What the ‘female Viagra’ means for you
WITH the release of the drug dubbed the ‘female Viagra’, many people are claiming it as a milestone in women’s lives as it is set to increase sexual desire.
To get some insight into the drug, All Woman spoke with obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Ryan Halsall, who said without a doubt the FDA-approved drug Addyi (Flibanserin) is probably one of the most controversial medications released this year. Dr Halsall explained that it is likely to be available on our shores later this year and it is being marketed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
“It marks a milestone for women’s health, giving breath to the often overlooked area of female sexuality. Male sexuality has always been somewhat of a priority, so to speak, with medications and therapies often directed towards them resulting in a multimillion-dollar industry,” Dr Halsall said.
The ObGyn said HSDD is essentially when a woman doesn’t have the desire for having intimacy or sexual contact over a prolonged period. He added that it’s quite a common disorder, with up to a third of women experiencing this issue at some point in their lives.
Dr Halsall said Flibanserin is used to counteract the chemical imbalance that is thought to be at the root of the condition.
“Now here is where the controversy starts. One must be careful to understand that there are many things that can cause loss of libido in women, and this drug is aimed at treating only HSDD. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress or even medications can lower women’s desire for sex. This medication will not help those people,” he pointed out.
Additionally, Dr Halsall said there are some who believe that no one pill can truly significantly improve a woman’s sex life.
“They believe that sex drive is a complicated psychological activity, with many factors. The chemical imbalance may just be the end point of several smaller issues, and the pill is in fact not treating the underlying causes,” he said.
But according to Dr Halsall, whatever the true story may be, what is clear is that extreme caution must be taken when deciding to prescribe or take this drug.
“Patients should be thoroughly evaluated by either their gynaecologist, psychologist, sex therapist and even psychiatrist before running to this drug. This is to ensure that the right diagnosis is reached before starting medication,” he said.
Dr Halsall added that the drug may also have significant side effects.
“Dizziness, blackouts and low blood pressure have been documented while on the drug, all of which can be made worse by alcohol and even the oral contraceptive pill,” he said.
Of note, he said that there are other natural ways to increase your libido, such as reducing stress, talking dirty and using natural aphrodisiacs such as chocolate, avocado and wine.
— Kimberley Hibbert
