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Does 'Female Viagra' work?

By Lucy Hutchings on Thursday 4 March 2010

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Viagra - Health News - Marie Claire

It's been well documented what the little blue pill can do for men. But do women respond equally well to drugs that claim to enhance sexual performance? Catherine Townsend investigates the options...

A few years ago I found a stash of Viagra in a boyfriend's bathroom. Our sex life was great but, curious, I took one.

That evening, my orgasm was so intense, I thought my head would explode. Several years and several partners later, I tried the drug again, but it didn't work. Yes, the blood rushed to my nether regions, but I just wasn't into the guy. Men may be able to jump start their libidos with drugs but, for women, sex often begins in the mind.

Studies suggest that about 30 per cent of us will go through periods of feeling no desire whatsoever. And ever since Viagra revolutionised sex for men, drug companies have been chasing a female equivalent to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a psychiatric condition defined by a persistent lack of desire.

Depression and hormonal problems can suppress desire. Anecdotal evidence and countless studies also show that women's sex drives are usually high early in a relationship but then often peter out. It seems we need emotional and physical stimulation to really get us going. And yet the new 'wonder drugs' keep making headlines. In addition to the testos-terone patch, there is PT-141, an inhaled drug that affects brain receptors, and Flibanserin, an antidepressant that had the added benefit of boosting sex drives during trials.

But some experts worry that expectations for women to reach constant ecstasy could lead to a 'sexual arms race'. 'If low desire is not a physical problem, popping a pill won't help,' warns Paula Hall, a sexual psychotherapist for Relate. ‘If the issue is caused by relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or stress, then the solution is to address those things with counselling.'

A straw poll of my friends backs this up, with most admitting that great sex comes from a loving relationship. In any case, there can be scary side effects to the new drugs. Testosterone creams may cause body hair to sprout in strange places, PT-141 can increase blood pressure, and Flibanserin takes weeks to kick in.

But for women who have a real medical problem, the pharmaceutical approach could be a lifesaver. 'There is a small but significant number of women who are happy, healthy and in fulfilling relationships, but who are bewildered by their low desire,' says Hall. 'In these -cases, having access to such remedies may be precisely what they need.'

In the name of research, I order PT-141 online. About 20 minutes after taking it, I feel a humming sensation down below but nothing spectacular, so I use more. Soon I'm tingling all over, but so is my stomach, in a weird way.

The verdict: not worth £50. Women who aren't satisfied sexually may need more testosterone, better communication or simply a partner who shares the housework. But they won't know until they get professional advice. A pill may not be a lifetime solution but, for some, it could be a great place to start.

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED VIAGRA? SHARE YOUR STORIES IN THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW

Thursday 4 March 2010