Susanne Steinberg was an employee of Pfizer when the study was conducted. Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury. Sexual Health in the Neurogenic Patient Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports (2020) Knowledge Gaps in Urologic Care of Female Spinal Cord Injury Patients Current Urology Reports (2019) Sexual Function after Spinal Cord Injury: Innervation, Assessment, and Treatment Current Sexual Health Reports (2016) The little blue pill might help with physical arousal, but there are better treatments for low libido in women Image content: This image is available to view online. Woman researching viagra on her cell phone Concerns about sex drive and sexual performance are extremely common in women. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
| Benefit | Explanation | Evidence Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improved Blood Flow | Enhances genital blood circulation | Moderate | May aid sexual arousal |
| Increased Libido | Possible enhancement of sexual desire | Limited | Varies among women |
| Better Orgasm Response | Some reports of improved orgasm | Anecdotal | Not scientifically proven |
| Enhanced Clitoral Sensitivity | Possible increase in sensation | Theoretical | Needs more research |
Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, sees it all the time in her practice: “It’s probably one of the top questions I get asked, and it’s common in adults of all ages.” We know that Viagra® can help men perform between the sheets. Dr. Zanotti clears up what Viagra does, and doesn’t do, for women, and what options are available for you. Technically, yes, women can take Viagra (also known by the generic name sildenafil).
Statistical Analysis
Like Viagra, it can lower blood pressure and shouldn’t be taken with alcohol. Vyleesi® (bremelanotide): A self-injection that you use before sex. It’s approved only for premenopausal women whose low libido isn’t caused by another health condition. Wellbutrin® (bupropion): An antidepressant that may help improve libido, especially if your low sex drive is related to depression or SSRI use. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This may help improve vaginal dryness and restore sexual comfort (thus, boosting libido) for women going through menopause.
Biochemical Factors Modulating Female Genital Sexual Arousal Physiology
Testosterone therapy: This can be prescribed to treat low libido in women entering menopause and in the years that follow. Sometimes, sexual dysfunction isn’t about biology — it’s about everything else going on in your life that puts sex on the back burner. “Sexual health in women is about more than just blood flow,” Dr. Zanotti says. “It’s about your mental health, your relationship, how comfortable you feel in your body and so much more.” Here are a few strategies that may help: If sex is painful, pelvic floor physical therapy may help. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved it for use by women.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 10 Sachets | 54.55€ 51.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 149.50€ 142.38€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 90 + 8 Sachets | 303.56€ 289.10€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 84 + 4 Pills | 244.49€ 232.85€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 10 Pills | 28.91€ 27.53€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 170.79€ 162.66€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 32 Pills | 125.88€ 119.89€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 204.80€ 195.05€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 270.47€ 257.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 236.46€ 225.20€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 481.98€ 459.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 30 + 5 Sachets | 136.20€ 129.71€ |
“Viagra is approved for treating erectile dysfunction, nothing more,” Dr. Zanotti clarifies. “It hasn’t proven to be the answer for sexual dysfunction outside of that.” Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the genitals. For men with erectile dysfunction, that’s a game-changer. In women, Viagra may increase blood flow to the vulva and vaginal tissues, which could enhance your pleasure by heightening your sensitivity and promoting lubrication. Some women taking Viagra may find that having sex is more pleasurable.
- Female sexual dysfunction affects many women worldwide.
- Medical research continues to explore effective treatments.
- Sildenafil's role remains experimental for many women.
- Consultation with specialists is recommended for personalized care.
(And who can argue with that as a perk?) But that’s not true for everyone. Some women taking Viagra may experience side effects like: If you have low blood pressure or you’re taking blood pressure medication, Viagra can cause a further drop that may lead to dizziness and even fainting. And mixing Viagra and alcohol is a big no-no because it can worsen the side effects, Dr.
| Strategy | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low-dose initial | Starting with 25 mg, titrating up as needed | To minimize side effects |
| Maximum dose | Up to 100 mg, under medical supervision | To maximize effect, risk side effects |
| As-needed use | Taken before anticipated sexual activity | Short-term use |
| Daily use | Continuous daily dosing for sustained effect | Experimental, under doctor's guidance |
Zanotti warns. While Viagra might work on the physical side of things, other FDA-approved treatments can help women with other issues, like sexual desire. “Viagra might help some women with the physical mechanics of sex, but it’s not going to help with other things that keep you from being ‘in the mood,’” Dr.
Search for questions
Zanotti points out. No pill is going to make sure the laundry is done, the kids are asleep, or that you’re feeling confident in yourself and your relationship. But Dr. Zanotti notes a few medications that may help increase your interest in sex: Addyi® (flibanserin): A daily pill for premenopausal women with low sexual desire. It affects brain chemicals sildenafil citrate 100 mg tied to libido. Like Viagra, it can lower blood pressure and shouldn’t be taken with alcohol.
- Sildenafil may improve blood flow, but effectiveness varies.
- The drug is not FDA-approved specifically for female use.
- Ongoing research aims to determine its safety for women.
- Lifestyle changes and therapy are often preferred first-line treatments.
Vyleesi® (bremelanotide): A self-injection that you use before sex. It’s approved only for premenopausal women whose low libido isn’t caused by another health condition. Wellbutrin® (bupropion): An antidepressant that may help improve libido, especially if your low sex drive is related to depression or SSRI use. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This may help improve vaginal dryness and restore sexual comfort (thus, boosting libido) for women going through menopause. Testosterone therapy: This can be prescribed to treat low libido in women entering menopause and in the years that follow. Sometimes, sexual dysfunction isn’t about biology — it’s about everything else going on in your life that puts sex on the back burner. “Sexual health in women is about more than just blood flow,” Dr.
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
As you get older, vaginal tissue becomes drier and less elastic. Using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, particularly after menopause, can help can make sex more pleasurable. 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.
Cite this article
They can help you identify the cause and explore personalized solutions. Viagra might sound like a quick fix, but it rarely is. 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. Zanotti says. “It’s about your mental health, your relationship, how comfortable you feel in your body and so much more.” Here are a few strategies that may help: If sex is painful, pelvic floor physical therapy may help. As you get older, vaginal tissue becomes drier and less elastic. Using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, particularly after menopause, can help can make sex more pleasurable. 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.
- Some studies investigate sildenafil’s impact on vaginal blood flow.
- Psychological factors also significantly influence female sexual response.
- Not all women will experience improved sexual function with sildenafil.
- Sexual therapy remains an important treatment option.
Have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause and explore personalized solutions.
About this article
Susanne Steinberg was an employee of Pfizer when the study was conducted. Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury. Sexual Health in the Neurogenic Patient Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports (2020) Knowledge Gaps in Urologic Care of Female Spinal Cord Injury Patients Current Urology Reports (2019) Sexual Function after Spinal Cord Injury: Innervation, Assessment, and Treatment Current Sexual Health Reports (2016) The little blue pill might help with physical arousal, but there are better treatments for low libido in women Image content: This image is available to view online. Woman researching viagra on her cell phone Concerns about sex drive and sexual performance are extremely common in women. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
Women's orgasm
Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, sees it all the time in her practice: “It’s probably one of the top questions I get asked, and it’s common in adults of all ages.” We know that Viagra® can help men perform between the sheets. Dr. Zanotti clears up what Viagra does, and doesn’t do, for women, and what options are available for you. Viagra might sound like a quick fix, but it rarely is.
| Aspect | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Expectation Management | Enhancing sexual satisfaction through expectations | Important to set realistic goals |
| Placebo Effect | Some improvements due to psychological factors | Not solely pharmacological |
| Partner Support | Facilitates better outcomes | Communication is key |
| Psychological Counseling | May benefit women with sexual dysfunction | Can optimize use and outcomes |
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.
Serious side effects (seek immediate help)
Technically, yes, women can take Viagra (also known by the generic name sildenafil). But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved it for use by women. “Viagra is approved for treating erectile dysfunction, nothing more,” Dr. Zanotti clarifies.
Vyleesi (Bremalontide)
“It hasn’t proven to be the answer for sexual dysfunction outside of that.” Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the genitals. For men with erectile dysfunction, that’s a game-changer. In women, Viagra may increase blood flow to the vulva and vaginal tissues, which could enhance your pleasure by heightening your sensitivity and promoting lubrication. Some women taking Viagra may find that having sex is more pleasurable. (And who can argue with that as a perk?) But that’s not true for everyone. If you’re struggling with low libido, you’re not alone, and real help is available.
- Research shows mixed results on sildenafil's benefits for women.
- It may improve sexual satisfaction in some women.
- Not recommended for women with cardiovascular conditions.
- Using sildenafil without medical advice is risky.
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. 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.
Section snippets
Some women taking Viagra may experience side effects like: If you have low blood pressure or you’re taking blood pressure medication, Viagra can cause a further drop that may lead to dizziness and even fainting. And mixing Viagra and alcohol is a big no-no because it can worsen the side effects, Dr. Zanotti warns. While Viagra might work on the physical side of things, other FDA-approved treatments can help women with other issues, like sexual desire. “Viagra might help some women with the physical mechanics of sex, but it’s not going to help with other things that keep you from being ‘in the mood,’” Dr.
Polymer-based nitric oxide therapies: Recent insights for biomedical applications
Zanotti points out. No pill is going to make sure the laundry is done, the kids are asleep, or that you’re feeling confident in yourself and your relationship. But Dr. Zanotti notes a few medications that may help increase your interest in sex: Addyi® (flibanserin): A daily pill for premenopausal women with low sexual desire. It affects brain chemicals sildenafil citrate 100 mg tied to libido. 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 and associated with SRI treatment,11 are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with sexual dysfunction.
LinkOut - more resources
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. 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.
Professional resources
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 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. 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.
