Buying Female Viagra Online: Options, Safety, and Effectiveness
Buying Female Viagra Online: Options, Safety, and Effectiveness
Many women experience issues with sexual desire and arousal at some point in their lives. While male erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra have been available for decades, FDA-approved treatment options for women’s sexual health have lagged behind. However, in recent years, medications dubbed “female Viagra” have entered the market, sparking interest among women looking to enhance their sex lives.
This article will explore the options for buying female Viagra online, including prescription and over-the-counter products. We’ll look at the effectiveness, safety considerations, and legal status of various female libido enhancers available for purchase on the internet.
What is “Female Viagra”?
The term “female Viagra” is a bit of a misnomer, as there is no exact female equivalent to the popular erectile dysfunction drug for men. However, a few prescription medications aim to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women:
- Flibanserin (Addyi) – Approved by the FDA in 2015
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) – Approved in 2019
These drugs work differently than Viagra. Rather than increasing blood flow to the genitals, they target brain chemistry to boost libido and sexual desire in premenopausal women diagnosed with HSDD. They require a prescription and are not available over-the-counter.
In addition to prescription options, many herbal supplements and natural products are marketed as “female Viagra” or libido enhancers for women. These do not require a prescription but are not FDA-regulated.
Prescription Options for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Flibanserin (Addyi)
Flibanserin, sold under the brand name Addyi, was the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for treating HSDD in premenopausal women. It is sometimes called the “little pink pill” or “female Viagra,” though it works quite differently than Viagra for men.
Key facts about flibanserin:
- Taken daily as a pill
- Works on brain chemicals to increase sexual desire
- Can cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and nausea
- Alcohol use is contraindicated
- Requires prescription and REMS certification for doctors/pharmacies
Effectiveness: In clinical trials, women taking flibanserin reported a modest increase in satisfying sexual events compared to placebo. Studies show it may help 10-12% of women who try it.
Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)
Bremelanotide, brand name Vyleesi, is a newer FDA-approved treatment for HSDD in premenopausal women. It is an injectable medication used on-demand before sexual activity.
Key facts about bremelanotide:
- Self-administered injection used 45 minutes before sex
- Can be used up to 8 times per month
- May cause nausea, flushing, and headache
- Requires prescription
Effectiveness: In clinical trials, about 25% of women reported increased sexual desire with bremelanotide compared to 17% taking placebo. Research indicates it may be modestly effective for some women with HSDD.
Over-the-Counter Options Marketed as “Female Viagra”
Many supplements and natural products are sold online as libido enhancers or “female Viagra” alternatives. However, these are not FDA-approved and have limited evidence for effectiveness. Some popular OTC options include:
- Hersolution – Herbal supplement blend
- Provestra – Natural libido enhancer pills
- Vigorelle – Topical arousal cream
- Scream Cream – Prescription compounded topical
- Lady Era – Sildenafil (Viagra) marketed for women
It’s important to note that many of these products lack rigorous clinical testing. Their safety and effectiveness are largely unknown. Products containing undisclosed drug ingredients may also pose health risks.
Is it Legal to Buy Female Viagra Online?
The legality of purchasing “female Viagra” online depends on the specific product:
- Prescription medications like Addyi and Vyleesi require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is not legal to buy these without a valid Rx.
- FDA-approved OTC products can be legally purchased online from reputable retailers.
- Supplements and natural products exist in a regulatory grey area. They can be sold online but are not FDA-approved treatments.
Buying prescription drugs from overseas online pharmacies without a valid Rx is illegal and potentially unsafe. Stick to licensed U.S. pharmacies when purchasing any prescription medication online.
Safety Considerations When Buying Female Viagra Online
If you’re considering buying female Viagra online, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Only purchase FDA-approved prescription drugs with a valid Rx from a licensed healthcare provider
- Buy from reputable online pharmacies verified by the NABP
- Be wary of products making extreme claims or “miracle cure” promises
- Check ingredients lists and watch for undisclosed drugs
- Consult a doctor before trying any new supplement or medication
- Report any adverse effects to your healthcare provider
Comparing Female Sexual Enhancement Options
| Product | Type | Prescription Required? | FDA-Approved? | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flibanserin (Addyi) | Daily oral pill | Yes | Yes | Modest |
| Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) | As-needed injection | Yes | Yes | Modest |
| Hersolution | Herbal supplement | No | No | Limited evidence |
| Provestra | Herbal supplement | No | No | Limited evidence |
| Vigorelle | Topical cream | No | No | Anecdotal only |
Pros and Cons of Buying Female Viagra Online
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