Can women take viagra? Know the side effects of the little blue pill

It is a known fact that if a man has an erectile dysfunction, he can always opt for Viagra (sildenafil). The little blue pill has helped many men in improving their sex life. Have you ever wondered whether women can use Viagra?

Going by a simple online search, it seems like it’s something that’s been on the minds of many. People have asked questions like, “What happens if women take Viagra?” and “Can Viagra work on women?” There are natural aphrodisiacs to spice up things in bed, but is Viagra a good option for women too?

HealthShots reached out to an expert to seek answers to all these questions, so read on to find out if women can take Viagra or is it something that should be kept at an arm’s length. Here’s what Dr. Sanjay Ramanlal Kumawat, Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, had to say.

Does Viagra work on women too?

It’s a question that pops up a lot of times. Dr Kumawat says Viagra can be used in women to treat sexual orgasmic disorders, which include delayed orgasm or fewer orgasms (orgasm tips to try). It’s not always easy to be satisfied in bed. The expert says that one of the most common female sexual dysfunctions involves a lack of sexual interest and willingness to be sexual. This can sometimes be related to hormonal changes or underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Can women with sexual arousal problems take Viagra?

How the Viagra works is that it can help in increasing the blood flow to the genitals. That way, there will be more sensitivity and enhanced sexual stimulation. However, it may not be beneficial for women whose sexual desire is low.

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Side effects of women taking Viagra

The little blue pill is used in men to dilate blood vessels and increase the flow of blood to their penis. Similarly, in the case of women, it increases the blood flow to the genitals, explains the expert. It can help to increase orgasmic function, sensitivity, and arousal. However, it can cause side effects and may interact with other medications. These side effects may be similar to those experienced by men. In fact, the risk of developing a serious eye condition shoots up by 85 per cent if Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medicines are regularly taken, as per a study from University of British Columbia researchers in Vancouver, Canada.

Some of the side effects are

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Low blood pressure
• Flashes in front of your eyes.

Treatment of female sexual dysfunction

Women can consider many treatment options for sexual dysfunction.

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1. Psychological and social atmosphere

Any form of depression or untreated anxiety can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, says Dr Kumawat. Even long-standing conflicts with your partner about sex or other aspects can impact your sexual relationship. Emotional or psychological barriers can be addressed through counseling, either individually or as a couple.

2. Hormone therapy

Depending on symptoms, topical creams, vaginally administered medications, or oral hormones can be suggested to balance the hormone.

3. Pain management

Pain during sex can be addressed through a variety of approaches such as experimenting with different sexual positions, using vaginal lubricants, or practising relaxation techniques before sexual activity. The use of vaginal dilators can also be an option suggested by the expert if needed.

4. Medication

Currently limited medications are available in the market, and it’s used to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (low sex drive) in women. Pre-menopausal women are eligible to consume this medication.