While the common treatment for erectile dysfunction is specially developed for men, what exactly happens if a girl takes it?
Viagra: a Fighter Against Erectile Dysfunction
According to Medical News Today, Viagra is an approved prescription medication for treating erectile dysfunction. Males with erectile dysfunction cannot maintain their erection. The treatment can be used for males who are at least 18 years old.
IFL Science reports that the active ingredient in this medication is sildenafil. It was first discovered by Pfizer specialists as they were looking for ways to treat chest pain linked to the heart in the 1980s.
The idea behind the sildenafil drug is that it would block the enzyme action of PDE5. By inhibiting the said enzyme's activity, the component enables the relaxation of blood vessels, a decrease in blood pressure, and a boost in blood flow.
Interestingly, the treatment had a side effect. Males who took it got boners. While PDE comes in many forms, PDE5, specifically, gets highly expressed inside the penis' erectile tissue. Healthline reports that the drug helps boost blood flow toward the penis, which leads to an erection.
As per IFL Science, across the United States, the blue pill can only be accessed with a prescription. Using the medication is restricted and can only be done with a licensed healthcare professional's supervision.
In the UK, on the other hand, there is a Viagra-like over-the-counter medication. This medication does not require a prescription and can be accessed by men who are at least 18 years old. However, pharmacists may have certain questions before allowing the purchase of the drug.
ALSO READ: Men Taking PDE-5 Inhibitors to Treat Erectile Dysfunction Have Lower Risk of Heart Disease
What Happens If a Girl Takes Viagra?
Clearly, the drug is designed for men. But if a girl takes the blue pill, what happens? Though the drug has not been clinically approved for female usage, several studies have looked into how sildenafil affects women.
Inhibitors of PDE5, including sildenafil, may lead to a blood flow boost to the clitoris or vagina. This, in turn, leads to a clitoral erection. This is due to the expression of PDE5 in the smooth muscles of the labia, clitoris, and vagina.
In terms of libido, a small 2008 study discovered that sildenafil could aid women who struggle with sexual arousal because of antidepressant treatments.
However, there is lacking and inconsistent wider evidence regarding how the drug benefits women. On top of this, usage of the little blue pill may also lead to undesirable consequences, including dizziness, hot flushes, headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, and a stuffy nose. The drug's safety for female consumption has also not been established.
As for alternatives for women, "female Viagra" could be flibanserin drugs. These could be bremelanotide released by the Vyleesi brand or small pink pills sold by Addyi.
The FDA has issued a go signal for both of these treatments. They could help in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire conditions among women in the perimenopausal stage.
There are, however, controversies surrounding both of these drugs, as they affect brain chemistries linked to thinking and mood.
RELATED ARTICLE: Female Viagra Addyi Makes Its Official Rounds On The Market
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