An image of men comes to mind when people talk about libido. After all, we’ve been told that it is typically a male problem for decades. Yet, that isn’t true.
Women can have a loss of libido too due to a variety of issues like health issues, menopause, stress, and
hormone problems.
Men have their boosting supplements but so do women. The big question that women have is do they work?
The Root of the Problem
A lack of a sex drive in women is a medical problem called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). It’s
classified as a lack of motivation or desire to have sex for at least six months. It could be caused by either a physical or mental dysfunction.
Another term doctors use for this problem is female sexual interest and arousal disorder (FSIAD). It affects around 10 percent of women.
Booster Products
Many off-label female libido-boosting products exist but only two have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available by prescription. They are only prescribed to premenopausal women and are dubbed “female Viagra.”
Addyi, or flibanserin, is a pill you can take daily in the evening. Vyleesi, or bremelanotide, is an injection you give yourself before sex.
Addyi increases sexual desire and can help reduce stress caused by low sexual desire. However, it doesn’t help with sexual performance. The warning with Addyi is that women should consume alcohol if they are taking it.
You must wait at least two hours after drinking before taking the pill and shouldn’t drink the next day. Otherwise, you may suffer from low blood pressure and fainting.
Vyleesi helps with sexual desire but, like Addyi, doesn’t affect sexual performance. It isn’t recommended for women with heart issues or high blood pressure.
Side Effects
Many doctors feel that the side effect risks of these products outweigh the nominal benefits they’ve shown in studies.
Side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
Conclusion
Help is out there for women who suffer from libido problems. It’s best to consult with your doctor before trying any over-the-counter boosting products to see if one of these approved products will be right for you.
