Sildenafil Citrate is a familiar medication to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. As this medical condition is becoming a common concern for men’s sexual performance, Sildenafil is used widely. With proven solutions provided by this product, another question comes around. Can women use Sildnefil Citrate as well to cure their low sex drive.

Although you may find many women already using this to cure their low sexual performance, there is still much to know before using it personally. With different body types and functionality, one synthetic compound may react differently for different people.

First of all, Erectile Dysfunction is a particular medical condition in men where an enzyme named phosphodiesterase type 5 or PDE5 prevents regular blood flow through the blood vessels in the penis. As a result, the muscles cannot relax and there is an irregular erection. To treat this situation, Sildenafil, popularly sold under a brand name called Viagra is consumed. It is responsible to increase the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate or cGMP further promoting blood circulation in the penis, followed by a smooth erection.

As women have completely different physical complexities, Sildenafil won’t be applicable in the same way. So, before you get the answer to the confusion on using Sildenafil Citrate or not, know why exactly such medications are on demand, and why women need additional support to be sexually active. Then, you’ll find out if you should use this medicine or if there is any further condition to check.

What are the reasons behind low sex drive in women?

FSIAD or female sexual interest/arousal disorder is a particular physiological issue where a woman can face less interest in any sexual activity. If the symptoms are persistent for more than six years, serious treatment should be initiated. Here’s why this disorder might happen.

  1. A woman might have a blunt desire to have sex due to multiple reasons including irregular workloads, excess physical and mental pressure or stress, social and economic disparities, and cultural views towards sex.
  2. There can be serious medical problems or side effects of any ongoing medication that makes a woman less interested in a sexual relationship. Often these symptoms are not even detected.
  3. Being in a toxic relationship has a direct impact on sexual desires. It can also tamper with one’s physiological experience with intimacy. As a result, a woman continues to hold the bad experience and never be able to enjoy sex in a natural way.
  4. Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy might reduce sexual arousal in a woman. Deficiency in hormones can take place in young women as well.
  5. Extreme fatigue is another reason for decreased sex drive in women.

For all of these listed reasons, Sildenafil Citrate cannot be the standalone solution. Besides, there can be some potential side effects of Viagra if used excessively or without expert consultation.

Can women use Sildenafil Citrate?

While FDA or Food and Drug Administration has not approved the consumption for women, there can be off-label prescriptions from doctors. Sildenafil is used to regulate blood circulation in men’s reproductive organs for uninterrupted erection. By consuming this, women can feel the improved blood flow in the female reproductive parts, followed by more sensitivity and stimulation. This sensitivity can promote sexual arousal in women.

Viagra can be taken in three different doses including 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. Consuming this 30 minutes to 4 hours before sex will maintain an effect for as long as 4 to 8 hours. For women, this duration might vary, depending on their physical and physiological conditions.

There are different studies made in 2002, 2008, and 2014 by different reputed organizations and reported by PubMed Central and JAMA including women of different ages and having different medical conditions. All of these reports reveal the partial success of Sildenafil, sometimes better than other alternative medicines.

However, there are other reasons behind women’s reduced desire for sex. Once you discover them, you might understand that this one medicine cannot cure all such complex problems single-handedly.

Side Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Women

  • Headache is one of the very common side effects of this medicine if used without proper regulation.
  • Nasal congestion is another side effect that can irritate the whole mood for several days once the effect is caught.
  • Flushing or temporary reddening or warming of the skin may happen due to an overdose of Viagara as it is supposed to increase blood flow.
  • Visual disturbances are an uncommon side effect of sildenafil but might happen in case of wrong consumption.
  • Women can experience Indigestion and palpitations as a familiar side effect of having Viagra without following the correct process.

Conclusion

This is to say that women can too take a moderate amount of sildenafil citrate for elevated sexual arousal. However, there is no guarantee that the medication would completely work as there are different external parameters mentioned in the article. Similar to any medicine consumption, Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate should be taken under a doctor’s observation, following all the regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit to take Sildenafil Citrate?

There is no standard age to consume Sildenafil but of course, you need to take an expert’s permission to take any medicine for that matter. As this is mainly used to cure erectile dysfunction in men, it is better to keep it away from anyone below 18 years old.

What are the other uses of Viagra?

 Apart from curing ED, some off-label uses of Viagra include treating PAH or Pulmonary arterial hypertension and Raynaud's phenomenon both in men and women. These uses should be practiced strictly according to the prescribed manner.

Will Sildenafil work for FSIAD?

 Sildenafil Citrate, known by the brand name Viagra also, is mainly used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. There are FDA-approved medicines like Addyi (Flibanserin) and Vyleesi (Bremelanotide) to treat this dysfunction.

Is there any alternative for Sildenafil women may use?

Sildenafil is mainly used to cure erectile dysfunction in men. It is sold under the brand name Viagra. Some similar medications include Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) and Vardenafil (brand name Levitra).