Clinical trials for 'female viagra' nasal spray begin

If trials are successful the product could be on sale in five years time

Help could be at hand for women who suffer from sexual dysfunction - clinical trials for what is described as a female equivalent to Viagra have begun in Australia and Canada.

The new drug, Tefina, is a nasal spray which contains testosterone and claims to boost female sexual arousal.

Once the gel is sprayed up the nose it is absorbed within minutes, and the effects are supposed to be felt within hours.

Researchers from Monash University, in Melbourne, will test 100 women aged between 18 and 49.

Dr Fiona Jane, who is working on the research, said: 'Up to 43 per cent of women suffer some form of sexual dysfunction.

'A lot of people have thought that drumming up the idea of a female 'Viagra' is just for pharmaceutical companies. In fact, there is a huge need for women to have their sexual dysfunction addressed.'

However fertility experts have raised questions about how effective the new treatment will be.

Dr Ric Gordon, expert, said: 'Men use sex to de-stress and women need to be de-stressed to have sex, so that's a very complex emotional issue,' explained fertility expert Dr Ric Gordon.

'Whether this particular nasal spray can fix that problem remains to be seen.'

If the trial is successful the drug could be widely available within the next five years.

What do you think? Would you be willing to try out female Viagra? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

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