There is no over-the-counter (OTC) equivalent to Viagra for women, and taking Viagra (sildenafil) itself isn't approved or recommended for females due to ineffectiveness and potential risks. Medications like Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) treat low sexual desire (FSIAD) in premenopausal women but require a doctor's prescription and have side effects, especially with alcohol. Some OTC supplements claim to boost libido, but evidence varies, and it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for safe, effective options.
The women Viagra whose brand name is Addyi (Flibanserin) also known as the pink pussycat pill, is a non-hormonal prescription medication that is used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women who have not gone through menopause.
But there are two FDA-approved medications for low sex drive in premenopausal women — Addyi and Vyleesi (though in truth, it's not clear how well they actually work). These are sometimes called “female Viagra” even though they're completely different types of medications to Viagra.
Filbanserin, a drug commonly touted as a “female Viagra”, is approved for use only in Western Australia but is available at some online pharmacies.
Often called "female Viagra," Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) are medications designed to boost sexual desire in females though they do not affect physical performance. 1 They treat a condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD).
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. But the benefits likely stop there.
Addyi is the first and only FDA-approved pill for frustrating low libido, proven to increase sex drive in BOTH premenopausal and postmenopausal women (<65).
Female viagra alternatives
'There are supplements that some women use to support sexual health, though research on their effectiveness is mixed. ' These include: L-Arginine – An amino acid that may help by increasing blood flow, similar to how Viagra works in men.
While the US-approved drug flibanserin offers limited benefit for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), it's not approved in Australia—and comes with notable side effects.
About Addyi
Addyi is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. Get Addyi for as low as $298.80, which is 74% off the average retail price of $1,131.16 for the most common version, by using a GoodRx coupon.
The four main medicines taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction are:
How to trigger a woman's oxytocin. Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," is released in women in response to physical touch, emotional closeness, and relaxation. Simple gestures like hugging, kissing, cuddling, gentle eye contact, or intimate bonding can naturally boost its levels.
The FDA has approved a daily pill called flibanserin (Addyi) to treat low sexual desire in women before menopause.
Do not take ADDYI if you are taking any of the following: certain medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, fungal infections, antibiotics, Hepatitis C infection, high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), or other heart problems, nefazodone used to treat depression.
Women who have gone through menopause and men should not use flibanserin. Do not use this medicine to improve sexual performance. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Some women may see results with Addyi as early as 4 weeks, but your results may vary. Not all women will experience similar improvement in their HSDD. If you do not have an improvement in your symptoms after 8 weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
25 of the Biggest Turn Ons for Girls
How to get a harder erection
Female arousal is triggered by a complex mix of psychological, emotional, hormonal, and physical factors, with mental state (safety, connection, reduced stress), hormones (estrogen, testosterone), and physical touch (clitoral, vaginal) playing key roles, often in a "responsive" way where desire builds after stimulation begins. Emotional intimacy, feeling secure, and a lack of stress are often more critical than immediate sexual cues, creating a foundation for the body's physical responses like increased blood flow and lubrication.
In women, Viagra can increase blood flow to the genital area, which might enhance physical sensations during arousal and potentially contribute to increased lubrication. However, this effect is not direct or guaranteed, and Viagra doesn't act as a lubricant itself.
Key takeaways. The “little pink pill” is a nickname for the prescription medication flibanserin (Addyi). It is used to help treat low sex drive in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who have not gone through menopause yet. Like all medications, flibanserin has potential risks and side effects.
Vyleesi (bremelanotide) and Addyi (flibanserin) can help treat female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) in premenopausal people. The FDA has not approved Viagra for use in females. The FDA also advises against taking over-the-counter supplements that are marketed to boost libido.
The new “female Viagra,” a daily pill for low sex drive called Addyi, costs $800 per month.
Best Viagra for Women
Addyi (flibanserin) – taken daily at bedtime; improves desire over time. Vyleesi (bremelanotide) – injected before sex; boosts arousal quickly.