Typically, when the word Viagra is discussed as a treatment option, people think of men taking the little blue pill to relieve their symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Unfortunately for women, no drugs have had the same success as Viagra has with men. However, a promising drug, Lybrido, is in the testing phase and may seek FDA approval as soon as 2022. This article discusses the latest drug to be considered ‘Female Viagra’, and how it compares to track records of past medications marketed to treat symptoms of female sexual dysfunction.
What Makes It Viagra for Women?
A promising new drug currently being tested to treat sexual performance issues for women has earned the nickname ‘Viagra for Women’ since it contains sildenafil and testosterone. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is perhaps most well-known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. However, sildenafil is effective in treating other health conditions in both men and women. A type of vasodilator in a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, sildenafil is also prescribed to treat symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of high blood pressure.
Female Sexual Dysfunction and Treatment
Men aren’t the only ones who experience sexual dysfunction. Women can suffer from what is known as female sexual dysfunction if they experience significant distress from the symptoms below:
- Issues with sexual response
- Low or no sexual desire
- Trouble orgasming
- Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse
While men have effective drugs like Viagra to treat their ED symptoms, women are still waiting for their ‘holy grail’ drug. That’s not to say drugs to treat sexual dysfunction in women don’t exist. Drugs like Addyi and Vyleesi are already available to women, though they are marketed as treatments for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), rather than for female sexual dysfunction.
Introducing the Little Pink Pill
Dutch researchers are hoping to offer women their own little blue pills (except these are pink and mint-flavored) for sexual dysfunction, called Lybrido and Lybridos. Similar to Viagra, women would take Lybrido about 3-6 hours before they plan to have sex, rather than having to take a medication long-term, like with Addyi. Lybrido is also a pain-free alternative to Vylessi, which has to be injected 45 minutes before sexual activity.
Lybrido appears to perform better than Vylessi, which lacks a strong track record. One study with nearly 1,000 women is already showing promising results. According to the researcher, ‘women made love more often and were more likely to reach orgasm’ when taking Lybrido. Still, people are skeptical if women will ever truly get a female version of Viagra. Though Viagra can also be used to treat low sexual desire in men, it is more commonly used to help a man get or keep an erection. On the other hand, addressing sexual desire is complex and may require more than a pill to treat, including couple’s therapy or sex therapy. Still, it is exciting to see that women may be getting an effective treatment option to enhance their experience in bed.
To learn about ordering prescription ED drugs online, visit the eDrugstore Erectile Dysfunction page.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.