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Can women take Viagra?

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects up to one third of women in the U.S., often involving low libido, arousal difficulties, and pain during intercourse. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is approved to treat erectile dysfunction in men but is sometimes prescribed off‑label in women. Evidence is limited and mixed, and FSD often has multifactorial causes including hormonal changes, medications, relationship issues, and psychological factors.

How might Viagra work in women?

Viagra is a phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE‑5) inhibitor. By blocking PDE‑5, it increases blood flow to genital tissues:

  • In men, this improves penile erection.
  • In women, enhanced blood flow to the clitoris and labia may increase lubrication, sensitivity, and genital engorgement following sexual stimulation.

Sildenafil is also available under the brand Revatio at lower doses for pulmonary hypertension in both sexes.

Does Viagra help women?

Studies have found mixed results. Some trials suggest benefit for women with arousal problems or SSRI‑induced sexual side effects, particularly in postmenopausal women. Other studies show minimal or no improvement. More research is needed to determine which subgroups of women might benefit.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Vision changes or increased light sensitivity
  • Nasal congestion
  • Indigestion
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Muscle aches and back pain
  • Rash

Serious side effects (seek immediate help)

  • Allergic reactions: hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing
  • Heart problems: chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat
  • Dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate) or certain blood pressure medications
  • Vision loss
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus
  • Prolonged erection (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours

Other FDA‑approved treatments for low libido in women

  • Addyi (flibanserin): taken daily at bedtime for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and insomnia. Alcohol increases risk of severe hypotension.
  • Vyleesi (bremelanotide): injected at least 45 minutes before sexual activity, up to 8 doses per month, for premenopausal women with low desire. Common side effects are nausea, flushing, injection site reactions, headache, and fatigue.

Other approaches

Addressing underlying causes is key. Lifestyle and therapeutic options include:

  • Sex therapy or individual counseling
  • Hormone replacement for menopausal symptoms
  • Regular exercise and balanced diet
  • Stress management and sufficient sleep
  • Avoiding tobacco, excess alcohol, and recreational drugs
  • Investigational supplements (L‑arginine, ginseng, maca, etc.) have limited evidence

Sources

  • Berman JR, et al. Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate in women with arousal disorder. J Urol. 2003.
  • West SL, et al. Prevalence of low sexual desire in US women. Arch Intern Med. 2008.
  • Lo Monte G, et al. Women taking sildenafil citrate: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014.
  • Wheeler LJ, Guntupalli SR. Female sexual dysfunction: interventions. Obstet Gynecol. 2020.
  • Vyleesi package insert. Palatin Technologies. 2024.
  • Addyi package insert. Sprout Pharmaceuticals. 2019.
  • Viagra prescribing information. Pfizer. 2017.