The Science Behind Women's Arousal Pills

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 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.

4. Maca

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 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.

Do They Work?

If pills don’t interest you, then topicals, creams for erectile dysfunction 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. 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.

Reduce Stress

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.

Medications for HSDD

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 man up pills 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). 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.

Preparing for your appointment

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).

• Some natural pills contain maca, ginseng, or yohimbine.
• Supplement stacks may be more effective together.
• Quality assurance is vital for supplement safety.
• Certain pills claim to increase orgasm intensity.
• Herbal formulations are often plant-based.
• Natural remedies tend to have a slower onset.
• Supplements may require combination with other treatments.
• Be aware of possible allergic reactions.
• Monitor changes in libido over time.
• Consider personalized advice from health professionals.
• Keep a journal of effects and side effects.
• Focus on overall wellness for best results.

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, creams for erectile dysfunction such as OMG! Cream and Jolt Gel, or the prescription injection, Vyleesi, could be good alternatives.

• Prescription medications are sometimes used for sexual dysfunction.
• Flibanserin is approved for premenopausal women with hypoactive desire.
• Bremelanotide is a recent option for female sexual arousal disorder.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before taking sex pills.
• Be aware of potential side effects and interactions.
• Over-the-counter supplements aren’t regulated by FDA.
• Natural does not always mean safe; check ingredients carefully.
• Lifestyle changes can improve sexual health significantly.
• Regular exercise boosts blood circulation and desire.
• Stress reduction techniques may enhance sexual satisfaction.
• Adequate sleep supports hormonal balance.
• Communication with a partner can improve intimacy.

These also all work within the hour, but the effects only last a short amount of time. 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.

Similar questions

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.

Preventive Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Libido

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. For example, one study found that 1.5g (1,500mg) of L-citrulline appears to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.20 However, since researchers note that this outcome is likely due to increased NO production, it can be assumed that women may also experience similar benefits from L-citrulline. L-Carnitine is an amino acid that plays a critical role in energy production — it transports fatty acids to the mitochondria (that “powerhouse of the cell” you likely heard about in science class) to be turned into a form of energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).21 This amino acid also shows the potential to improve exercise performance while reducing oxidative stress in response to resistance training.22 This could be why Promescent states that VitaFLUX may be able to help you recover more quickly from injury or exhaustion. And, while there isn’t much research on L-carnitine and sexual function, one study on lambs found that “a disruption in carnitine homeostasis” led to a reduction in bioavailable NO. In this study, maintaining carnitine homeostasis kept ATP levels adequate, which also appeared to have a positive effect on preserving Hsp90 activity.

Consider Your Preferred Form

This “molecular chaperone” can help support hormone signaling pathways (such as those for estrogen and testosterone).23 The research on magnesium and sexual function is sparse, but there is definitely some potential for it to be a beneficial addition. One study on the magnesium levels of men reporting premature ejaculation (PE) found that lower levels were “significantly related” to the condition.24 However, more research is needed on the relationship between magnesium and PE. A separate study on the role magnesium plays in hypertension and cardiovascular disease has information that’s actually more closely related to the potential benefits for female sexual dysfunction than the other study. Researchers note that the mineral mimics the effects of a calcium channel blocker — a drug for lowering blood pressure that allows “blood vessels to relax and open.” This results in increased nitric oxide production and improved blood flow, similar to the amino acids in the VitaFLUX formula.25 26 A study from 2021 found that zinc supplementation for postmenopausal women whose serum zinc levels were low resulted in dramatic improvements in desire for sex and sexual pleasure; vaginal lubrication improved, while pain diminished.

Ingredients Matter

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 man up pills 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). 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.

• Prevention of sexual dysfunction includes healthy lifestyle habits.
• Regular exercise, balanced diet, and sleep are foundational.
• Stress management improves hormonal balance.
• Addressing relationship issues benefits desire.
• Mind-body practices support sexual health.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and stimulants.
• Healthy communication enhances emotional intimacy.
• Use of sexual aids can complement pills.
• Experiment with different techniques for fun.
• Be patient; results may take time.
• Educate yourself about female sexual anatomy.
• Always prioritize safety and evidence-based approaches.

For example, one study found that 1.5g (1,500mg) of L-citrulline appears to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.20 However, since researchers note that this outcome is likely due to increased NO production, it can be assumed that women may also experience similar benefits from L-citrulline.

• Herbal supplements may boost female libido naturally.
• Yohimbine is known to improve sexual arousal in women.
• Ginseng can enhance sexual stamina and desire.
• Maca root is used to increase female sexual function.
• L-arginine may improve blood flow to female genitalia.
• Horny Goat Weed has traditional uses for libido enhancement.
• Damiana is believed to stimulate female sexual health.
• Tribulus terrestris might boost overall sexual satisfaction.
• Fenugreek could positively influence female sexual desire.
• Rhodiola rosea may reduce stress and improve libido.
• Saffron supplements have been linked to increased arousal.
• Supplements like B-vitamins support hormonal health.

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that plays a critical role in energy production — it transports fatty acids to the mitochondria (that “powerhouse of the cell” you likely heard about in science class) to be turned into a form of energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).21 This amino acid also shows the potential to improve exercise performance while reducing oxidative stress in response to resistance training.22 This could be why Promescent states that VitaFLUX may be able to help you recover more quickly from injury or exhaustion. And, while there isn’t much research on L-carnitine and sexual function, one study on lambs found that “a disruption in carnitine homeostasis” led to a reduction in bioavailable NO.

Side Effects and Risks

Supporting Hormonal Balance

How do I know if my libido is low?

In this study, maintaining carnitine homeostasis kept ATP levels adequate, which also appeared to have a positive effect on preserving Hsp90 activity. This “molecular chaperone” can help support hormone signaling pathways (such as those for estrogen and testosterone).23 The research on magnesium and sexual function is sparse, but there is definitely some potential for it to be a beneficial addition.

Two Medicines

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.

MACA EXTRACT

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 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.

How is low sex drive diagnosed in women?

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. 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. One study on the magnesium levels of men reporting premature ejaculation (PE) found that lower levels were “significantly related” to the condition.24 However, more research is needed on the relationship between magnesium and PE. A separate study on the role magnesium plays in hypertension and cardiovascular disease has information that’s actually more closely related to the potential benefits for female sexual dysfunction than the other study. Researchers note that the mineral mimics the effects of a calcium channel blocker — a drug for lowering blood pressure that allows “blood vessels to relax and open.” This results in increased nitric oxide production and improved blood flow, similar to the amino acids in the VitaFLUX formula.25 26 A study from 2021 found that zinc supplementation for postmenopausal women whose serum zinc levels were low resulted in dramatic improvements in desire for sex and sexual pleasure; vaginal lubrication improved, while pain diminished.