How Female Libido Medications Work in the Body

What happens if a woman takes Viagra?
Why trust our experts?
Key takeaways:
Are there any natural alternatives to Viagra for women?
Discover If These Medications Work for You
Are there other medications that can result in sexual enhancement for women?

Female libido support products are generally intended to aid women or assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals who: Are experiencing a dip in their libido or sex drive May be feeling less pleasure from sex due to various reasons, such as menopause symptoms Are diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or another form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) Some of the products, like over-the-counter (OTC) arousal topicals or gels, can also be used simply because you want to enhance your sexual experience. Cream, though, are typically intended for those struggling with distressing sexual symptoms. (The Wisp online consultation quiz specifically asks if you’ve been experiencing a lower interest in sex than usual or difficulty reaching orgasm.) Besides having male anatomy or a safety restriction (more on that in the following section), there aren’t too many reasons why the female libido-supporting products in this guide couldn’t be used by someone interested in trying them.

Practice self-compassion and reduce performance pressure.
Understand that low desire is a common medical issue, not a personal failing.
Let go of comparing your sexuality to media portrayals or others'.
Focus on pleasure and connection rather than a specific performance goal.
Celebrate small steps of progress, whether emotional or physical.
Your worth is not defined by your sexual desire or activity.
A supportive partner is crucial; seek understanding, not blame.
The goal is to reduce personal distress and improve quality of life.

However, certain products may be more ideal than others depending on your unique needs. Individuals with HSDD may do better with one of the two available FDA-approved prescriptions — Addyi (pill) or Vyleesi (injection). Those looking for an “instant” fix could find that topicals, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, or Vyleesi are what they need (these work within the hour). People seeking a more long-term solution might prefer supplements or Addyi (these options take weeks or months to work, but the potential benefits last longer).

Aspect	Details
Prescription Requirement	Most brands require doctor’s prescription
Authenticity Checks	Purchase from licensed pharmacies or trusted sources
Potential Risks	Unknown purity, counterfeit products, adverse reactions
Legal Status	Varies by country; some places ban or regulate sale
Advisable Actions	Consult healthcare provider before use

While many of the sketchy “instant female arousal” pills on the market are not safe, the products we mention in this guide should be safe for most healthy adults. However, we’d be remiss not to mention a few safety considerations that should be kept in mind, including: Pregnant or nursing individuals would be safest sticking with OTC topicals only, as some ingredients in supplements and prescriptions may harm your baby. The herbal ingredients in various supplements may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before taking them.

What happens if a woman takes Viagra?

Many of these products increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lower blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular concerns or who are on blood pressure medications should consult a doctor to make sure these products are safe to try.63 Products containing L-arginine — such as Jolt Gel, HerSolution Gel, and VitaFLUX — could trigger a herpes flare-up (oral, genital, or both).3 Some libido-support products for women, like HerSolution pills (not the gel), may contain a synthetic form of DHEA, a hormone that acts as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. This ingredient has the potential to interact with a host of medications, increase the risk of certain cancers, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, trigger manic episodes, and more.6 12 At varying times and for many reasons, including the hormonal changes of menopause, women and AFAB individuals may notice that their libido has dropped and their desire for sex is much lower than it used to be.13 Fortunately, there are a few generally safe and effective female arousal products on the market. These products take on a few different forms — supplements, gels or topicals, and prescription medications — each with its own way of working to try and rectify your concerns. Female libido support supplements often tout being an “all-natural” approach to treating sexual concerns.

Flibanserin (Addyi)

These supplements generally contain herbal and botanical ingredients, vitamins and minerals, or organic compounds, like amino acids. Some, including HerSolution, may use synthetic forms of hormones, like DHEA and melatonin. The main goals for these products typically include the following potential benefits: Increasing blood flow to the genitals and relaxing smooth muscle tissue by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production.14 Regulating sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — which may improve sex drive and other related symptoms.15 16 Balancing neurotransmitters, some of which play a major role in libido and sexual excitement.17 Currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD): Addyi, a pill, and Vyleesi, an injection. HSDD is believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. But other factors, like satisfaction in a relationship or self-esteem, may also play a role.18 Due to the believed involvement of neurotransmitters, both Addyi and Vyleesi regulate or modify the release of these chemical messengers in different ways — the former on serotonin (and indirectly dopamine and norepinephrine) and the latter on dopamine and norepinephrine alone.18 Another prescription pill option, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, contains the drug tadalafil (generic Cialis). Many of these products increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lower blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular concerns or who are on blood pressure medications should consult a doctor to make sure these products are safe to try.63 Products containing L-arginine — such as Jolt Gel, HerSolution Gel, and VitaFLUX — could trigger a herpes flare-up (oral, genital, or both).3 Some libido-support products for women, like HerSolution pills (not the gel), may contain a synthetic form of DHEA, a hormone that acts as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. This ingredient has the potential to interact with a host of medications, increase the risk of certain cancers, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, trigger manic episodes, and more.6 12 At varying times and for many reasons, including the hormonal changes of menopause, women and AFAB individuals may notice that their libido has dropped and their desire for sex is much lower than it used to be.13 Fortunately, there are a few generally safe and effective female arousal products on the market. These products take on a few different forms — supplements, gels or topicals, and prescription medications — each with its own way of working to try and rectify your concerns. Female libido support supplements often tout being an “all-natural” approach to treating sexual concerns. These supplements generally contain herbal and botanical ingredients, vitamins and minerals, or organic compounds, like amino acids.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Notes
Prescriptions from Doctors	Safe, guaranteed authenticity	Requires appointment, wait time	Must consult a medical professional
Online Pharmacies	Convenience, discreet shipping	Risk of counterfeit products	Use reputable, licensed vendors
Over-the-Counter (if available)	Immediate access	Not widely available	Check legality in your location
Black Market	No regulations, immediate access	Dangerous, illegal	Not recommended

Some, including HerSolution, may use synthetic forms of hormones, like DHEA and melatonin. The main goals for these products typically include the following potential benefits: Increasing blood flow to the genitals and relaxing smooth muscle tissue by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production.14 Regulating sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — which may improve sex drive and other related symptoms.15 16 Balancing neurotransmitters, some of which play a major role in libido and sexual excitement.17 Currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD): Addyi, a pill, and Vyleesi, an injection. HSDD is believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. But other factors, like satisfaction in a relationship or self-esteem, may also play a role.18 Due to the believed involvement of neurotransmitters, both Addyi and Vyleesi regulate or modify the release of these chemical messengers in different ways — the former on serotonin (and indirectly dopamine and norepinephrine) and the latter on dopamine and norepinephrine alone.18 Another prescription pill option, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, contains the drug tadalafil (generic Cialis).

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Oral Jelly	100mg	30 + 5 Sachets	115.76€ 110.25€
Viagra Generic	25mg	360 + 10 Pills	213.68€ 203.50€
Viagra Generic	100mg	90 + 6 Pills	129.02€ 122.88€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	270 + 30 Pills	390.61€ 372.01€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	10 Pills	28.76€ 27.39€
Viagra Generic	200mg	90 + 6 Pills	170.79€ 162.66€
Viagra Generic	25mg	20 Pills	37.74€ 35.94€
Viagra Generic	25mg	60 + 4 Pills	71.99€ 68.56€
Viagra Generic	150mg	10 Pills	36.73€ 34.98€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	60 + 8 Pills	116.84€ 111.28€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	30 + 6 Pills	64.09€ 61.04€
Viagra Generic	200mg	10 Pills	40.96€ 39.01€
Viagra Generic	150mg	360 + 10 Pills	423.48€ 403.31€
Viagra Original	100mg	64 + 4 Pills	264.15€ 251.57€
Viagra Original	100mg	48 + 4 Pills	207.15€ 197.29€
Viagra Soft Tabs	100mg	90 + 6 Pills	205.31€ 195.53€
Viagra Professional	100mg	30 Pills	88.92€ 84.69€

Tadalafil was FDA-approved in 2003 for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.64 65 However, healthcare providers can prescribe drugs for unapproved uses based on their judgment that they’re medically appropriate; this is known as “off-label” use.42 The tadalafil in Libido Lift Rx is off-label, but research suggests that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors — like tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil — could be an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD).66 Female arousal gels or creams can also help with sexual satisfaction. While these products can’t affect things like hormone or neurotransmitter balance, some of the ingredients can increase genital blood flow and sensitivity, and others can add additional vaginal lubrication. Like supplements, OTC female arousal topicals often rely on botanical ingredients and amino acids.

Why trust our experts?

Key Takeaways

Like the tadalafil in the Libido Lift Rx pill mentioned above, the sildenafil in these two prescription topicals is off-label, but a small study from 2020 found that women who used sildenafil cream reported “clinically significant increases” in arousal versus the results from no cream and placebo cream.9 At the time of this writing, the closest thing to an “instant” female arousal pill is Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, which is a dissolvable prescription tablet containing tadalafil that should work in about 30 minutes and may be effective for up to 36 hours.67 Otherwise, pills tend to take the longest to start working (anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or so). The FDA-approved pill, Addyi, and OTC supplements have cenforce viagra the potential to promote the longest-lasting benefits, however, as they build up and continue to be in your system. If pills don’t interest you, then topicals, such as OMG! Cream and Jolt Gel, or the prescription injection, Vyleesi, could be good alternatives. These also all work within the hour, but the effects only last a short amount of time. But prescription topicals, like Cake Meds’ O-Cream Rx and Wisp’s OMG! Cream, add drugs, such as sildenafil, to the mix. Like the tadalafil in the Libido Lift Rx pill mentioned above, the sildenafil in these two prescription topicals is off-label, but a small study from 2020 found that women who used sildenafil cream reported “clinically significant increases” in arousal versus the results from no cream and placebo cream.9 At the time of this writing, the closest thing to an “instant” female arousal pill is Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, which is a dissolvable prescription tablet containing tadalafil that should work in about 30 minutes and may be effective for up to 36 hours.67 Otherwise, pills tend to take the longest to start working (anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or so). The FDA-approved pill, Addyi, and OTC supplements have cenforce viagra the potential to promote the longest-lasting benefits, however, as they build up and continue to be in your system.

Key takeaways:

A systematic review of research studies suggests that L-arginine (along with L-citrulline) can result in greater sexual arousal and satisfaction for pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women who have HSDD or a related concern. The effective daily dosages that led to promising results within the examined studies were similar to the arginine dose delivered daily by VitaFLUX.10 These positive results are likely due to the fact that L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which promotes better blood flow throughout the body (including to the genitals). Nitric oxide is also believed to play a major role in the smooth muscle relaxation of sexual arousal.14 Additionally, the increase in blood circulation from nitric oxide’s vasodilation properties can reduce vaginal dryness, as vaginal lubrication is actually ultra-filtered blood.19 L-Citrulline is partially converted to L-arginine, which is then converted to nitric oxide, meaning that this amino acid can also promote NO production.10 Research on L-citrulline for sexual dysfunction usually involves it being used with L-arginine, and most of the research on L-citrulline alone involves men.

Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)

If pills don’t interest you, then topicals, such as OMG! Cream and Jolt Gel, or the prescription injection, Vyleesi, could be good alternatives. These also all work within the hour, but the effects only last a short amount of time. Topicals can be effective for around 20-60 minutes, and Vyleesi content in the body peaks at around one hour before falling again.57 Even with combining Addyi and Vyleesi, there don’t appear to be any known risks of mixing these two approaches together at the time of this writing. If this changes, we’ll update this guide with an appropriate warning. But, for now, it appears safe to use a pill or supplement to promote potential long-term benefits while also using female arousal topicals for an extra, more timely boost. L-Arginine, L-citrulline, and L-carnitine may improve blood flow to the genitalia Zinc and magnesium could help physical arousal in people with deficiencies Capsules are vegan-friendly (corn- and plant-based gelatin) Ingredients should be generally safe for most people 60-day money-back guarantee for new customers Subscribe for 15% off of recurring deliveries Save $5 when you visit Promescent using our links on this page Unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with corn allergies Dose is six capsules daily (three pills, twice a day) L-arginine may trigger a herpes flare-up Promescent made its name by pioneering delay sprays to help men overcome premature ejaculation, but the company has since greatly expanded its catalog of sexual health products.

Are there any natural alternatives to Viagra for women?

Topicals can be effective for around 20-60 minutes, and Vyleesi content in the body peaks at around one hour before falling again.57 Even with combining Addyi and Vyleesi, there don’t appear to be any known risks of mixing these two approaches together at the time of this writing. If this changes, we’ll update this guide with an appropriate warning. But, for now, it appears safe to use a pill or supplement to promote potential long-term benefits while also using female arousal topicals for an extra, more timely boost. L-Arginine, L-citrulline, and L-carnitine may improve blood flow to the genitalia Zinc and magnesium could help physical arousal in people with deficiencies Capsules are vegan-friendly (corn- and plant-based gelatin) Ingredients should be generally safe for most people 60-day money-back guarantee for new customers Subscribe for 15% off of recurring deliveries Save $5 when you visit Promescent using our links on this page Unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with corn allergies Dose is six capsules daily (three pills, twice a day) L-arginine may trigger a herpes flare-up Promescent made its name by pioneering delay sprays to help men overcome premature ejaculation, but the company has since greatly expanded its catalog of sexual health products. Its VitaFLUX supplement is available for men and women (both are the exact same except for label color), but in this guide, we'll focus on what this supplement might do for those with female anatomy.

A note about sex and gender

Promescent claims VitaFLUX for Women may help: Aid in faster recovery from injury or exhaustion We’ll investigate the validity of these claims next, but it seems like Promescent intends for VitaFLUX to boost both sexual and overall wellness. This is similar to how Leading Edge Health — the company behind HerSolution — markets its female libido supplements. Before delving into the supplement’s potential efficacy, let’s first take a quick look at the active ingredients in VitaFLUX, which include: Though it has more of them, VitaFLUX isn’t the only product in this guide to use amino acids to support sexual health. For example, both Jolt Gel (a topical) and Hello Cake’s Drive For Her (a supplement) also contain L-arginine. Now, let’s break down how (or if) these ingredients can potentially provide the benefits suggested by Promescent. Its VitaFLUX supplement is available for men and women (both are the exact same except for label color), but in this guide, we'll focus on what this supplement might do for those with female anatomy.

Discover If These Medications Work for You

In people who are postmenopausal

Those looking for an “instant” fix could find that topicals, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, or Vyleesi are what they need (these work within the hour). People seeking a more long-term solution might prefer supplements or Addyi (these options take weeks or months to work, but the potential benefits last longer). While many of the sketchy “instant female arousal” pills on the market are not safe, the products we mention in this guide should be safe for most healthy adults. However, we’d be remiss not to mention a few safety considerations that should be kept in mind, including: Pregnant or nursing individuals would be safest sticking with OTC topicals only, as some ingredients in supplements and prescriptions may harm your baby. The herbal ingredients in various supplements may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before taking them. Promescent claims VitaFLUX for Women may help: Aid in faster recovery from injury or exhaustion We’ll investigate the validity of these claims next, but it seems like Promescent intends for VitaFLUX to boost both sexual and overall wellness. This is similar to how Leading Edge Health — the company behind HerSolution — markets its female libido supplements. Before delving into the supplement’s potential efficacy, let’s first take a quick look at the active ingredients in VitaFLUX, which include: Though it has more of them, VitaFLUX isn’t the only product in this guide to use amino acids to support sexual health. For example, both Jolt Gel (a topical) and Hello Cake’s Drive For Her (a supplement) also contain L-arginine. Now, let’s break down how (or if) these ingredients can potentially provide the benefits suggested by Promescent.

Do not combine female Viagra with grapefruit or alcohol as they may cause adverse effects.
Always store medication in a cool, dry place away from children.
Avoid buying expired or damaged packages of female Viagra.
Check for possible drug interactions before starting medication.
Engage in open discussions about libido concerns with your healthcare provider.
Keep a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking.
Follow prescribed dosage instructions carefully to minimize risks.

Are there other medications that can result in sexual enhancement for women?

The effective daily dosages that led to promising results within the examined studies were similar to the arginine dose delivered daily by VitaFLUX.10 These positive results are likely due to the fact that L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which promotes better blood flow throughout the body (including to the genitals). Nitric oxide is also believed to play a major role in the smooth muscle relaxation of sexual arousal.14 Additionally, the increase in blood circulation from nitric oxide’s vasodilation properties can reduce vaginal dryness, as vaginal lubrication is actually ultra-filtered blood.19 L-Citrulline is partially converted to L-arginine, which is then converted to nitric oxide, meaning that this amino acid can also promote NO production.10 Research on L-citrulline for sexual dysfunction usually involves it being used with L-arginine, and most of the research on L-citrulline alone involves men.