Sildenafil pills are generally used by men for treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence issues. However, these pills are also prescribed by healthcare professionals for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in all sexes. So, women can use Sildenafil, to alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. But they cannot use it to boost their sexual function.
As per the National Institutes of Health, women can make use of Viagra pills, which are the brand name version of Sildenafil. But they have to buy them off-label because Sildenafil drugs are not intended for use in women. The pills boost blood circulation in the genitals; therefore, some women might benefit from them.
Sildenafil pills might help those women who are experiencing issues related to their sexual function such as low sex drive, loss of interest in sex, lack of lubrication, etc. These problems are common among menopausal women. The effects of the pill may improve their sexual function, but the results will not be substantial.
About Sildenafil
Sildenafil is classified under the category of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the name Viagra. Viagra pills are very popular drugs that relieve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction among men. The pills work by boosting the blood flow to their penile and improving the erection function.
For treating pulmonary hypertension, they dilate the arteries of the lungs and relax them completely. This allows more blood to flow inside the arteries. The dilation of the arteries increases the blood flow inside them, and the blood pressure gets reduced as a result. The dose will be recommended by the healthcare professional, which may vary depending on various factors like age, gender, severity, and general health.
How does Sildenafil work?
The pills work by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and causing them to dilate allowing more blood to flow inside. As a PDE5 inhibitor, Sildenafil helps negate the action of PDE5 enzymes that are present in the endothelial walls of the blood vessels. PDE5 enzymes are responsible for narrowing and clogging the passages of the blood vessels. They do so by suppressing the release of nitric oxide in the walls, which is a vasodilator chemical.
This medicine effectively stops the PDE5 action and re-vitalizes the blood vessels. Further, it causes an increase in the levels of Nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscle strains by managing constriction, causing vasodilation, and increasing the flow of blood in the arteries, which makes sexual function easier.
Effects of Sildenafil on Women
Sildenafil might produce some effects in women who are using it to reinforce their sexual response. The pills are known for boosting blood circulation to the genitals, it might relieve sexual difficulties in some women. Blood flow can improve their ability to become sexually aroused.
Those experiencing sexual interest/arousal disorders and orgasmic disorders might respond subjectively and physically to sexual stimulation after using the pill. The pill boosts the blood flow to the genitalia of women. It can make the genitals more sensitive to sexual stimuli.
Side effects of Sildenafil in women
The use of Sildenafil pills might cause some common side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nasal congestion, flushing, and muscle pain. Besides, there is also a possibility of uncommon side effects of these pills in women, as they are not intended for use in them, which makes them inappropriate for women.
Drugs for treating sexual problems in women
FDA has approved two drugs – Flibanserin (Addyi) and Bremelanotide for use in premenopausal and menopausal women for treating their sexual problems. These are specially formulated for use in women. Usually, women after menopause experience more such difficulties with their sexual function. These FDA-approved pills will ease sexual function. Their function is to balance the brain chemicals and increase the sex drive.
In addition, according to various research, both these drugs can also produce some mild side effects, which may include a blood pressure decrease, fainting, drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness. These side effects might become severe when these drugs interact with alcohol.
The combination of alcohol with such drugs can cause a serious drop in blood pressure, which might be indicated by symptoms such as fainting and dizziness. Therefore, one must avoid taking alcohol and these drugs together.
