Prescription Options for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Understanding Unapproved Use of Approved Drugs "Off Label".

Ingredient	Purpose	Known Benefits	Potential Side Effects
L-arginine	Enhances blood flow	Increased arousal, Lubrication	Headache, Flushing
Maca Root	Boosts libido	Increased stamina, Desire	Insomnia, Heartburn
Ginkgo Biloba	Improves circulation	Better sensation, Mood	Dizziness, Allergic reactions
Damiana	Aphrodisiac	Heightened sensation	Nausea, Headaches
Horny Goat Weed	Erectile Function Enhancement	Increased libido	Rapid heartbeat, Dizziness
Yohimbine	Blood vessel dilation	Improved arousal	Anxiety, Increased heart rate
Tribulus Terrestris	Hormonal balance	Enhanced desire	Stomach upset

Physiologic Measures of Sexual Function in Women: A Review. Topical Pentoxifylline for Pressure Injury Prevention: A Call for Clinical Research. Advances in skin & Wound Care, 32(11), 486.

Side Effects and Risks

A systematic review of clinical trials on Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) effectiveness on sexual function and its safety. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 145(3), 715–721. Capsaicinoids Modulating Cardiometabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: Current Perspectives. The effect of melatonin on the sexual function among postmenopausal women: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Nursing and Midwifery Studies, 6(4), 149. The effect of topically applied vasoactive agents and testosterone versus testosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in aged men with low sexual interest. International Journal of Impotence Research, 13(2), 93–99.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Cialis Original	20mg	92 + 4 Pills	377.99€ 359.99€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100 mg	272 + 12 Pills	622.94€ 593.28€	Buy
Cialis Super Active	20mg	60 + 8 Pills	230.32€ 219.35€	Buy
Viagra Professional	100mg	90 + 2 Pills	207.09€ 197.23€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	60 + 4 Pills	145.06€ 138.15€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	360 + 10 Pills	260.03€ 247.65€	Buy
Kamagra Oral Jelly	100mg	110 + 9 Sachets	334.87€ 318.92€	Buy
Cialis Generic	5mg	20 Pills	41.99€ 39.99€	Buy
Viagra Super Active	100mg	20 + 4 Pills	48.05€ 45.76€	Buy
Viagra Generic	25mg	20 Pills	37.74€ 35.94€	Buy
Levitra Original	20mg	34 + 2 Pills	188.51€ 179.53€	Buy
Viagra Professional	100mg	180 + 4 Pills	337.30€ 321.24€	Buy
Viagra Original	100mg	12 Pills	72.54€ 69.09€	Buy

Chemical composition, olfactory evaluation and antioxidant effects of essential oil from Mentha x piperita. Natural Product Communications, 4(8), 1107–1112. Randomised controlled trial of the effects of L-ornithine on stress markers and sleep quality in healthy workers. Clitoral blood flow after use of gel containing L-arginine and L-citrulline. Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males.

Tip	Explanation	Frequency of Use advice
Follow recommended dosage	Overuse may cause adverse effects	Once daily
Consult a healthcare provider	Especially if on medication or with underlying conditions	Before starting
Monitor for side effects	Stop use if adverse reactions occur	Continuously
Use from reputable sources	To avoid counterfeit or contaminated products	During purchase
Avoid combining with alcohol	Alcohol may diminish effectiveness or cause side effects	N/A

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 123(3), 423–429. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Expert Consensus Panel Review. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(1), 114–128. Flibanserin for Premenopausal Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Pooled Analysis of Clinical Trials. Journal of Women's Health (2002), 28(6), 769–777. Melanocortin 4 receptor agonism enhances sexual brain processing in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Why did it take so long to earn FDA approval for Addyi in the first place?

If you don’t have insurance, Vyleesi offers financial assistance through an application on the prescription information website. You need to be at least 18 years old and not insured by a government agency (such as Medicaid) to be eligible for financial aid. Innerbody uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Clayton, A.

ASHWAGANDHA EXTRACT

H., Goldstein, I., Kim, N. N., Althof, S. E., Faubion, S. S., Faught, B. M., Parish, S.

What you can do

J., Simon, J. The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 93(4), 467–487. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD): Prevalence and impact on quality of life (QoL). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Peripheral Female Genital Arousal as Assessed by Thermography Following Topical Genital Application of Alprostadil vs Placebo Arousal Gel: A Proof-of-Principle Study Without Visual Sexual Stimulation.

• Natural supplements often have fewer side effects.
• Synthetic pills may require medical approval.
• Some products include aphrodisiac herbs.
• Many pills aim to increase lubrication.
• Certain pills claim to enhance orgasm intensity.
• Female sexual dysfunction can be caused by health issues.
• Age-related changes impact sexual desire.
• Menopause can influence libido levels.
• Some women use topical creams for arousal.
• Mental health conditions can affect sexual interest.
• Hormonal therapy is an option for some women.
• Physical activity improves pelvic blood flow.

Effect of Diindolylmethane on Estrogen-related Hormones, Metabolites and Tamoxifen Metabolism: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 1, 26(3), 435.

3. Ginseng

Like the supplement options, Addyi can take around four weeks to a couple of months before the effects kick in. But, according to the manufacturer, if you haven’t seen any improvement after taking Addyi for eight weeks, then the medication should be discontinued. Clinical trials show a positive impact on HSDD Convenient telehealth consultation and free prescription shipping Financial assistance available for qualifying individuals without insurance There is no restriction on drinking alcohol while using Vyleesi You can get a prescription online through manufacturer’s telemed partner, Prescribery Medication is shipped to you for free from BlinkRx specialty pharmacy Each prescription fill only contains four doses A long list of possible side effects Not for those who have already gone through menopause Not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns Can be extremely expensive if you are uninsured and don’t qualify for assistance Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is an FDA-approved injectable prescription medication that can be used as needed to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. HSDD is defined as a “persistent or recurrent absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity” that leads to distress or relationship difficulties. It’s not caused by a medical or mental health issue, relationship problem, or drug use.

Consult A Professional

Essentially, you know you have HSDD if your libido used to be acceptable to you, but it’s recently taken a dip, and this lower libido is causing you distress.18 54 Clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of Vyleesi for the treatment of HSDD have shown promising results. Versus a placebo, researchers reported that Vyleesi “significantly increased sexual desire.”56 To take Vyleesi, you use the autoinjector pen to give yourself an injection under the skin on your thighs or stomach about 45 minutes before sexual activity. The manufacturer notes that it shouldn’t be used more than once per day or more than eight times per month. The active ingredient in Vyleesi is bremelanotide, an FDA-approved drug to treat HSDD. It’s important to note that this medication does bring about the possibility of side effects, including (but not limited to):7 Because Vyleesi can alter your heart rate and blood pressure, it isn’t recommended for people with hypertension or cardiovascular issues.

Vyleesi (bremelanotide)

Even if you don’t have those concerns, it’s important to speak with your primary care provider to ensure Vyleesi is safe for you. You can obtain a Vyleesi prescription either through your doctor or the manufacturer’s third-party telehealth partner, Prescribery, for a $29 consultation fee (just click the “Get Vyleesi Online” button on the top of the Vyleesi website). No matter where you receive your prescription from, it will be shipped to you for free from BlinkRx, a specialty pharmacy. If you have insurance, the cost of Vyleesi may be covered. It’s a good idea to check with your plan beforehand to verify. Flibanserin (Addyi): The First FDA-Approved Treatment for Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder in Premenopausal Women.

• Prescription medications are sometimes used for sexual dysfunction.
• Flibanserin is approved for premenopausal women with hypoactive desire.
• Bremelanotide is a recent option for female sexual arousal disorder.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before taking sex pills.
• Be aware of potential side effects and interactions.
• Over-the-counter supplements aren’t regulated by FDA.
• Natural does not always mean safe; check ingredients carefully.
• Lifestyle changes can improve sexual health significantly.
• Regular exercise boosts blood circulation and desire.
• Stress reduction techniques may enhance sexual satisfaction.
• Adequate sleep supports hormonal balance.
• Communication with a partner can improve intimacy.

Role of Nitric Oxide in the Cardiovascular and Renal Systems. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(9), 2605.

• Some sex pills contain herbal aphrodisiacs.
• Many products claim to enhance sensitivity.
• Female libido is influenced by hormonal balance.
• Women’s sexual health can be affected by medications.
• Anxiety and stress often decrease desire.
• Nutritional deficiencies may impair sexual function.
• Psychological factors play a key role in desire.
• Certain vitamins (like D and E) support sexual health.
• Lifestyle choices like smoking harm sexual function.
• Alcohol can negatively affect arousal.
• Regular health check-ups improve overall sexual wellness.
• A balanced diet supports hormonal stability.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction.

Brand Name	Main Ingredients	Price Range	User Ratings (out of 5)	Availability
HER Bliss	Maca, L-arginine, Ginkgo Biloba	$20-$40	4.2	Online, Pharmacies
FemVigor	Damiana, Horny Goat Weed, Tribulus	$15-$35	4.0	Online only
DesirePlus	Yohimbine, Maca, Ginseng	$25-$50	4.3	Stores & Online
AphroDiva	L-arginine, Ginkgo, Damiana	$18-$38	4.1	Dispensaries

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 133(2), 139-145. Effect of long-term intranasal oxytocin on sexual dysfunction in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomized trial. (308) Oxytocin Troches as an Adjunctive Intervention to Conventional Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction Medication for Men with Sexuality Concerns. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(Supplement_1).

Related topics

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry, 22(4), 7-19. Topics in Current Chemistry, 328, 155–240. Seminal plasma magnesium and premature ejaculation: a case-control study. The Role of Magnesium in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 13(11), 843-847.

Prioritize Physical Activity

Effect of Zinc on Testosterone Levels and Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 47(8), 804–813. BIOCHEMISTRY OF MOBILE ZINC AND NITRIC OXIDE REVEALED BY FLUORESCENT SENSORS. Adverse Events Associated with Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary or Secondary Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review. Evaluation of Dietary Niacin and New-Onset Hypertension Among Chinese Adults.

What creates high libido?

Hop extracts and hop substances in treatment of menopausal complaints. Hops for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms: Mechanisms men enhancement pills of Action. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(4), 331-339. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 23(11), 1252–1256. Tadalafil once daily: Narrative review of a treatment option for female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) in midlife and older women. Tadalafil reversal of sexual dysfunction caused by serotonin enhancing medications in women. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 32(1), 1–3. Tadalafil 5 mg Daily Treatment for Type 1 Diabetic Premenopausal Women Affected by Sexual Genital Arousal Disorder. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(8), 2057-2065.

Episode Transcript

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 197 A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, 2-Way Crossover Study Using Thermography to Assess the Pharmacodynamics of Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% in Healthy Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17(1), S69. Systematic Review of l-Arginine for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Related Conditions in Women. Pharmacy: Journal of Pharmacy Education and Practice, 9(2).

Worth a try?

Vyleesi Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs. Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulation in Female Genital Tract Structures. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6, 247-253. Yes, you can have better sex in midlife and in the years beyond. Testosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?

Health News

Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Among Women: General Considerations and Pharmacological Options. Focus: Journal of Life Long Learning in Psychiatry, 19(1), 39-45. Integrative Medicine (Fourth Edition), 592-599.e2. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Effects of nine weeks L-Carnitine supplementation on exercise performance, anaerobic power, and exercise-induced oxidative stress in resistance-trained males. Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Safety and influence of a novel extract of fenugreek on healthy young women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.