Can women take Viagra?
Prioritize exercise, manage stress and sleep — they can all affect your sex drive more than you might think.
About this article
Addyi (Flibanserin)
Prevalence of and recent developments in female sexual dysfunction
Talk with a therapist, especially one who specializes in sexual health or trauma, if your low sex drive is related to things like mental health concerns, past sexual trauma or negative body image. Have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause and explore personalized solutions. Viagra might sound like a quick fix, but it rarely is.
| Aspect | Description | Typical Dosage | Onset of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacology | PDE5 inhibitor originally for male ED | 25-100 mg | 30-60 minutes |
| Approved Use | Not officially approved for women, experimental use | N/A | N/A |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion | N/A | N/A |
| Contraindications | Nitrates, certain heart conditions | N/A | N/A |
Because the research hasn’t proven that it’s beneficial for women, most healthcare providers consider it a last resort — not a first-line treatment.
- Sildenafil's effect duration in women may range from 4 to 6 hours.
- It may help women experiencing low libido linked to blood flow issues.
- The drug’s efficacy in women is less predictable than in men.
- Female sexual dysfunction has multiple causes beyond blood flow.
While it may improve physical arousal for some, Viagra doesn’t directly impact desire. If you’re struggling with low libido, you’re not alone, and real help is available. Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra | 100mg | 20 Pills | 86.09€ 81.99€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 12 Pills | 60.21€ 57.34€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 83.93€ 79.93€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 12 Pills | 57.55€ 54.81€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 327.15€ 311.57€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 20 Pills | 40.52€ 38.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 125.19€ 119.23€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 189.39€ 180.37€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 180.59€ 171.99€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 30 + 5 Sachets | 136.20€ 129.71€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 32 Pills | 120.11€ 114.39€ |
The steroid medication may raise your blood pressure and cause heart palpitations Lower your risk by sticking to the right dose and avoiding long-term use without medical guidance Authorized take-back programs, services and drop-off locations are the best, safest way to get rid of expired medicine These illegal supplements have negative impacts for vital organs and may cause psychosis, heart attacks and more Popular among teens, these inhalants give you a quick high, with serious harmful effects ‘Black box warnings’ on medications outline potential risks and important instructions These similar versions of brand-name drugs are safe, effective and often less expensive Though these painkillers work in different ways, they can both help reduce a fever and pain These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Mon May 25 2026 22:05:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction is a frequent adverse effect occurring with medication use and is a major influence for premature discontinuation of antidepressant treatment, which leads to treatment failure and costly disease management outcomes.
2. Upsides
Sexual Health in the Neurogenic Patient
Professional resources
Sexual dysfunction is recognized as being associated with selective and nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants, which are the most frequently prescribed medications for outpatients aged 18 to 65 years and represent 90% of the 180 million antidepressant prescriptions filled in the United States.1 Antidepressant treatment–associated sexual dysfunction is estimated to occur in 30% to 70% of men and women treated for major depression with first- or second-generation agents,2 a principal reason for a 3-fold increased risk of nonadherence that approaches 70% in the first months of treatment and leads to increased relapse, recurrence, disability, and resource utilization by affected patients.3 However, the literature in this field is less developed for women with more highly variable prevalence rates and less conclusive data compared with men.
| Drug Name | Mechanism | Approval Status | Cost per Dose | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | PDE5 inhibitor | Not officially approved | $10-$20 | Headache, flushing |
| Tadalafil | Longer duration, PDE5 inhibitor | Limited use | $15-$30 | Muscle pain, headache |
| Vardenafil | Similar to sildenafil | Experimental | $12-$25 | Vision changes |
In women, sexual dysfunction is associated with decreased sexual interest, genital sensitivity, and vaginal lubrication; delayed or absent orgasm; dyspareunia; reduced sexual activity; and overall dissatisfaction or loss of pleasure in sexual relations. Among the numerous strategies proposed for managing sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment, selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, which have been limited to studies involving men, have demonstrated the best evidence-based data to support broad-based and clinically meaningful treatment efficacy.4 However, to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated effectiveness for women experiencing sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment.
What other information should I know?
Prioritize exercise, manage stress and sleep — they can all affect your sex drive more than you might think. Talk with a therapist, especially one who specializes in sexual health or trauma, if your low sex drive is related to things like mental health concerns, past sexual trauma or negative body image. Have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause and explore personalized solutions. Viagra might sound like a quick fix, but it rarely is.
A note about sex and gender
Because the research hasn’t proven that it’s beneficial for women, most healthcare providers consider it a last resort — not a first-line treatment. While it may improve physical arousal for some, Viagra doesn’t directly impact desire. If you’re struggling with low libido, you’re not alone, and real help is available. Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. The steroid medication may raise your blood pressure and cause heart palpitations Lower your risk by sticking to the right dose and avoiding long-term use without medical guidance Authorized take-back programs, services and drop-off locations are the best, safest way to get rid of expired medicine These illegal supplements have negative impacts for vital organs and may cause psychosis, heart attacks and more Popular among teens, these inhalants give you a quick high, with serious harmful effects ‘Black box warnings’ on medications outline potential risks and important instructions These similar versions of brand-name drugs are safe, effective and often less expensive Though these painkillers work in different ways, they can both help reduce a fever and pain These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Mon May 25 2026 22:05:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction is a frequent adverse effect occurring with medication use and is a major influence for premature discontinuation of antidepressant treatment, which leads to treatment failure and costly disease management outcomes.
Competing interests
Sexual dysfunction is recognized as being associated with selective and nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants, which are the most frequently prescribed medications for outpatients aged 18 to 65 years and represent 90% of the 180 million antidepressant prescriptions filled in the United States.1 Antidepressant treatment–associated sexual dysfunction is estimated to occur in 30% to 70% of men and women treated for major depression with first- or second-generation agents,2 a principal reason for a 3-fold increased risk of nonadherence that approaches 70% in the first months of treatment and leads to increased relapse, recurrence, disability, and resource utilization by affected patients.3 However, the literature in this field is less developed for women with more highly variable prevalence rates and less conclusive data compared with men. In women, sexual dysfunction is associated with decreased sexual interest, genital sensitivity, and vaginal lubrication; delayed or absent orgasm; dyspareunia; reduced sexual activity; and overall dissatisfaction or loss of pleasure in sexual relations. Among the numerous strategies proposed for managing sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment, selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, which have been limited to studies involving men, have demonstrated the best evidence-based data to support broad-based and clinically meaningful treatment efficacy.4 However, to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated effectiveness for women experiencing sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment. Compared with men, women are prescribed antidepressants at rates of 2 to 1 and can be expected to represent a significant number of patients needing relief.5 Without evidence-based data to treat sexual function associated with SRIs in women, clinicians may lack the confidence to manage it effectively, which leaves patients exposed to excess random pharmacology.6 Although sexual dysfunction is a major influence in determining the selection or switching of antidepressants, it is frequently overlooked because clinicians fail to inquire, misattribute it as a symptom of depression that will improve with treatment, or because 80% of women do not discuss adverse sexual effects with their physician.7,8 Sexual dysfunction associated with SRIs is dose related, usually occurs early in treatment, and rarely remits spontaneously. Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil), which are effective and well tolerated for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men,9 including men with depression10 sildenafil tablets lp 100 mg and associated with SRI treatment,11 are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with sexual dysfunction. Compared with men, women are prescribed antidepressants at rates of 2 to 1 and can be expected to represent a significant number of patients needing relief.5 Without evidence-based data to treat sexual function associated with SRIs in women, clinicians may lack the confidence to manage it effectively, which leaves patients exposed to excess random pharmacology.6 Although sexual dysfunction is a major influence in determining the selection or switching of antidepressants, it is frequently overlooked because clinicians fail to inquire, misattribute it as a symptom of depression that will improve with treatment, or because 80% of women do not discuss adverse sexual effects with their physician.7,8 Sexual dysfunction associated with SRIs is dose related, usually occurs early in treatment, and rarely remits spontaneously. Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil), which are effective and well tolerated for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men,9 including men with depression10 sildenafil tablets lp 100 mg and associated with SRI treatment,11 are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with sexual dysfunction. However, interest in their potential use in women was encouraged by reports that nitric oxide synthase isoforms, nitric oxide, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are present in female genital tissue, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor enhancement of nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate in nonadrenergic-noncholinergic signaling for women seems similar to men.12 When several trials involving premenopausal and postmenopausal women treated with sildenafil failed to demonstrate significant improvements for sexual arousal disorder,13 the manufacturer abandoned pursuit of FDA approval for treating women.
Other FDA‑approved treatments for low libido in women
However, interest in their potential use in women was encouraged by reports that nitric oxide synthase isoforms, nitric oxide, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are present in female genital tissue, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor enhancement of nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate in nonadrenergic-noncholinergic signaling for women seems similar to men.12 When several trials involving premenopausal and postmenopausal women treated with sildenafil failed to demonstrate significant improvements for sexual arousal disorder,13 the manufacturer abandoned pursuit of FDA approval for treating women. Subsequent RCTs narrowed their focus on more specific hormonal factors and demonstrated efficacy with improved frequency of sexual intercourse, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. One trial involved premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder but with normal sexual desire. They were randomized to receive 1 of 3 treatments: 25 mg or 50 mg of sildenafil or placebo.14 A protocol-specified trial involved premenopausal or postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder without concomitant hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Women with low baseline estrogen and androgen levels received therapy, so their hormone levels would be within the range of normal therapy and were randomly assigned to receive either a flexible dose of between 25 mg and 100 mg of sildenafil or placebo.15 In a third trial, postmenopausal women receiving estrogen hormone therapy and who had acquired sexual arousal disorder and impaired orgasm found that a single dose of 50 mg of sildenafil compared with placebo reduced orgasm latency and increased subjective arousal in those having the lowest vaginal pulse amplitude percentage change.16 In a fourth trial involving asymptomatic premenopausal women, a sildenafil-placebo crossover reported increased arousal and orgasm function.17 Case reports18 and open-label studies19 have also suggested efficacy for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor treatment of women with sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment.
How much time does it take for Viagra to work for females?
The objective of our current trial was to use a protocol—similar to our previous RCT11 involving men with sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment—to assess the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of women, specifically women whose major depressive order is in remission while taking a stable dose of SRI antidepressants and who did not have a preexisting sexual dysfunction but due to the treatment had sexual dysfunction manifest as dysfunction of orgasm (delay) or arousal (lubrication).5 Recognizing the importance of the hormonal variability on nitric oxide signaling in sexual function in women20 and depression on hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal axis regulation,21 we also examined endocrine measures. The following were our specific aims: (1) to compare the efficacy of sildenafil with placebo for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment in women with remitted major depressive disorder; (2) to determine whether sildenafil treatment is associated with change in depression severity; and (3) to compare adverse events occurring with sildenafil and placebo treatment. This prospective, parallel group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial to test the efficacy of a flexible dose of between 50 mg and 100 mg of sildenafil for sexual dysfunction in women was conducted from September 2003 to January 2007, at 7 US outpatient clinic medical centers. Each center's institutional review board approved the protocol. Before enrollment, each woman provided written informed consent to the investigator, who had explained the nature, purpose, and risks of the trial and who provided her with a copy of the information sheets.
Curr. Psychiatry Rep.
The study received an investigational new drug approvable letter from the FDA. Women were eligible if they (1) were between 18 and 50 years, (2) were premenopausal, (3) had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in remission, (4) were taking an antidepressant with a selective or nonselective SRI mechanism for at least 8 weeks (at a stable dose for at least 4 weeks), and (5) were experiencing persistent sexual dysfunction for at least 4 weeks. Other eligibility criteria were good health, some form of regular sexual activity (ie, masturbation, oral sex, intercourse) at least twice monthly before the antidepressant treatment, willingness to continue efforts at sexual activity at least once weekly for the duration of the study, and satisfactory sexual function before onset of depression or antidepressant treatment. In addition, any prior sexual dysfunction must have been limited to previous episodes of depression or antidepressant treatment and must have remitted on clinical improvement and discontinuation of medication. Subsequent RCTs narrowed their focus on more specific hormonal factors and demonstrated efficacy with improved frequency of sexual intercourse, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. One trial involved premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder but with normal sexual desire.
| Area of Research | Focus | Expected Outcomes | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larger clinical trials | Efficacy and safety validation | Better approval pathway | Funding, recruitment difficulties |
| Combination therapies | Sildenafil with hormonal or psychological treatments | Enhanced effects | Interaction management |
| Delivery methods innovations | Topical, transdermal, or implantable forms | Increased convenience | Development complexity |
| Long-term safety studies | Effects of prolonged use | Safety confirmation | Ethical and logistical hurdles |
They were randomized to receive 1 of 3 treatments: 25 mg or 50 mg of sildenafil or placebo.14 A protocol-specified trial involved premenopausal or postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder without concomitant hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Women with low baseline estrogen and androgen levels received therapy, so their hormone levels would be within the range of normal therapy and were randomly assigned to receive either a flexible dose of between 25 mg and 100 mg of sildenafil or placebo.15 In a third trial, postmenopausal women receiving estrogen hormone therapy and who had acquired sexual arousal disorder and impaired orgasm found that a single dose of 50 mg of sildenafil compared with placebo reduced orgasm latency and increased subjective arousal in those having the lowest vaginal pulse amplitude percentage change.16 In a fourth trial involving asymptomatic premenopausal women, a sildenafil-placebo crossover reported increased arousal and orgasm function.17 Case reports18 and open-label studies19 have also suggested efficacy for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor treatment of women with sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment. The objective of our current trial was to use a protocol—similar to our previous RCT11 involving men with sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment—to assess the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of women, specifically women whose major depressive order is in remission while taking a stable dose of SRI antidepressants and who did not have a preexisting sexual dysfunction but due to the treatment had sexual dysfunction manifest as dysfunction of orgasm (delay) or arousal (lubrication).5 Recognizing the importance of the hormonal variability on nitric oxide signaling in sexual function in women20 and depression on hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal axis regulation,21 we also examined endocrine measures. The following were our specific aims: (1) to compare the efficacy of sildenafil with placebo for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment in women with remitted major depressive disorder; (2) to determine whether sildenafil treatment is associated with change in depression severity; and (3) to compare adverse events occurring with sildenafil and placebo treatment. This prospective, parallel group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial to test the efficacy of a flexible dose of between 50 mg and 100 mg of sildenafil for sexual dysfunction in women was conducted from September 2003 to January 2007, at 7 US outpatient clinic medical centers. Each center's institutional review board approved the protocol. Before enrollment, each woman provided written informed consent to the investigator, who had explained the nature, purpose, and risks of the trial and who provided her with a copy of the information sheets. The study received an investigational new drug approvable letter from the FDA. Women were eligible if they (1) were between 18 and 50 years, (2) were premenopausal, (3) had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in remission, (4) were taking an antidepressant with a selective or nonselective SRI mechanism for at least 8 weeks (at a stable dose for at least 4 weeks), and (5) were experiencing persistent sexual dysfunction for at least 4 weeks. Other eligibility criteria were good health, some form of regular sexual activity (ie, masturbation, oral sex, intercourse) at least twice monthly before the antidepressant treatment, willingness to continue efforts at sexual activity at least once weekly for the duration of the study, and satisfactory sexual function before onset of depression or antidepressant treatment.
- Sildenafil can enhance arousal in women with sexual issues.
- It works by relaxing blood vessels, increasing genital blood flow.
- Dosage for women is not well established; consult a doctor.
- Its effectiveness varies among women with sexual dysfunction.
In addition, any prior sexual dysfunction must have been limited to previous episodes of depression or antidepressant treatment and must have remitted on clinical improvement and discontinuation of medication.