Feeling frustrated with your sex life? You’re not alone. Many women experience challenges with sexual arousal and satisfaction. Recently, a new product called sildenafil cream has been making headlines as a potential solution. But before you jump in, it’s important to have a perfect understanding of the benefits it has to offer. Does the benefit of using it outweigh any potential side effects?
This guide answers all and also sheds light on what to expect if you use it.
Table of Contents
What Is Sildenafil Cream?
Sildenafil cream is a topical formulation that contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. It is used to improve sexual sensation and arousal in women, particularly those with female sexual arousal disorder, which affects ~20% of women in the US [1]. While Viagra is typically used in tablet form to treat erectile dysfunction in men, sildenafil cream is an alternative developed to improve blood flow in a localized manner.
It means that, unlike the oral form, which can spread throughout the body, this cream targets the specific area where it’s needed, potentially reducing systemic side effects. It is applied directly to the genital area, where it increases blood flow to enhance arousal in women.
While research on this cream is ongoing, early studies suggest it may be a promising option for addressing certain types of female sexual dysfunction. However, it’s not yet a widely available treatment but may be found in select global online pharmacies.
Women Use Sildenafil Cream: What Happens?
When women use sildenafil cream, the main effect is an increase in blood flow to the genital area. Sildenafil works by sipping through the skin to relax the blood vessels and improve circulation, which can lead to enhanced sensitivity and arousal. This mechanism, in a similar fashion to how it benefits men, targets female sexual dysfunction, particularly conditions like arousal disorder or difficulty achieving sexual satisfaction.
Studies suggest that applying sildenafil cream could result in heightened physical sensations and increased lubrication, both of which bring about an overall improvement in sexual experience. However, it’s worth noting that these effects may vary from person to person and depend on factors such as age, overall health, and the underlying cause of sexual dysfunction.
In some clinical trials, many women, particularly those with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), reported feeling more responsive to touch, with improvements in their ability to experience pleasure during intimacy. While this sounds promising, it’s worth noting that the efficacy of the cream is still under review, as more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for widespread use [2].
What Are the Side Effects of Using Sildenafil Cream for Females?
Using sildenafil cream may result in side effects—all drugs or pharmaceutical products pose similar risks. However, those associated with this cream are generally considered mild. The most common side effects reported are localized, such as skin irritation, redness, or a tingling sensation at the application site [3]. These effects usually subside after a short time. However, some women might find these sensations uncomfortable, particularly if they have sensitive skin.
In rare cases, the cream can cause systemic side effects, including headaches, dizziness, or flushing. These symptoms occur due to the medication’s ability to dilate blood vessels, which might affect more than just the targeted area. However, in various studies conducted, these adverse effects rarely occurred.
While sildenafil cream poses an incredibly low chance of causing any systemic side effects, it’s advisable for women using it to be cautious about a potential interaction with other medications. For example, sildenafil may interact with drugs like nitrates or blood pressure medications, leading to unsafe drops in blood pressure. Additionally, women undergoing treatment for hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider to ensure the cream won’t interfere with their existing therapies.
Another important factor to consider is that the cream might not be safe for women with certain health conditions, such as severe cardiovascular diseases, as the effects of increased blood flow could pose risks. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against possible side effects and seek the guidance of a medical professional before starting it.
Resume
Sildenafil cream has proven to be effective for many women, especially those with conditions like female arousal disorder. The benefit of this cream may be greater than the potential risks for many women, especially considering the quality of life improvements it can bring. However, it’s worth noting that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it may work differently for varying users, and the effectiveness may also differ based on their health profiles and psychological factors.
Studies so far suggest that sildenafil cream is generally well-tolerated and safe and poses a much lower risk of systemic side effects compared to orally administered medications that affect the whole body. However, it remains important to talk to a doctor before applying the cream. This is to make sure it’s safe for you, factoring in your health and any other medications you may be using. Your doctor can also explain how to use the cream and watch for side effects to ensure the benefits are worth any risks for you.
References:
- Topical sildenafil cream shows efficacy for managing sexual arousal disorder. By Celeste Krewson. Retrieved: January 5, 2025. Contemporaryobgyn.net.
- Topical sildenafil cream found safe, tolerable in female sexual arousal disorder. Retrieved: January 5, 2025. Hannah Clarke. Urologytimes.com.
- Safety of topical sildenafil cream, 3.6% in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder. By Andrea R Thurman, MD, Isabella Johnson, MS, et al. Retrieved: January 5, 2025. Academic.oup.com.