Viagra for Women: What To Know

Concerns about sex drive and sexual performance are extremely common in women.

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. But can women take it, too? Or is there a “Viagra for women” out there?

Dr. Zanotti clears up what Viagra does, and doesn’t do, for women, and what options are available for you.

Can women take Viagra?

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. “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. But the benefits likely stop there.

What happens when women take Viagra?

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. Some women taking Viagra may experience side effects like:

• Headaches
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat

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.

What medications can women take for low libido?

So, is there a Viagra for women?

Kind of.

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. 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 tied to libido. 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.
• Testosterone therapy: This can be prescribed to treat low libido in women entering menopause and in the years that follow.

Other ways for women to increase libido

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.”

Low libido can be tied to:

• Stress or fatigue
• Relationship issues
• Body image concerns
• Past trauma
• Medication side effects
• Hormonal changes
• Depression
• Anxiety

Here are a few strategies that may help:

• Relieve discomfort. If sex is painful, pelvic floor physical therapy may help. As you get older, vaginal tissue becomes drier and less elastic. That can cause pain during sex. Therapy helps you strengthen those muscles.
• Lube it up. Using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, particularly after menopause, can help can make sex more pleasurable.
• Care for yourself. Prioritize exercise, manage stress and sleep — they can all affect your sex drive more than you might think.
• Get support. 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.
• Share your concerns. Have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause and explore personalized solutions.

Final thoughts

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.