In this Article:
01: Who is sildenafil made for?02: What is female sexual dysfunction?03: Can women take sildenafil?04: Does sildenafil work for women?05: Is there a female Viagra?06: Does Lady Era work?07: How can women treat female sexual dysfunction?08: Talking to your GP09: Advice and information to help erectile dysfunctionWho is sildenafil made for?
Sildenafil is made to treat erectile dysfunction in males above the age of 18.
Sildenafil is the same active ingredient used in the brand-name version of sildenafil known as Viagra.
Sildenafil can also be used to treat pulmonary hypertension in men, women, and children above the age of 1 year.
Sildenafil (Viagra) is not approved for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in the UK as it has not been proven safe or effective for females.
What is female sexual dysfunction?
Female sexual dysfunction is the lack of desire to engage in sexual activity (loss of libido).
This can cause vaginal dryness, painful sex and a struggle to reach orgasm.
There are many reasons why women may experience sexual dysfunction, and these include medical conditions, pregnancy and post-pregnancy, menopause, stress, depression, medications, hormonal contraception, and drinking too much alcohol.
If you’re struggling with female sexual dysfunction, it is always best to speak to your GP to see what treatments are available and what the underlying cause of your sexual dysfunction is.
Can women take sildenafil?
Women can’t take sildenafil unless it is used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Women are not advised to take sildenafil for sexual dysfunction. Doing so could have serious health implications.
Does sildenafil work for women?
There is no evidence to prove that sildenafil works for women with sexual dysfunction. This is why it is not available for the condition in the UK.
Women should avoid taking products that contain sildenafil if they are looking to treat female sexual problems.
Is there a female Viagra?
In the UK, there are no safe or effective sexual dysfunction medications for women that contain sildenafil, sometimes referred to as ‘female Viagra’.
In some countries, there is an approved sexual dysfunction medication for women that contains sildenafil. This is called Lady Era and it is designed to increase arousal in women.
Does Lady Era work?
In the UK, Lady Era is not approved for treatment as there's not enough evidence that it improves the symptoms of or is proven to be effective for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in females.
Women may also experience side effects from Lady Era. These include headaches, nausea, flushing, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and an upset stomach. Sildenafil can interact with other medications, particularly nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain) and alpha-blockers (used for high blood pressure or prostate issues). These interactions can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.
How can women treat female sexual dysfunction?
For women to treat their sexual dysfunction, they must understand the causes of it.
This can include addressing underlying medical conditions, hormonal changes, or psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for female sexual dysfunction, which is why we always recommend speaking to your GP or healthcare provider first. This way, you can check if there are any lifestyle or medication changes you can make to help improve your symptoms.
Talking to your GP
Talking to your GP about sexual dysfunction is the best way to find a safe and effective solution to treat your symptoms.
With a health examination and an understanding of your medical history, it should become clearer as to why you’re experiencing female sexual dysfunction.
It is also a good way to check for any underlying health conditions that may be causing you to experience sexual dysfunction.
