Viagra For Women

[ladylove]

Millions of middle-aged men have used Viagra in order to improve erections and enhance their sex lives. Ever since the drug was first released in 1998 there has been talk about the possible benefits for women suffering from sexual dysfunction. Certainly Pfizer (and other pharmaceutical companies) would like to expand their sales to the other half of the human population.

Once a prescription drug is approved for at least one indication, physicians are free to prescribe it for any other disorders or symptoms for which they believe it would be effective, a practice called off-label prescribing. Now some doctors are prescribing sildenafil (Viagra) off-label for women with sexual dysfunction.

We know that depression can cause both men and women to lose desire for sex. But the medications that many take to treat depression can also cause sexual problems. Sexual dysfunction is common for women taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, encompassing decreased interest in sex and physical arousal, painful intercourse, and difficulty reaching orgasm. That's why many women stop taking SSRIs.

A new study suggests that the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil (Viagra) can help. The study was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Volume 300, page 395). It suggests that Viagra may help women suffering from sexual dysfunction regain their sexual desire and enjoyment.

Researchers enrolled 98 women treated with SSRIs for major depression who were experiencing sexual dysfunction. Half were randomized to take 50 to 100 mg of Viagra one to two hours before sexual activity; the others were given a placebo. The participants' sexual function was measured using standard questionnaires.

After eight weeks, nearly three out of four women experienced better sexual response. Only 28% of women taking Viagra reported no improvement in sexual interest and satisfaction compared with 73% of placebo takers. The most common side effects were headaches, flushing, and indigestion -- but no women dropped out of the trial because of these.

In men, Viagra inhibits an enzyme that results in improved blood flow to the penis, and it appears that the same enzyme is in female genital tissue. Viagra is not yet approved for women, but doctors may start prescribing it for this purpose. But before you rush to your doctor for a prescription for yourself or the woman in your life, you should be aware not everyone thinks Viagra will work for most women.

Mayo Clinic Internist, Jacqueline M. Thielen, M.D., says, "Although women experiencing loss of sex function due to antidepressants may respond to Viagra, for most women simply addressing difficulties with arousal may not get to the actual problem - which is often a lack of sexual desire." Dr. Thielen goes on to note that many factors can influence a woman's sexual desire:

Many women find that the stresses of daily life deplete their desire for sex.

Highs and lows in sexual desire may coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship or major life changes, such as menopause.

For some women, orgasm can be elusive - causing concerns or preoccupations that lead to a loss of interest in sex.

Desire is often connected to a woman's sense of intimacy with her partner, as well as a reaction to current relationship frustrations and past experiences. Over time, psychological troubles can contribute to biological problems and vice versa.

Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can alter a woman's sexual-response cycle - causing discomfort during sex. Certain infections, such as yeast infections, can have the same effect.

If you're experiencing changes or difficulties with sexual function, consult your doctor. In some cases, hormones, creams, clitoral-stimulating products or other treatments may be helpful. These products don't work for everyone, however. Your doctor may also recommend that you consult a sex therapist.

If you're a man, have you tried Viagra for treating sexual dysfunction? Did it work for you?

If you're a woman, have you tried Viagra? Did it work?

[makasha1]

CIALIS.....One of the modern miracles of science!

My wife would just like to find a Dr. who would take her seriously when discussing sexual issues. Even the women don't seem to.

[ladylove]

CIALIS.....One of the modern miracles of science!

My wife would just like to find a Dr. who would take her seriously when discussing sexual issues. Even the women don't seem to.

Sorry you wife isn't being listened to; did your wife talk to her OBGYN? Is her OB a female, if both answers are yes, time to find a new Dr.

[Tyger]

Sorry you wife isn't being listened to; did your wife talk to her OBGYN? Is her OB a female, if both answers are yes, time to find a new Dr.

I totally agree with this response!

[Guest eminatic]

ugh i know the feeling, i get brushed off all the time by my gyns and they always say its in my head or something...to top it off they also assume i just flat out dont know what im talking about because of my age =/

my ex took viagra...i always wondered what would happened if a girl took it lol...

[leslieanne]

There were some small studies done shortly after Viagra was approved by the FDA. The studies did not include placebos, women were asked if their response improved, was the same or was worse with Viagra. The results did not indicate any improvement. Since there is more $'s for the drug companies marketing to men no additional studies were done until recently. The study referred to specifically looked at women on antidepressants, it's difficult to generalize it to the population as a whole. What was good about the study is that it did include placebo's - which makess the results much more believable.

As for MD's not responding to women and their concerns about sexual function - there are a number of reasons this happens

1. The MD's are uncomfortable discussing sexual function with patients

2. There is little to no education for MD's regarding sexual function while in medical school or residency - sadly this includes OB/Gyn's and Urologists.

3. MD's are just as uncomfortable as the general population when it comes to issues related to sex, sexual functions, alternative life styles, etc.

4. The amount of information with regard to medications and how they affect sexual function is limited - if there are adverse effects that information is often buried at the end of all the drug info.

Women do need to be willing to bring their issues up with the doctor as most/many doctors won't take the initiative to ask about it. If your doctor is unwilling to discuss the issue with you, if they blow you off, or have little to no information you have to be willing to change physicians.

I work in a large group practice with 28 OB/GYN's, of those 28 there are 7-8 of us who will proactively ask about sexual function, anther 4-5 that are willing to work with women to address issues they have with sexual function. Thus there's less then 50% of us that don't shy away from the issues - this is true in private practice as well.

[ladylove]

There were some small studies done shortly after Viagra was approved by the FDA. The studies did not include placebos, women were asked if their response improved, was the same or was worse with Viagra. The results did not indicate any improvement. Since there is more $'s for the drug companies marketing to men no additional studies were done until recently. The study referred to specifically looked at women on antidepressants, it's difficult to generalize it to the population as a whole. What was good about the study is that it did include placebo's - which makess the results much more believable.

As for MD's not responding to women and their concerns about sexual function - there are a number of reasons this happens

1. The MD's are uncomfortable discussing sexual function with patients

2. There is little to no education for MD's regarding sexual function while in medical school or residency - sadly this includes OB/Gyn's and Urologists.

3. MD's are just as uncomfortable as the general population when it comes to issues related to sex, sexual functions, alternative life styles, etc.

4. The amount of information with regard to medications and how they affect sexual function is limited - if there are adverse effects that information is often buried at the end of all the drug info.

Women do need to be willing to bring their issues up with the doctor as most/many doctors won't take the initiative to ask about it. If your doctor is unwilling to discuss the issue with you, if they blow you off, or have little to no information you have to be willing to change physicians.

I work in a large group practice with 28 OB/GYN's, of those 28 there are 7-8 of us who will proactively ask about sexual function, anther 4-5 that are willing to work with women to address issues they have with sexual function. Thus there's less then 50% of us that don't shy away from the issues - this is true in private practice as well.

That's very interesting Leslie, out of curiosity are the 7-8 OB/GYN's all women and the only women of the group? I'm curios to know if men may be more inhibited to ask a women about her sexual function. I know I would be less inclined to discuss anything resembling my sexual function with a male Dr. Even with my female Dr. I have to make a list and force myself to discuss some issues.

[sun_flower969]

There were some small studies done shortly after Viagra was approved by the FDA. The studies did not include placebos, women were asked if their response improved, was the same or was worse with Viagra. The results did not indicate any improvement. Since there is more $'s for the drug companies marketing to men no additional studies were done until recently. The study referred to specifically looked at women on antidepressants, it's difficult to generalize it to the population as a whole. What was good about the study is that it did include placebo's - which makess the results much more believable.

As for MD's not responding to women and their concerns about sexual function - there are a number of reasons this happens

1. The MD's are uncomfortable discussing sexual function with patients

2. There is little to no education for MD's regarding sexual function while in medical school or residency - sadly this includes OB/Gyn's and Urologists.

3. MD's are just as uncomfortable as the general population when it comes to issues related to sex, sexual functions, alternative life styles, etc.

4. The amount of information with regard to medications and how they affect sexual function is limited - if there are adverse effects that information is often buried at the end of all the drug info.

Women do need to be willing to bring their issues up with the doctor as most/many doctors won't take the initiative to ask about it. If your doctor is unwilling to discuss the issue with you, if they blow you off, or have little to no information you have to be willing to change physicians.

I work in a large group practice with 28 OB/GYN's, of those 28 there are 7-8 of us who will proactively ask about sexual function, anther 4-5 that are willing to work with women to address issues they have with sexual function. Thus there's less then 50% of us that don't shy away from the issues - this is true in private practice as well.

Hangups!! Even in the medical field!! See, if there were more like you Leslie, encouraging sexual health, more women could overcome their own hangups and worries because their DOCTOR gave them good info! Kudos to you!!