Is there a female Viagra?
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Since Viagra was first introduced into the market over four years ago, it has gone on to become a so-called “miracle drug” helping millions of men suffering from erectile dysfunction or impotence. With over 43% of women suffering from sexual dysfunction, calls are now being made to bring out a ‘female Viagra’. Clinical tests and trails are already underway, with drug companies and researchers racing to develop a ‘Viagra’ for women. Proctor & Gamble just recently failed to introduce a testosterone patch for women into the market, as it did not pass FDA trials.

There is a reason behind why there is such a delay in introducing a female ‘Viagra’ and it is that sexual dysfunction in women is not as simple as it is with men. In women, sexual dysfunction is marked by a lack of desire, arousal, and orgasm. Most women complain that they simply lack the desire to have sex. This shows that in women, sexual dysfunction is more psychological and less physical.

This is not to say that sexual dysfunction in women is not a physical problem. Hypertension, thyroid disorders, heart disease, cancer, neurological diseases and autoimmune disorders like lupus all contribute to sexual dysfunction in women. Additionally medication, addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol also cause a lack of sexual desire.

Researchers now say that for women sex is not just about being aroused, it is about being in the mood. For women sexual desire originates from the brain. This is why male Viagra cannot work in women. Viagra, basically increases the blood flow to the male sexual organ, it does not stimulate the organ itself. In men, sexual dysfunction is normally caused by erection problems. For women, sexual dysfunction is related to a lack of desire. Some common causes for sexual dysfunction in women include;

- Lack of proper communication with their partner
- Anxiety or depression
- Feeling of guilt or shame
- Fear of pain, infection or becoming pregnant
- A history of sexual abuse
- Lack of stimulation or lubrication
- Changes in the body due to menopause or
- Infections or gynaecological problems

A cure?
Presently the FDA has no approved treatments for women with a low sexual drive, and more research still needs to be conducted. Doctors nowadays often prescribe testosterone for women who have had their ovaries removed and research is moving in this direction – the use of testosterone to improve the female sexual drive.

The recent failed trials of a testosterone patch by Proctor & Gamble show that drug companies are now fast moving towards finding a treatment to sexual dysfunction in women, and there are many promising drugs in the horizon. These include prostaglandin (which is already approved for men), apomorphine and phentolamine, both of which are being tested as this article is being written.

Research is also showing that exercise, counselling and vaginal lubricants can all help increase a women’s sex drive. If the following treatments are proven successful, they can also help women overcome sexual dysfunction.

L-arginine amino acid cream –
This cream is currently used by athletes to promote muscle development. In women, this cream is being tested to increase blood flow to the female genitals, thus encouraging sexual desire.
DHEA –
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a male hormone produced by the adrenal gland and ovaries and converted into testosterone and estrogen in the body. Recent studies have shown that women who take DHEA daily noticed a significant increase in sexual interest. However, this treatment has serious side effects like the risk of having heart attacks and breast cancer increase, along with women growing more facial hair.
Testosterone Therapy –
As mentioned before doctors are giving women who have had hysterectomies or oophorectomies (the removal of one or both ovaries), testosterone in small doses. This treatment shows much promise, as women who are undergoing it claim improved sexual functioning and psychological health.