What would you do if you found out that Viagra, the popular drug for erectile dysfunction, also helped women achieve orgasms? If you’re reading this, then it’s most likely that you have either tried or do currently use Viagra, and you’re curious about whether or not it’s also effective in boosting female pleasure.
While many people believe that Viagra was specifically designed to help men with erectile dysfunction, it was actually developed to treat a very different problem. In fact, prior to its discovery, pharmaceutical companies were unable to find a drug that was both effective and safe for treating female sexual dysfunction. This all changed with the advent of Viagra, which to this day is still considered one of the most revolutionary medicines ever created.
Why Does Viagra Work For Women?
Like its relative, the antidepressant drug Prozac, Viagra was originally developed to treat severe cases of erectile dysfunction. However, as with most medicines, once the initial clinical trial results were published, the drug’s uses were quickly revealed, and it was subsequently approved for a host of other ailments, including female sexual dysfunction. This is especially notable because prior to its discovery, there were no known treatments for female sexual dysfunction, leading many experts to believe that it was actually a medical condition doomed to remain in the stigma of being a “girly” disease.
Thanks to Viagra, today this is no longer the case. In fact, over the past few years it has become one of the most popular treatments for female sexual dysfunction, with multiple studies showing its benefits for increasing arousal and vaginal lubrication in sexually frustrated women.
How Does Viagra Work?
The most prominent theory as to how Viagra works is known as the “sildenafil model” of action. Essentially, this theory suggests that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, binds to a receptor known as PDE5, which in turn causes an increase in the availability of cGMP in the brain. cGMP is a cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that plays an important role in preventing blood clots as well as increasing blood flow to specific areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. When blood flow to the hippocampus is increased, it enhances the formation of new neural connections, which in turn results in an improved ability to process information and ultimately in increased levels of cognitive function and awareness. This is why many experts consider Viagra to be the “molecule of the century” when it comes to treating cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Is Viagra Safe?
Another important aspect to consider regarding Viagra is whether or not it’s safe for use by women. As mentioned, prior to its discovery, there were no known treatments for female sexual dysfunction, which made it a popular choice for desperate patients. However, because it was originally designed for use in men, there were no clinical trials dedicated to evaluating its safety in women. This means that apart from a couple case reports, we still know very little about whether or not Viagra is safe for use by females. However, given its extensive usage in men, one would assume that it’s been around long enough for us to know whether or not it’s safe for women.
Interestingly, while there are no known safety issues regarding Viagra in women, there are several reported side effects. These include headache, flushing, stuffy nose, indigestion, and diarrhea. In addition, some rare but serious side effects include liver toxicity, which can lead to liver failure, as well as heart problems, which can be life threatening. Therefore, it’s important to consult your physician prior to using this drug, especially if you’re already taking cardiovascular medication.
Viagra For Women?
Based on the research that we have today, it’s apparent that Viagra is an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction. However, since we don’t yet know how it will react with other medications or supplements that you’re already taking, it would be best to discuss it with your doctor first.
In some instances, it may be possible to have a vaginal dosage form of Viagra developed, akin to the oral tablet variant. This may provide some benefits for those who experience discomfort in taking oral medication, especially if long-term use is contemplated. However, due to the risks involved, this is not a drug that you should try to self-diagnose and treat on your own.
Overall, given its benefits for women and the growing number of people who are realizing the importance of treating female sexual dysfunction, we can only conclude that Viagra will be a drug that’s been integrated into medicine cabinets for quite some time.