Some women taking Viagra may find that having sex is more pleasurable. (And who can argue with that as a perk?) But that’s not true for everyone. Some women taking Viagra may experience side effects like: If you have low blood pressure or you’re taking blood pressure medication, Viagra can cause a further drop that may lead to dizziness and even fainting.
And mixing Viagra and alcohol is a big no-no because it can worsen the side effects, Dr. Zanotti warns. While Viagra might work on the physical side of things, other FDA-approved treatments can help women with other issues, like sexual desire.
“Viagra is approved for treating erectile dysfunction, nothing more,” Dr. Zanotti clarifies. “It hasn’t proven to be the answer for sexual dysfunction outside of that.” Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the genitals. For men sildenafil 100 mg cost with erectile dysfunction, that’s a game-changer. In women, Viagra may increase blood flow to the vulva and vaginal tissues, which could enhance your pleasure by heightening your sensitivity and promoting lubrication. “Viagra might help some women with the physical mechanics of sex, but it’s not going to help with other things that keep you from being ‘in the mood,’” Dr. Zanotti points out. No pill is going to make sure the laundry is done, the kids are asleep, or that you’re feeling confident in yourself and your relationship.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 199.37€ 189.88€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 201.34€ 191.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 72.32€ 68.88€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 111.25€ 105.95€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 20 Pills | 79.79€ 75.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 10 Pills | 25.19€ 23.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 180 + 6 Pills | 154.93€ 147.55€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 189.39€ 180.37€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 20 Pills | 37.74€ 35.94€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 129.64€ 123.47€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 84 + 4 Pills | 233.05€ 221.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 47.97€ 45.69€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 327.15€ 311.57€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 213.68€ 203.50€ |
But Dr. Zanotti notes a few medications that may help increase your interest in sex: Addyi® (flibanserin): A daily pill for premenopausal women with low sexual desire. It affects brain chemicals tied to libido.
| User Name | Reported Effects | Side Effects Experienced | Usage Frequency | Overall Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenny | Noticed increased sensitivity but mild headaches | Headache, flushes | Weekly | Moderately satisfied |
| Maria | Felt more aroused, no side effects | None | Occasionally | Satisfied |
| Lisa | No significant effect | Nausea, dizziness | Rarely | Dissatisfied |
| Karen | Improved orgasm intensity | Flushing, mild headache | Regular | Satisfied |
Like Viagra, it can lower blood pressure and shouldn’t be taken with alcohol.
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Off-label, experimental use | Not FDA approved for women |
| UK | Similar to US, off-label | Prescription only |
| Australia | Not approved for women | Research under consideration |
| Canada | Experimental use in clinical trials | Not commercially available |
Vyleesi® (bremelanotide): A self-injection that you use before sex. It’s approved only for premenopausal women whose low libido isn’t caused by another health condition. Wellbutrin® (bupropion): An antidepressant that may help improve libido, especially if your low sex drive is related to depression or SSRI use. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This may help improve vaginal dryness and restore sexual comfort (thus, boosting libido) for women going through menopause. Testosterone therapy: This can be prescribed to treat low libido in women entering menopause and in the years that follow. Sometimes, sexual dysfunction isn’t about biology — it’s about everything else going on in your life that puts sex on the back burner. “Sexual health in women is about more than just blood flow,” Dr. Zanotti says.
Effects of level and degree of spinal cord injury on male orgasm. Giuliano F, Hultling C, El Masry WS, Smith MD, Osterloh IH, Orr M et al. Randomized trial of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in spinal cord injury. Maytom MC, Derry FA, Dinsmore WW, Glass CA, Smith MD, Orr M et al. A two-part pilot study of sildenafil (VIAGRA) in men with erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury.
Hultling C, Giuliano F, Quirk F, Peña B, Mishra A, Smith MD . Quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury receiving Viagra (sildenafil citrate) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil effects on sexual and cardiovascular responses in women with spinal cord injury. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR 4th edn (Text Revision). Development of a sexual function questionnaire for clinical trials of female sexual dysfunction. “It’s about your mental health, your relationship, how comfortable you feel in your body and so much more.” Here are a few strategies that may help: If sex is painful, pelvic floor physical therapy may help. As you get older, vaginal tissue becomes drier and less elastic.
Using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers, particularly after menopause, can help can make sex more pleasurable.
Claes Hultling reports no commercial interests with the study sponsor. Tara Symonds and Scott Haughie are employees of Pfizer. Susanne Steinberg was an employee of Pfizer when the study was conducted. Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury. Sexual Health in the Neurogenic Patient Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports (2020) Knowledge Gaps in Urologic Care of Female Spinal Cord Injury Patients Current Urology Reports (2019) Sexual Function after Spinal Cord Injury: Innervation, Assessment, and Treatment Current Sexual Health Reports (2016) The little blue pill might help with physical arousal, but there are better treatments for low libido in women Image content: This image is available to view online.
Woman researching viagra on her cell phone Concerns about sex drive and sexual performance are extremely common in women. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, sees it all the time in her practice: “It’s probably one of the top questions I get asked, and it’s common in adults of all ages.” We know that Viagra® can help men perform between the sheets. Prioritize exercise, manage stress and sleep — they can all affect your sex drive more than you might think.
J Womens Health Gend Based Med 2002; 11: 277–289. The use of the sexual function questionnaire as a screening tool for women with sexual dysfunction. Development of a questionnaire on sexual quality of life in women. Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder: a double-blind, placebo controlled study. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and female sexual response: faulty protocols or paradigms?
This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Editorial support was provided by Anne Johnson, Janet E Matsuura, PhD, and Deborah M Campoli-Richards, BSPharm, RPh, of Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc., and was funded by Pfizer Inc. Marca Sipski Alexander reports no commercial interests with the study sponsor. Raymond Rosen reports no current commercial interests with the study sponsor. At the time of this research, Dr Rosen served as a consultant and research advisor for Pfizer Inc. Talk with a therapist, especially one who specializes in sexual health or trauma, if your low sex drive is related to things like mental health concerns, past sexual trauma or negative body image. Have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the cause and explore personalized solutions. Viagra might sound like a quick fix, but it rarely is. Because the research hasn’t proven that it’s beneficial for women, most healthcare providers consider it a last resort — not a first-line treatment. While it may improve physical arousal for some, Viagra doesn’t directly impact desire. If you’re struggling with low libido, you’re not alone, and real help is available.
This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com Targeting recovery: priorities of the spinal cord-injured population. Targeting recovery: priorities of the spinal cord-injured population. Sexual activities, response and satisfaction in women pre- and post-spinal cord injury. Sexual activities, desire, and satisfaction in males pre- and post-spinal cord injury.
Arch Sex Behav 1993; 22: 217–228. Sexual arousal and orgasm in women: effects of spinal cord injury. The effects of spinal cord injury on psychogenic sexual arousal in males. Sexual responsiveness in women with spinal cord injuries: differential effects of anxiety-eliciting stimulation. Arch Sex Behav 2004; 33: 295–302. Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Dr. Zanotti clears up what Viagra does, and doesn’t do, for women, and what options are available for you. Technically, yes, women can take Viagra (also known by the generic name sildenafil). But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved it for use by women. The steroid medication may raise your blood pressure and cause heart palpitations Lower your risk by sticking to the right dose and avoiding long-term use without medical guidance Authorized take-back programs, services and drop-off locations are the best, safest way to get rid of expired medicine These illegal supplements have negative impacts for vital organs and may cause psychosis, heart attacks and more Popular among teens, these inhalants give you a quick high, with serious harmful effects ‘Black box warnings’ on medications outline potential risks and important instructions These similar versions of brand-name drugs are safe, effective and often less expensive Though these painkillers work in different ways, they can both help reduce a fever and pain These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Mon May 25 2026 22:05:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction is a frequent adverse effect occurring with medication use and is a major influence for premature discontinuation of antidepressant treatment, which leads to treatment failure and costly disease management outcomes.
Sexual dysfunction is recognized as being associated with selective and nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants, which are the most frequently prescribed medications for outpatients aged 18 to 65 years and represent 90% of the 180 million antidepressant prescriptions filled in the United States.1 Antidepressant treatment–associated sexual dysfunction is estimated to occur in 30% to 70% of men and women treated for major depression with first- or second-generation agents,2 a principal reason for a 3-fold increased risk of nonadherence that approaches 70% in the first months of treatment and leads to increased relapse, recurrence, disability, and resource utilization by affected patients.3 However, the literature in this field is less developed for women with more highly variable prevalence rates and less conclusive data compared with men.