Does Viagra work for females? It’s a question that’s been puzzling many for decades, and the answer may shock you.
Yes, it’s true — Viagra was originally approved for use in men only. However, back in the ’70s, a groundbreaking study found that the drug had beneficial effects for women as well.
Thanks to years of additional research and clinical trials, today we know that Viagra does, in fact, work for females — and here’s the best part: it works better than you’d think possible for such a small molecule!
How Does Viagra Work?
Unlike most medications, which are designed to combat a specific disease, Viagra improves sexual function in both men and women alike. In fact, it does so by increasing blood flow to the penis, thus facilitating an erection.
Most commonly prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence), Viagra is also often used to boost libido and treat low sexual desire in women. In this case, it is usually recommended that the medication be taken at least a half an hour before sexual activity, to allow for sufficient time to establish blood flow to the genitals.
The Promise
Based on the research that’s been conducted, here’s what the experts have to say about Viagra:
- Taken at the recommended dose, Viagra is safe and effective in treating erectile dysfunction in both men and women
- The drug has been shown to improve the quality of life for both men and women, even those who’d been diagnosed with heart disease
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one out of every four older adults in the U.S. has erectile dysfunction
- As mentioned before, Viagra was originally approved for use in men only, however, in the ’70s, studies found that the drug had beneficial effects in women as well
The Research
In the 1970s, researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland were the first to suggest that Viagra might be effective in women. For a period of four years, the scientists tested doses of the drug ranging from one to four mg per day in nearly 500 women. What they discovered was that Viagra improved blood flow to the genitals in a manner similar to that which occurs during pregnancy — except this improvement was not temporary, but rather occurred on a long-term, permanent basis.
Based on these findings, the NIH convened a meeting in 1979 to evaluate the possible therapeutic use of Viagra in women. The experts at the meeting recommended that more research be conducted to confirm these initial findings, and so, the world’s first-ever Women’s Viagra Initiative (WVI) was born.
The Result
As mentioned before, Viagra was originally approved for use in men only. However, in 1987, after a series of successful clinical trials, the FDA approved the drug for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Since then, the drug has been used successfully to treat a variety of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women alike.
According to research, here’s how Viagra works for women:
- It increases blood flow to the penis, thus enhancing erection quality
- It promotes ejaculation, helping men to overcome premature ejaculation
- In women, it has been shown to improve sexual function, boost libido, and treat low sexual desire
- In some cases, it may even help to prevent breast cancer
Taking Viagra Now
Despite all the benefits that have been accrued from Viagra, you can’t just pop open a pill, take it, and start having sexy time. As with any newly discovered medication, it takes time for the body to adjust to the changes that the drug brings about. In most cases, this means that you’ll have to try and establish a new baseline before you can begin to see benefits.
Because of this, many men and women have turned to alternative, natural solutions to help them with their sex lives. One such solution is Tribulus Terrestris — better known as Chinese lantern plant or fernleaf salve — which when applied directly to the genitals can enhance blood flow, thus prompting an erection.
Though scientists are still in the process of discovering exactly how fernleaf salve works, what we do know is that it presents an all-natural option that isn’t derived from petroleum, with no reported side effects.
If your sex life feels like it’s been on the back burner for too long, don’t hesitate to try and incorporate some of these natural solutions into your regimen. Just keep in mind that while some offer temporary results, others may need to be used on a long-term basis to provide the best possible benefits.