Understanding Female Libido Enhancers in the UK

Female libido support products are generally intended to aid women or assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals who: Are experiencing a dip in their libido or sex drive May be feeling less pleasure from sex due to various reasons, such as menopause symptoms Are diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or another form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) Some of the products, like over-the-counter (OTC) arousal topicals or gels, can also be used simply because you want to enhance your sexual experience. Cream, though, are typically intended for those struggling with distressing sexual symptoms. (The Wisp online consultation quiz specifically asks if you’ve been experiencing a lower interest in sex than usual or difficulty reaching orgasm.) Besides having male anatomy or a safety restriction (more on that in the following section), there aren’t too many reasons why the female libido-supporting products in this guide couldn’t be used by someone interested in trying them.

Two Medicines

Tadalafil was FDA-approved in 2003 for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.64 65 However, healthcare providers can prescribe drugs for unapproved uses based on their judgment that they’re medically appropriate; this is known as “off-label” use.42 The tadalafil in Libido Lift Rx is off-label, but research suggests that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors — like tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil — could be an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD).66 Female arousal gels or creams can also help with sexual satisfaction. While these products can’t affect things like hormone or neurotransmitter balance, some of the ingredients can increase genital blood flow and sensitivity, and others can add additional vaginal lubrication. Like supplements, OTC female arousal topicals often rely on botanical ingredients and amino acids. But prescription topicals, like Cake Meds’ O-Cream Rx and Wisp’s OMG! Cream, add drugs, such as sildenafil, to the mix.

CUSTOM FORMULATED

Like the tadalafil in the Libido Lift Rx pill mentioned above, the sildenafil in these two prescription topicals is off-label, but a small study from 2020 found that women who used sildenafil cream reported “clinically significant increases” in arousal versus the results from no cream and placebo cream.9 At the time of this writing, the closest thing to an “instant” female arousal pill is Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, which is a dissolvable prescription tablet containing tadalafil that should work in about 30 minutes and may be effective for up to 36 hours.67 Otherwise, pills tend to take the longest to start working (anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or so). The FDA-approved pill, Addyi, and OTC supplements have the potential to promote the longest-lasting benefits, however, as they build up and continue to be in your system. If pills don’t interest you, then topicals, such as OMG! Cream and Jolt Gel, or the prescription injection, Vyleesi, could be good alternatives. These also all work within the hour, but the effects only last a short amount of time. However, certain products may be more ideal than others depending on your unique needs.

Individuals with HSDD may do better with one of the two available FDA-approved prescriptions — Addyi (pill) or Vyleesi (injection). Those looking for an “instant” fix could find that topicals, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, or Vyleesi are what they need (these work within the hour). People seeking a more long-term solution might prefer supplements or Addyi (these options take weeks or months to work, but the potential benefits last longer). While many of the sketchy “instant female arousal” pills on the market are not safe, the products we mention in this guide should be safe for most healthy adults.

We got busy with a full clinical study.

However, we’d be remiss not to mention a few safety considerations that should be kept in mind, including: Pregnant or nursing individuals would be safest sticking with OTC topicals only, as some ingredients in supplements and prescriptions may harm your baby. The herbal ingredients in various supplements may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before taking them. Many of these products increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lower blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular concerns or who are on blood pressure medications should consult a doctor to make sure these products are safe to try.63 Products containing L-arginine — such as Jolt Gel, HerSolution Gel, and VitaFLUX — could trigger a herpes flare-up (oral, genital, or both).3 Some libido-support products for women, like HerSolution pills (not the gel), may contain a synthetic form of DHEA, a hormone that acts as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. This ingredient has the potential to interact with a host of medications, increase the risk of certain cancers, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, trigger manic episodes, and more.6 12 At varying times and for many reasons, including the hormonal changes of menopause, women and AFAB individuals may notice that their libido has dropped and their desire for sex is much lower than it used to be.13 Fortunately, there are a few generally safe and effective female arousal products on the market. These products take on a few different forms — supplements, gels or topicals, and prescription medications — each with its own way of working to try and rectify your concerns. Female libido support supplements often tout being an “all-natural” approach to treating sexual concerns. These supplements generally contain herbal and botanical ingredients, vitamins and minerals, or organic compounds, like amino acids. Some, including HerSolution, may use synthetic forms of hormones, like DHEA and melatonin.

• The first FDA-approved female libido drug was flibanserin, marketed as Addyi in the US and sometimes available in the UK.
• Female Viagra aims to target conditions like low libido, which can be caused by hormonal or psychological issues.
• The effectiveness of female Viagra varies between individuals; some report notable improvements.
• Cost of female libido medications in the UK varies and may not be covered by NHS prescriptions.
• Researchers continue to explore new treatments for female sexual dysfunction with promising results.
• Natural alternatives include herbal supplements like ginseng or maca, but their efficacy is not well-proven.
• Discussing sexual health openly with a healthcare professional is recommended before starting treatment.
• Some women use off-label medications or supplements to boost libido, but safety isn't always assured.
• Female Viagra is not suitable for everyone; medical history and other medications should be considered.

The main goals for these products typically include the following potential benefits: Increasing blood flow to the genitals and relaxing smooth muscle tissue by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production.14 Regulating sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — which may improve sex drive and other related symptoms.15 16 Balancing neurotransmitters, some of which play a major role in libido and sexual excitement.17 Currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD): Addyi, a pill, and Vyleesi, an injection. HSDD is believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. But other factors, like satisfaction in a relationship or self-esteem, may also play a role.18 Due to the believed involvement of neurotransmitters, both Addyi and Vyleesi regulate or modify the release of these chemical messengers in different ways — the former on serotonin (and indirectly dopamine and norepinephrine) and the latter on dopamine and norepinephrine alone.18 Another prescription pill option, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, contains the viagra black drug tadalafil (generic Cialis). Tadalafil was FDA-approved in 2003 for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.64 65 However, healthcare providers can prescribe drugs for unapproved uses based on their judgment that they’re medically appropriate; this is known as “off-label” use.42 The tadalafil in Libido Lift Rx is off-label, but research suggests that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors — like tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil — could be an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD).66 Female arousal gels or creams can also help with sexual satisfaction. While these products can’t affect things like hormone or neurotransmitter balance, some of the ingredients can increase genital blood flow and sensitivity, and others can add additional vaginal lubrication.

The #1 Prescribed Treatment for frustrating Low Libido1

Female libido support products are generally intended to aid women or assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals who: Are experiencing a dip in their libido or sex drive May be feeling less pleasure from sex due to various reasons, such as menopause symptoms Are diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or another form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) Some of the products, like over-the-counter (OTC) arousal topicals or gels, can also be used simply because you want to enhance your sexual experience. Cream, though, are typically intended for those struggling with distressing sexual symptoms. (The Wisp online consultation quiz specifically asks if you’ve been experiencing a lower interest in sex than usual or difficulty reaching orgasm.) Besides having male anatomy or a safety restriction (more on that in the following section), there aren’t too many reasons why the female libido-supporting products in this guide couldn’t be used by someone interested in trying them. However, certain products may be more ideal than others depending on your unique needs. Individuals with HSDD may do better with one of the two available FDA-approved prescriptions — Addyi (pill) or Vyleesi (injection).

Though you cannot place an order quite yet...

Those looking for an “instant” fix could find that topicals, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, or Vyleesi are what they need (these work within the hour). People seeking a more long-term solution might prefer supplements or Addyi (these options take weeks or months to work, but the potential benefits last longer). While many of the sketchy “instant female arousal” pills on the market are not safe, the products we mention in this guide should be safe for most healthy adults. However, we’d be remiss not to mention a few safety considerations that should be kept in mind, including: Pregnant or nursing individuals would be safest sticking with OTC topicals only, as some ingredients in supplements and prescriptions may harm your baby. The herbal ingredients in various supplements may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before taking them. Like supplements, OTC female arousal topicals often rely on botanical ingredients and amino acids.

THE BIG “O” (OVERVIEW)

Topicals can be effective for around 20-60 minutes, and Vyleesi content in the body peaks at around one hour before falling again.57 Even with combining Addyi and Vyleesi, there don’t appear to be any known risks of mixing these two approaches together at the time of this writing. If this changes, we’ll update this guide with an appropriate warning. But, for now, it appears safe to use a pill or supplement to promote potential long-term benefits while also using female arousal topicals for an extra, more timely boost. L-Arginine, L-citrulline, and L-carnitine may improve blood flow to the genitalia Zinc and magnesium could help physical arousal in people with deficiencies Capsules are vegan-friendly (corn- and plant-based gelatin) Ingredients should be generally safe for most people 60-day money-back guarantee for new customers Subscribe for 15% off of recurring deliveries Save $5 when you visit Promescent using our links on this page Unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with corn allergies Dose is six capsules daily (three pills, twice a day) L-arginine may trigger a herpes flare-up Promescent made its name by pioneering delay sprays to help men overcome premature ejaculation, but the company has since greatly expanded its catalog of sexual health products. Its VitaFLUX supplement is available for men and women (both are the exact same except for label color), but in this guide, we'll focus on what this supplement might do for those with female anatomy.

Comparison table

Promescent claims VitaFLUX for Women may help: Aid in faster recovery from injury or exhaustion We’ll investigate the validity of these claims next, but it seems like Promescent intends for VitaFLUX to boost both sexual and overall wellness. This is similar to how Leading Edge Health — the company behind HerSolution — markets its female libido supplements. Before delving into the supplement’s potential efficacy, let’s first take a quick look at the active ingredients in VitaFLUX, which include: Though it has more of them, VitaFLUX isn’t the only product in this guide to use amino acids to support sexual health. For example, both Jolt Gel (a topical) and Hello Cake’s Drive For Her (a supplement) also contain L-arginine. Now, let’s break down how (or if) these ingredients can potentially provide the benefits suggested by Promescent. But prescription topicals, like Cake Meds’ O-Cream Rx and Wisp’s OMG! Cream, add drugs, such as sildenafil, to the mix. Like the tadalafil in the Libido Lift Rx pill mentioned above, the sildenafil in these two prescription topicals is off-label, but a small study from 2020 found that women who used sildenafil cream reported “clinically significant increases” in arousal versus the results from no cream and placebo cream.9 At the time of this writing, the closest thing to an “instant” female arousal pill is Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, which is a dissolvable prescription tablet containing tadalafil that should work in about 30 minutes and may be effective for up to 36 hours.67 Otherwise, pills tend to take the longest to start working (anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or so).

OUR PRE-FULFILLMENT PRESCRIPTION PERIOD HAS BEGUN.

A systematic review of research studies suggests that L-arginine (along with L-citrulline) can result in greater sexual arousal and satisfaction for pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women who have HSDD or a related concern. The effective daily dosages that led to promising results within the examined studies were similar to the arginine dose delivered daily by VitaFLUX.10 These positive results are likely due to the fact that L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which promotes better blood flow throughout the body (including to the genitals). Nitric oxide is also believed to play a major role in the smooth muscle relaxation of sexual arousal.14 Additionally, the increase in blood circulation from nitric oxide’s vasodilation properties can reduce vaginal dryness, as vaginal lubrication is actually ultra-filtered blood.19 L-Citrulline is partially converted to L-arginine, which is then converted to nitric oxide, meaning that this amino acid can also promote NO production.10 Research on L-citrulline for sexual dysfunction usually involves it being used with L-arginine, and most of the research on L-citrulline alone involves men.

How it Helps You Do It

The FDA-approved pill, Addyi, and OTC supplements have the potential to promote the longest-lasting benefits, however, as they build up and continue to be in your system. If pills don’t interest you, then topicals, such as OMG! Cream and Jolt Gel, or the prescription injection, Vyleesi, could be good alternatives. These also all work within the hour, but the effects only last a short amount of time.

• Research is ongoing into new drug targets, like melanocortins and oxytocin.
• Lybrido and Lybridos were combination drugs (testosterone/sildenafil) investigated.
• The EROS-CTD device is an example of a non-hormonal, device-based treatment.
• Gene therapy and other novel approaches are in very early stages of research.
• Future treatments may offer more personalized approaches based on individual biology.
• Digital therapeutics and app-based cognitive behavioral therapy are emerging.
• The field is moving towards treating the combined psychological and biological causes.

Topicals can be effective for around 20-60 minutes, and Vyleesi content in the body peaks at around one hour before falling again.57 Even with combining Addyi and Vyleesi, there don’t appear to be any known risks of mixing these two approaches together at the time of this writing. If this changes, we’ll update this guide with an appropriate warning. But, for now, it appears safe to use a pill or supplement to promote potential long-term benefits while also using female arousal topicals for an extra, more timely boost. L-Arginine, L-citrulline, and L-carnitine may improve blood flow to the genitalia Zinc and magnesium could help physical arousal in people with deficiencies Capsules are vegan-friendly (corn- and plant-based gelatin) Ingredients should be generally safe for most people 60-day money-back guarantee for new customers Subscribe for 15% off of recurring deliveries Save $5 when you visit Promescent using our links on this page Unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with corn allergies Dose is six capsules daily (three pills, twice a day) L-arginine may trigger a herpes flare-up Promescent made its name by pioneering delay sprays to help men overcome premature ejaculation, but the company has since greatly expanded its catalog of sexual health products. Its VitaFLUX supplement is available for men and women (both are the exact same except for label color), but in this guide, we'll focus on what this supplement might do for those with female anatomy. Promescent claims VitaFLUX for Women may help: Aid in faster recovery from injury or exhaustion We’ll investigate the validity of these claims next, but it seems like Promescent intends for VitaFLUX to boost both sexual and overall wellness.

This is similar to how Leading Edge Health — the company behind HerSolution — markets its female libido supplements. Before delving into the supplement’s potential efficacy, let’s first take a quick look at the active ingredients in VitaFLUX, which include: Though it has more of them, VitaFLUX isn’t the only product in this guide to use amino acids to support sexual health. For example, both Jolt Gel (a topical) and Hello Cake’s Drive For Her (a supplement) also contain L-arginine. Now, let’s break down how (or if) these ingredients can potentially provide the benefits suggested by Promescent. A systematic review of research studies suggests that L-arginine (along with L-citrulline) can result in greater sexual arousal and satisfaction for pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women who have HSDD or a related concern.

The effective daily dosages that led to promising results within the examined studies were similar to the arginine dose delivered daily by VitaFLUX.10 These positive results are likely due to the fact that L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which promotes better blood flow throughout the body (including to the genitals).

HOW IT WORKS

Many of these products increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lower blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular concerns or who are on blood pressure medications should consult a doctor to make sure these products are safe to try.63 Products containing L-arginine — such as Jolt Gel, HerSolution Gel, and VitaFLUX — could trigger a herpes flare-up (oral, genital, or both).3 Some libido-support products for women, like HerSolution pills (not the gel), may contain a synthetic form of DHEA, a hormone that acts as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. This ingredient has the potential to interact with a host of medications, increase the risk of certain cancers, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, trigger manic episodes, and more.6 12 At varying times and for many reasons, including the hormonal changes of menopause, women and AFAB individuals may notice that their libido has dropped and their desire for sex is much lower than it used to be.13 Fortunately, there are a few generally safe and effective female arousal products on the market. These products take on a few different forms — supplements, gels or topicals, and prescription medications — each with its own way of working to try and rectify your concerns. Female libido support supplements often tout being an “all-natural” approach to treating sexual concerns.

Increased genital blood flow

These supplements generally contain herbal and botanical ingredients, vitamins and minerals, or organic compounds, like amino acids. Some, including HerSolution, may use synthetic forms of hormones, like DHEA and melatonin. The main goals for these products typically include the following potential benefits: Increasing blood flow to the genitals and relaxing smooth muscle tissue by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production.14 Regulating sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — which may improve sex drive and other related symptoms.15 16 Balancing neurotransmitters, some of which play a major role in libido and sexual excitement.17 Currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD): Addyi, a pill, and Vyleesi, an injection. HSDD is believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. But other factors, like satisfaction in a relationship or self-esteem, may also play a role.18 Due to the believed involvement of neurotransmitters, both Addyi and Vyleesi regulate or modify the release of these chemical messengers in different ways — the former on serotonin (and indirectly dopamine and norepinephrine) and the latter on dopamine and norepinephrine alone.18 Another prescription pill option, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, contains the viagra black drug tadalafil (generic Cialis). Nitric oxide is also believed to play a major role in the smooth muscle relaxation of sexual arousal.14 Additionally, the increase in blood circulation from nitric oxide’s vasodilation properties can reduce vaginal dryness, as vaginal lubrication is actually ultra-filtered blood.19 L-Citrulline is partially converted to L-arginine, which is then converted to nitric oxide, meaning that this amino acid can also promote NO production.10 Research on L-citrulline for sexual dysfunction usually involves it being used with L-arginine, and most of the research on L-citrulline alone involves men.