Misconception of Female Viagra
The term "female Viagra" is often used to refer to medications designed to treat low sexual desire in women. This terminology, however, is not entirely accurate. Unlike Viagra, which targets physical symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men, these medications aim to modify the neurochemical balance in women to enhance sexual desire.
FDA Approval and the Concept of Medications for Female Sexual Desire
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs specifically intended to address low libido in women: flibanserin, marketed under the brand name Addyi, and bremelanotide, sold as Vyleesi.
Flibanserin (Addyi): The First FDA-Approved Treatment
Flibanserin, or Addyi, is a daily pill originally developed as an antidepressant. It functions as a non-hormonal, multifunctional serotonin agonist antagonist (MSAA). It was approved by the FDA to manage hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Overview and Function
Addyi works by adjusting the balance of certain brain chemicals. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that are associated with sexual excitement, and decreases levels of serotonin, which can reduce sex drive.
Usage and Administration
As a daily pill, Addyi should be taken regularly rather than as needed. It's important to note that flibanserin doesn't work for everyone. In randomized placebo-control clinical trials, between 46% to 60% of women with HSDD reported a clear benefit from flibanserin.
Bremelanotide (Vyleesi): An Alternative Treatment
As an alternative to Addyi, the FDA approved a new drug called bremelanotide or Vyleesi in 2019.
It was made available to women on September 19.
Overview and Function
Like Addyi, Vyleesi is designed to treat a lack of female sexual desire. Unlike Addyi, it's not a daily pill but an injectable medication.
Usage and Administration
Vyleesi is injected into the stomach or thigh at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. It offers a different approach for women who might not want to commit to a daily pill.
Comparing Flibanserin and Bremelanotide: Effectiveness and Use Cases
Both Addyi and Vyleesi aim to enhance female sexual desire, but their mechanisms and methods of use are different. Addyi corrects an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain to enhance sexual excitement, while Vyleesi is used prior to sexual activity to increase libido. The effectiveness of these medications varies, and their suitability depends on individual health factors, preferences, and the specific nature of a woman's sexual dysfunction.
Understanding Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and Its Treatments
The development and approval of Addyi and Vyleesi represent significant steps in acknowledging and treating sexual dysfunction in women. While these medications have been referred to as "female Viagra," they are unique treatments designed to address the complex nature of female sexual interest/arousal disorder. Both have potential benefits and side effects that should be discussed with a healthcare provider. It's essential for women to understand that these treatments are not one-size-fits-all solutions, and their effectiveness can vary.
