When the drug Viagra hit the market in May 1998, it changed the face of safe sex for the better. Pre-Viagra, condoms weren’t cutting it for many sexually adventurous couples. The little blue pill gave them a cheap, easy, and effective way to enjoy intimate moments with their lovers. But while Viagra was initially designed for use by men, it turned out that there were plenty of situations where it could prove useful for women as well.
Here are ten things you should know about female Viagra.
1. It Is The Ultimate Vaginal Rejuvenation Drug.
While the original formulation of Viagra was designed for oral consumption, it was soon discovered that the drug could be administered in the vagina as well. And what is more, women who took the pill reported experiencing several positive effects from vaginal administrations, including improved vaginal moisture and elasticity as well as reduced tissue inflammation and shrinking of the vaginal walls.
If you’re looking to restore your vaginal health and feeling a little down about the time it’s been, this may be the drug for you. As a matter of fact, several studies have shown that Viagra increases the blood flow to the genitals, making it a potential treatment for female infertility. As a result of the drug’s vaginal efficacy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a formulation of Viagra for use by women in November 2014.
Even if you don’t fit the criteria for female infertility, you may still experience benefits from vaginal Viagra use, especially if you’re a woman struggling with dryness or irritation. It’s also been showed to be beneficial in reducing the severity of symptoms for women with vulvodynia, a type of vulvar pain that can be triggered or exacerbated by sexual activity.
2. It Is The Best Treatment For Shrinking Vaginas.
If you’re curious as to how much Viagra you should take to achieve the best results, study after study has proven that the answer is a lot. In fact, many experts believe that the best dose for treating small genitals is 50 milligrams (mg) — a full 10 milligrams (mg) more than the typical recommended adult dose of 40 mg. It’s also been observed that the drug is most effective when taken at the same time each day, so that the body can achieve the best concentration level in the shortest amount of time possible.
When given in this manner, patients report experiencing significant improvements in their sexual functions, including vaginal lubrication and sensitivity as well as increased pleasure during intercourse.
And it’s not just the effect on the genitals that Viagra has been shown to produce. Female patients report experiencing an overall improvement in their well-being and an increase in their self-esteem. Many have also noted that the medication made them feel more comfortable in their own bodies, as well as those of their partners.
3. It Is A Great Aid In Labor.
Since the 1950s, doctors have known about the use of prostaglandin analogues, such as misoprostol, in preventing or delaying labor. While studies have shown that reproductive-age women who take the drug have higher rates of pre-term labor, those who take it in the later stages of their pregnancy have been shown to have lower rates of induced labor. And what is more, women who take the drug report decreased use of pain medication and quicker recovery times after giving birth.
In July 2000, the FDA approved the first prostaglandin analogue for treating female infertility, and since then, it has become one of the most popular infertility treatments in the world. Because of its efficacy and safety in this setting, many doctors consider it to be the gold standard in treating this issue. And given that labor is such a common cause of infertility, it’s no wonder that so many women are turning to this drug in hope of giving their bodies a better shot at having a baby.
4. It Is The Preferred Medication For Women With Amenorrhea.
Another popular use for Viagra among reproductive-age women is to treat the common condition of amenorrhea, in which the body does not produce sufficient levels of the hormone estrogen. In one study, researchers evaluated the effects of the drug in women with ovarian dysfunction who also suffered from amenorrhea. After taking 50 mg of Viagra daily for four weeks, the study participants experienced a significant increase in their sex hormone levels. This suggested that the drug could play a role in treating this issue as well. And given that this drug is so safe and effective in this setting, many doctors feel that it’s worth a try for patients who have difficulty conceiving or giving birth. In March 2018, the FDA approved a formulation of Viagra for the treatment of female infertility due to ovarian dysfunction. This was the first time the agency had approved a medication for treating female infertility, and it suggests that while men have been struggling with this issue for decades, there are medications available to help.
According to the prescribing information for the drug, it has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of pre-menstrual syndrome, or PMS, and in suppressing the need for cervical dentures (included with dental implants) in women with an overactive gag reflex (also known as a “dry mouth” condition).
5. It Has Helped Some Women With MS.
While the disease itself remains relatively unchanged over the past seventy years, some of the symptoms have been shown to improve with the use of Viagra. Several studies have suggested that the drug may be able to reduce the painful intercourse associated with multiple sclerosis, or MS. And what is more, it has been observed that this drug can increase the tolerance of the nervous system to pain. As a result of this nerve-protective effect, some women with MS have noted that they experience less pain while on the drug and experience heightened levels of intimacy with their partners.
However, other studies have suggested that while Viagra may be able to reduce the pain associated with MS, it does not guarantee pain freedom. That being said, since it can increase a woman’s comfort level during sex — and since pain during sex is often associated with negative emotions, such as shame, guilt, and anxiety — many physicians and patients feel that it’s worth a try.
6. It Has A Positive Effect On Self-Esteem.
In addition to helping women with menstrual irregularities and infertility, some studies have also suggested that Viagra may be able to improve a woman’s self-esteem. Several studies have evaluated the effect of the drug on women with low self-esteem, reporting that after taking it for a period of time, the participants experienced an increase in their self-confidence and an improvement in their interpersonal skills. Since many patients suffering from anxiety and depression often have low self-esteem, this can make them more vulnerable to the effects of the drug. However, while the studies have shown that Viagra can improve the lives of women in this way, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t fix the underlying issues that caused the depression and anxiety in the first place.
That being said, there are multiple forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation exercises, that can help a woman with depression and anxiety develop a more positive outlook on life. If you’re seeking a medication that will increase your self-esteem, it may not be the best option for you.
7. It Improves Vaginal Moisture And Sensitivity.
One of the interesting effects that Viagra has been shown to have is on vaginal tissue. While it has been approved by the FDA for treating several gynecological conditions, it has also been observed that the drug can increase vaginal moisture and sensitivity. And what’s more, it’s been suggested that this increase in sensitivity serves as a biological “trigger,” improving the likelihood of an orgasm during sex for women. However, while there’s no definite proof that this occurs, clinical studies have shown that the drug can increase vaginal lubrication and sensitivity in some women, leading them to experience more frequent and intense orgasms.
For decades, women have used lubricants during intercourse to prevent friction and strain on the vagina and its walls. But while the type and amount of lubricant you use is up to you, the consensus is that too much “joe” can cause the vaginal walls to thin and eventually lead to weakened immunity and a greater risk of infection. However, some lubricants, such as mineral oil, can thin the tissues and potentially cause problems for women with HIV/AIDS, since oils like this can interfere with the body’s natural defense against the virus. While there are many excellent lubricants formulated for vaginal use, it is still not recommended to use more than twice a week, and always in combination with another form of birth control.