needed.

Tips for Improving Sexual Function in Women

If you’re a woman and you’re experiencing any form of sexual dysfunction, you should discuss potential treatment options with your doctor or visit a dedicated sexual health clinic.

Improving sexual function and sex drive in women can involve a combination of medical and lifestyle approaches. Ways to help improve sexual function include:

• Address underlying medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, diabetes and depression, can affect sexual function and libido in women. Managing and treating these conditions under the guidance of a healthcare professional may help improve sexual health.
• Be honest with your partner. Open and honest communication with your partner about your desires, needs, and concerns can enhance intimacy and sexual satisfaction, and also help to uncover any underlying relationship issues that may be impacting your desire for sex.
• Explore therapy. Sexual therapy or counselling with a qualified professional can help to address psychological factors that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction. Therapy can help to uncover underlying issues, improve body image, enhance self-esteem, and provide advice to improve sexual satisfaction.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can have a positive impact on sexual function and libido. This can include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and managing stress.
• Seek professional advice. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a gynaecologist or sexual health specialist, can help identify any underlying medical conditions, assess hormonal balance, and recommend appropriate treatments or therapies.
• Use lubrication. Around half of women experience vaginal dryness during the menopause. This can make sex uncomfortable and even painful. Using a good quality lubricant can help to ease this issue.
• Improve sleep quality. Sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced sexual desire and arousal. So, working to improve the quality of your sleep could help to boost your libido.

If you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction, taking Viagra won’t help to resolve your symptoms and could lead to harmful side effects. The medication isn’t licensed for use by women and could cause potentially serious health issues. Instead, if you’re suffering from any type of sexual dysfunction, speak to a medical professional to find the treatment that’s right for you.