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Viagra has made a, uh, large difference to men (and, in all fairness, to women as well by proxy). Attempts to find a so-called “female Viagra” have been elusive, though, most recently in two recent studies on a “little pink pill” called flibanserin. As medical surveys have shown that 40% of all women suffer from sexual drive issues, however, there is definitely an important discussion that needs to be had.
In its review posted online, the FDA said two Boehringer studies failed to show a significant increase in sexual desire, as recorded by women in a daily journal. Women taking the drug reported slightly more sexually satisfying experiences, but FDA said that was not the primary measure of the study.
“The division wanted to see that an effect of treatment is an overall increase in sexual desire regardless of whether a sexual event occurred or not,” states the FDA review.
So they’re looking for a pharmaceutical cure to sex drive. It’s not like making the sexual events that are reportedly “more sexually satisfying” isn’t a huge deal or anything. I don’t know, I’m approaching my sexual peak (and damn, there are times I really wish I wasn’t single) so I can’t really relate to the lack of sex drive part. It does seem to me, though, that allowing women who haven’t experienced a great deal of pleasure out of sex to get some (heh heh) is a victory of sorts.
Still, flibanserin isn’t all sugar and spice and pink ponies prancing through fluffy white clouds:
The FDA also noted increased side effects like depression, fainting and dizziness seen among women taking the pink pill.
The drug, which is related to the antidepressant family, affects serotonin and several other brain chemicals, though it’s not clear how that increases sex drive.
“We don’t know specifically what the exact mechanism of action is but we believe it acts on brain chemicals that have a role in human sexual response,” said Dr. Peter Piliero, executive director for Boehringer’s U.S. medical affairs.
Viagra popped onto the scene in 1998, and it kind of sucks that no female equivalent has been discovered–not for lack of trying, though; more than two dozen different experimental treatments for “female sexual dysfunction” (which just does not have the same ring as “erectile dysfunction,” by the way) have been attempted.
Yeah, so evidently we are “complicated”:
Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, a urologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, says arousal in women is so complicated that it may be unrealistic to expect a pill to completely address sexual problems.
“It’s a fairly complicated area, unlike in men’s sexual dysfunction where there’s a major mechanical concern,” said Kavaler. “In women there’s no mechanical concern, so if she’s not having a successful sex life, where is the problem?”
Prior attempts focused on increasing blood flow to the genital region (a la Viagra) and boosting hormones. Oh, and there’s an FDA- “handheld vacuum device that increases blood flow to the clitoris”. Anyway, filbanserin is the first treatment to look at the connection between brain chemistry and sexual dysfunction in females.
Boehringer tried to zero in on the chemical aspect of sexual dysfunction by only testing its drug on premenopausal women who were in stable relationships and not taking other medications. Despite wanting to have a sexual relationship, the women enrolled in company studies reported a persistent lack of desire that caused them “distress or interpersonal difficulty.”
However, New York University psychiatry professor (and private sex therapy practitioner) Leonore Tiefer thinks that “drugmakers have oversimplified female sexuality,” by merely reducing it to brain chemistry (a common whipping boy, by the way):
[Tiefer] says in most cases lack of sex drive has more to do with the quality of one’s relationship and lifestyle than brain chemicals.
During the public comment period at Friday’s meeting, Tiefer will ask the FDA to reject flibanserin, arguing it offers meager benefits for women with unknown long-term risks.
So again, is flibanserin a miracle drug that is going to do for women what Viagra has done for men? No, obviously not. However, is it a complete wash? Nope, I don’t think so. If nothing else, it’s bringing up discussion on a taboo topic. I mean, it was great to see the professional male athletes talking up Viagra because, let’s face it, the topic of sexual dysfunction is embarrassing … but is it any less embarrassing for women than for men?
I’m thinking no … and so I think some good will come out of the flibanserin studies, even if it wasn’t the intended result.
Am I just dreaming here?
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Isn’t “faulty brain chemistry” always the excuse for womens’ problems throughout history? Sure, I’d bet that some women have lousy sex lives due to some brain-related reason, but as mentioned in the post, the excuse is everyone’s favorite whipping boy. Perhaps there are more complex reasons?
I should clarify. I mean womens’ “health” problems and relationship problems that get passed off as health issues (ie. not wanting to sex their husband, not wanting kids, etc).
I think this is for women who are genuinely interested in more, but don’t really feel the desire.
Of course it’s always going to be more complicated for women. I don’t think they’ve found a way to fix low (mental) arousal in men either – there just aren’t many men dealing with that issue. If women just had one little mechanical issue preventing them from doing what they want (say, lubrication), that would be as easy to fix as on men.
But dealing with lack of *desire* is a WHOLE other bug.
They already have a cure, CASH! It has worked without fail for the entire span of human history.
Boring?
Do you really think this way? If so, I can see why you have difficulties.
Bitterness is a poison that corrodes the vessel carrying it.
Take that sentence deep into your soul. It is one of the truest things I know of.
Ha! Me difficulties? You are the one who sounds like a caricature of bitter feminist, half the time I think you are some dude playing a joke. As for the cash thing, am I mistaken? Perhaps old, fat, bald, rich dudes just have amazing personalities and superior senses of humor that is why they are always surrounded by hot chicks. The fact is even in the highly unlikely event that a woman is one of the ones who would not put out just because a man was rich she knows 30 women who would. Now are you going to strain credulity and say I am wrong?
Everything is for sale,and everything has a price. But you are bitter. I suggest you try a two for one sale.
30? doubt it. but yes, I could probably find one.
Of course, there’s a big difference between getting a girl *willing* and getting a girl *aroused*.
Hmmm…
What I am going to say is that I apparently struck a nerve. If so, I am very sorry.
I find it amusing that you see a woman who is decisive and intelligent to be a “bitter feminist”. I am not afraid to declare myself as such. I’m not nasty for nastiness sake, however, I do have a very low tolerance for lies, bigotry, and idiocy.
If you have an issue with any of that, I see it as your problem.
I suppose I could be amused by your statement that half the time you think I’m a guy, but it is just more to add to the pile. I’m wondering if you think I should be insulted or flattered by you saying this? Truth is, neither.
My remark to you was not bitchy. It was meant sincerely, in light of the things that you have said here on ZL.
Sorry, boring – I completely forgot to answer your question.
Not in my world, no. Perhaps it is something that comes with age and experience, but I don’t go for the fattest wallet. For that matter, I don’t go for the handsomest face, or even the best body.
The total package for me is intelligence, humor, kindness, and an ability to smile and enjoy life.
Just as a FYI – I get hit on constantly by men in their 30’s and 40’s. They tell me that (drumroll please) what they are looking for is an intelligent, kind woman with a sense of humor who likes to have fun.
Go figure.
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Very informative article! I have been struggling for some time with sexual arousal and discomfort. I work for Zestra, but do use the product myself. Zestra is an all natural arousal oil. When I use the oil, it gives me a warm tingly feeling and heightens my sensitivity to touch. Zestra is a brilliant way to increase female libido. I am finally enjoying my sex life again.
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