The fundamental aspects of intimate relationships, like desire and passion, often fade into the background when faced with the complexities of female sexual dysfunction. For many women, the journey through adulthood includes unexpected detours into periods of diminished sexual desire. It leaves them searching for solutions in a world that has historically overlooked female sexual health.
Unlike the widely advertised solutions available for men, the landscape of female sexual enhancement is nuanced and often misunderstood. The whispered conversations in doctors’ offices, the hesitant Google searches, and the silent struggles within relationships all point to a common question that deserves thoughtful exploration: how long does it take for female Viagra to work?
This blog will provide the insights you need to make informed decisions about your intimate health journey.
Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female Sexual Dysfunction FSD affects approximately 40% of women at some point in their lives. Unlike male erectile dysfunction, female sexual issues often involve a complex interplay of psychological and relationship factors. FSD typically leads to:
- Low sexual desire
- Difficulty becoming aroused
- Problems reaching orgasm
- Pain during intercourse
Among these various forms of FSD, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder HSDD is particularly common. HSDD is a condition where patients face constant or recurring lack of sexual desire and fantasies for sexual activity. It leads to interpersonal or distress challenges.
The underlying causes of FSD and HSDD can include hormonal changes, particularly during menopause or after childbirth. Other than that, psychological factors like stress, depression, relationship difficulties, or medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension also cause these.
Before seeking pharmaceutical solutions, doctors suggest a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential underlying causes.
How Flibanserin (Addyi) Works?
When people ask how female Viagra works, they are usually referring to flibanserin, brand name Addyi, or bremelanotide, brand name Vyleesi. These medications are quite different from male Viagra Sildenafil.
Flibanserin was initially developed as an antidepressant, but people found positive effects of it on sexual desire during clinical trials. This discovery led to its repurposing as a treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder HSDD in premenopausal women.
Flibanserin works on brain chemistry rather than blood flow. It affects neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which play roles in sexual desire. By increasing dopamine and norepinephrine and decreasing serotonin, flibanserin aims to restore balance to these neurotransmitters.
How Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) Works?
Bremelanotide, on the other hand, activates melanocortin receptors, which induce sexual arousal and desire. Understanding how female Viagra works helps set realistic expectations about its effects and timeline. The brain-centred approach of these medications explains why they do not work immediately. Changing brain chemistry is a gradual process that requires consistent medication levels over time.
The Timeline: When to Expect Results?
So, how long does it take for female Viagra to work? Unlike male Viagra, which works within 30-60 minutes, female sexual desire medications do not produce immediate results.
For Flibanserin (Addyi):
- Patients need to take this medication daily
- Most women do not notice significant improvements until after 4-8 weeks of consistent use.
- Full benefits may take up to 12 weeks to develop.
- Clinical studies have shown that after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment, women experienced an average increase of 0.5 to 1 additional satisfying sexual event per month.
For Bremelanotide (Vyleesi):
- It is a shot that is given in the belly or thigh 45 minutes before sexual intercourse.
- Effects can start within 30-60 minutes.
- Results vary significantly between individuals.
- No to use more than once within 24 hours or more than 8 times per month.
If you are wondering how long female Viagra takes to work, it is crucial to understand that these medications work gradually over time. These do not offer an immediate boost for a single sexual encounter.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of “Female Viagra”
Several factors can affect how long it takes for female Viagra to work and its overall effectiveness:
- Consistency: Taking the medication as prescribed is essential for it to work correctly. Missing doses can disrupt the gradual changes in brain chemistry needed for effectiveness. Individual Body
- Chemistry: As with any medication, individual responses vary based on metabolism, hormone levels, and other physiological factors. Some women respond better to these medications than others.
- Underlying Causes: If HSDD is due to psychological factors or underlying medical conditions, addressing these root causes is essential for effective treatment.
- Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol while taking female Viagra can cause dangerous side effects and reduce effectiveness. Complete abstinence from alcohol is recommended during treatment.
- Other Medications: Certain drugs can interact with female sexual dysfunction medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Birth control pills, antifungal medications, and certain antibiotics may affect how these medications work.
- Hormonal Status: Women in different hormonal states (premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal) may respond differently to these medications. Addyi is FDA-approved only for premenopausal women with HSDD or postmenopausal women taking hormone therapy.
- Sleep Quality: Since female Viagra, such as Addyi, is taken at bedtime, poor sleep may affect how well the medication works. Good sleep can potentially enhance effectiveness.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
When considering whether female Viagra is right for you, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects:
For Flibanserin (Addyi):
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
For Bremelanotide (Vyleesi):
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Temporary increase in blood pressure
- Darkening of gums and skin in certain areas
It is generally suggested that women with certain medical conditions, including liver problems and cardiovascular disease, should avoid these treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Lifestyle Changes and Complementary Approaches
While waiting for female Viagra to work, doctors suggest incorporating lifestyle changes that may enhance sexual health:
- Regular exercise to improve mood, energy, and blood flow
- Stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
- Open communication with partners about sexual needs and concerns
- Adequate sleep to support hormone balance
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Seeking therapy for underlying psychological or relationship issues
- Exploring new forms of intimacy and sexual expression with partners
Research suggests that combining pharmaceutical treatments with sex therapy or couples counselling may yield better results than medication alone for women with HSDD. The psychological and relationship aspects of sexual desire often need attention alongside the physiological factors that medications address.
Summing Up
Understanding how long it takes for female Viagra to work helps set realistic expectations when starting treatment for HSDD and FSD. Unlike male Viagra, these medications do not provide immediate results but work gradually over time.
If you are considering treatment for female sexual dysfunction, it is essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help determine what female Viagra works best for your specific situation and guide you through the process of finding effective treatment.
If you are ready to explore options for addressing HSDD, FSD, or other forms of female sexual dysfunction, consider exploring Indogenmed for accessing high-quality medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active ingredient in “female Viagra”?
The most common medications referred to as “female Viagra” are Flibanserin (Addyi) and Bremelanotide (Vyleesi). These are entirely different compounds from Sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in male Viagra.
How does Addyi differ from Sildenafil (Viagra)?
Male Viagra (Sildenafil) works by increasing blood flow to the genitals, while Addyi works on brain chemistry to increase sexual desire. They address different aspects of sexual function.
Can I take Addyi with other medications?
It is essential to discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor before starting Addyi. Certain medications, particularly those affecting liver function or serotonin levels, may interact with Addyi.
What are the most common side effects of female Viagra?
The most common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. The risk of side effects increases significantly when combined with alcohol.
How often should I take Addyi?
Addyi is typically taken once daily at bedtime. It must be taken consistently to be effective in treating HSDD. Taking it at night helps minimize side effects, such as dizziness during waking hours.
Can I drink alcohol while taking female Viagra?
No, combining female Viagra with alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure and fainting. It is recommended to avoid alcohol entirely while taking Addyi for HSDD.
Is Addyi safe for everyone?
No, Addyi is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, including liver problems, certain cardiovascular conditions, or those taking specific medications. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary before starting treatment.
How long does Addyi stay in my system?
Addyi has a half-life of approximately 11 hours, meaning it takes about that long for half of the drug to be eliminated from your system. Most of the drug is cleared within 2-3 days.
Will Addyi increase my female Viagra immediately?
No, when asking how long female Viagra takes to work, it is essential to understand that it does not provide immediate results. Most women with HSDD need to take it consistently for 4-8 weeks before noticing improvements in desire and sexual satisfaction.
Can stress affect the effectiveness of female Viagra?
Yes, since sexual desire involves both physical and psychological factors, high stress levels can potentially reduce the effectiveness of medications.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication or treatment for FSIAD or HSDD.
Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/flibanserin-oral-route/description/drg-20152672
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589649/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18608-flibanserin-oral-tablets
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-169869/addyi-oral/details
