1) Why read this?
If you searched for Medicine for female sex problems, you want straightforward, practical information — not hype. Female sexual difficulties can be driven by physical, hormonal, psychological, relationship or medication-related causes. Medicines can help in some cases, but they rarely work alone. The best outcomes happen when medication is part of a tailored plan that addresses underlying causes.
2) Common causes
Female sexual problems (low desire, trouble becoming aroused, pain during sex, difficulty reaching orgasm) often arise from one or more of the following:
- Hormonal changes (menopause, postpartum, thyroid).
- Vaginal dryness/atrophy (menopause, cancer treatments).
- Medications (some antidepressants, antihypertensives, hormonal contraceptives).
- Chronic illness (diabetes, neurological disease, pelvic pain conditions).
- Mental health (depression, anxiety, trauma).
- Relationship or situational factors (stress, communication).
Because causes often overlap, evaluation by a clinician experienced in sex medicine is important before starting medication.
3) How clinicians evaluate female sexual problems
A typical first visit focuses on a careful history and targeted exam:
- Symptom timeline and what causes distress (not all low desire is a disorder).
- Medical history (meds, surgeries, chronic conditions).
- Gynecologic exam when indicated (to check vaginal atrophy, pelvic pain sources).
- Screening for mood disorders, relationship stress, and sexual trauma.
- Basic labs only when needed (hormone tests, thyroid, glucose).
- Use of validated questionnaires (e.g., FSFI) may help measure symptoms and track progress.
Bring a list of medicines, any relevant tests, and be ready to discuss your sexual goals. A full plan usually mixes lifestyle changes, therapy, and — when appropriate — Medicine for female sex problems.
4) Medicines used in practice — what the evidence says
A. The two FDA-approved medicines
There are currently two medicines approved by the U.S. FDA specifically for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women:
- Flibanserin (Addyi) — an oral daily Medicine for female sex problems approved in 2015. It acts on brain neurotransmitters and has shown modest improvements in desire for some women. Important safety notes include risks of low blood pressure and fainting with alcohol and interactions with certain other medicines; careful prescribing and counselling are required.
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) — a self-administered subcutaneous injection approved in 2019 for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women. It is taken as needed before sexual activity and also shows modest benefit for some patients; it can cause nausea and elevated blood pressure in some people.
Both drugs work differently from “male” erectile therapies and are intended for carefully selected women who meet diagnostic criteria and have been counselled about benefits and risks. Because their average effect sizes are modest, realistic expectations are essential.
B. Hormonal approaches: vaginal estrogen & testosterone
- Vaginal (local) estrogen is a first-line, evidence-based treatment for vaginal dryness, pain with sex, and genitourinary symptoms of menopause. Local preparations (cream, tablet, ring) improve moisture and reduce pain, and systemic absorption is minimal with low-dose local therapy. Guidelines (NICE, ACOG) support its use and advise shared decision-making.
- Testosterone: short-term transdermal testosterone has been used off-label in selected postmenopausal women with low desire and may improve sexual interest for some. Professional bodies recommend careful selection and monitoring because long-term safety data are limited.
C. Other medicines (PDE5 inhibitors, topical agents)
- PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) have mixed evidence for female sexual arousal disorder: some studies show benefit in specific subgroups (e.g., antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction or physiologic arousal problems), while reviews report variable results and side effects. They are not FDA-approved for routine use in women, and choice must be individualized.
- Topical experimental formulations (e.g., topical sildenafil creams) and other agents are under study; they may help in specific situations but are not routine first-line options.
5) A realistic treatment pathway (stepwise plan)
- Start with basics: lubricants (water-based or silicone-based) and vaginal moisturizers for dryness. These are safe, inexpensive, and often helpful immediately. If dryness is due to menopause, discuss vaginal estrogen.
- Address reversible contributors: change or review medications (antidepressants, certain antihypertensives), treat depression/anxiety, optimise sleep, reduce alcohol and smoking.
- Therapy & relationship work: sex therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and couples counselling frequently improve outcomes.
- Consider targeted medicines: when the problem is persistent and diagnostic criteria are met, discuss options such as flibanserin (daily) or bremelanotide (as-needed), or short-term testosterone in selected postmenopausal patients — all after informed discussion of risks and benefits.
- Follow-up & safety monitoring: review symptom scales, side effects, blood pressure (for some meds), and overall wellbeing. Treatment is often adjusted over months.
6) Helpful enhancements: checklist, questions, and quick tips
Quick checklist before your appointment
- Note symptoms: when they started, how they affect you.
- List current medicines, supplements, and alcohol use.
- Bring partner for part of visit if you want couple counselling.
- Prepare a clear goal: pain-free sex, more desire, better orgasmic response, etc.
Top questions to ask your clinician
- What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
- Do medicines interact with my current drugs?
- What are realistic benefits and side effects?
- How long until we know if a medicine is working?
- Are there non-drug options I should try first?
Lifestyle & self-care tips that often help
- Use lubricant every time if dryness causes pain.
- Schedule intimate time (yes — planning can reduce anxiety).
- Manage mood and stress (therapy, exercise, sleep).
- Avoid irritants (scented soaps, douching) that can worsen symptoms.
7) Author & review box
Author: Dr. Kusuma — Consultant, Female Sexual Health (10 years’ clinical experience).
Clinic: Female Sexual Health by Dr. Kusuma, Androcare-Swetha Scans, 67-A Journalist Colony, Road No. 70, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500033. Website: femalesexualhealth.in | Phone: +91 90002 18377.
Medical review: Reviewed by the clinical team at Female Sexual Health. Content updated using current regulatory and guideline sources (FDA labels; NICE; ACOG; peer-reviewed reviews).
8) FAQ
Q: Are there pills that fix low desire in women?
Q: Can I use Viagra (sildenafil)?
Q: What if the main problem is pain during sex?
Q: How long until a medicine helps?
9) Important safety note & next steps
Medicine for female sex problems can help, but safe prescribing and diagnosis matter. Many medicines have specific side effects, interactions and requirements (for example, flibanserin’s alcohol restriction and drug interactions). If you’re near Hyderabad, call Female Sexual Health by Dr. Kusuma at +91 90002 18377 or visit femalesexualhealth.in to book a confidential consultation at Androcare-Swetha Scans, 67-A, Journalist Colony, Road No. 70, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-500033.
