Cialis is one of the most popular medications for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It contains Tadalafil as a primary ingredient.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a type of sexual dysfunction in men that makes it challenging to get or maintain an erection.
Similar to men, women also face some sexual problems. Sexual problems in women are called Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). It is a broad term that includes disorder of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or sexual pain.
Age, certain medications, and diseases can cause FSD. Despite its prevalence, there are very few treatment options available for FSD.
This article explores the possibility of using Cialis for women. It will discuss if Cialis works for women when they can use it, and when they can’t. It will also explore other possible treatments for FSD.
Does Cialis Work for Women
Although not approved for treating Female Sexual Dysfunction, Cialis does work up to an extent for women with FSD.
The way Cialis (Tadalafil) works, or its mechanism of action, can benefit women with FSD. This is the reason doctors prescribe it off-label for some cases of FSD. Off-label means using a medicine for a disease it is not approved for.
When men take Cialis for Erectile Dysfunction, it relaxes the blood vessels. The relaxed blood vessels improve the blood flow in the penis.
The improved blood flow helps get and sustain the erection long enough for sexual intercourse.
In women, the clitoris and the tissue surrounding it are rich in blood vessels.
The dilating effect of Cialis (Tadalafil) can improve the blood flow to the surrounding vaginal tissues. This will increase sensitivity and help get sexual arousal leading to a satisfactory sexual experience.
A study on women with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction found that 20 mg of Tadalafil before the anticipated sexual activity effectively reverses medication-induced sexual dysfunction.
Another study was conducted on women with FSD due to type 1 Diabetes. They were given 5 mg of Tadalafil daily.
Women in the above research reported improved experiences of sexual genital arousal, orgasm, sexual enjoyment, and satisfaction. They also reported reduced Dyspareunia, a condition of genital pain during or after sexual intercourse.
When Women Shouldn’t Take Cialis
Cialis for women should be avoided in certain conditions, which include
- Having a heart disease
- Taking Nitrates
- Taking Alpha-blockers
- Pregnant or planning to conceive
While using it, you may feel some side effects. These side effects are normal if mild and don’t interrupt your daily activity.
The most common side effects of Cialis are headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle pain, flushing, and stuffy nose.
The risk and side effects of Cialis are mostly studied in men. Most of the side effects are similar to men. However, due to physical and hormonal differences, there can be some additional side effects in women.
Always consult a doctor and discuss any additional side effects you may feel before using Cialis for women.
Source: Valerii HoncharukOther Treatments for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Apart from Cialis for women, other treatment options are available for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).
The Food and Drug Administration has approved two medicines for treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). HSDD is a condition in which women either have no sex drive or a low sex drive.
The medicines approved for HSDD are Flibanserin (Addyi) and Bremelanotide (Vyleesi).
Other FSD treatments worth considering include:
- Hormonal therapy: An imbalance in sex hormones can cause FSD. To address the FSD caused by hormone imbalance, Hormonal therapy is a viable option.
- Psychotherapy: Anxiety, Depression, or stress can also be a reason for low sex desire and another kind of FSD. In this case, Psychological therapy can address th factors affecting sexual health.
- Pelvic floor exercise: One of the simplest solutions is exercises. Pelvic floor exercise can lead to better and improved sexual function by strengthening pelvic muscles. One of the best exercises for this purpose is the Kegel exercise.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle factors have a great impact on overall health. A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can improve sexual function and overall health.
- Devices: Some devices, like vaginal dilators, can improve blood flow and may help in some instances of FSD.
Conclusion
Cialis is a medication approved for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men.
There are studies showing that it is effective for treating Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) in women.
The FDA does not approve Cialis for women for treating FSD. But doctors still prescribe it off-label.
Women who have heart disease, are taking Nitrate or Alpha-blockers, or are pregnant should avoid taking Cialis.
There are some alternatives to Cialis for women. These include hormonal therapy, psychotherapy, pelvic floor exercise, etc.
The efficacy and safety of Cialis for women is not entirely established. Always use it only after consultation with a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of Cialis in women?
Most of the side effects of Cialis for women are similar to men. These side effects are indigestion, headache, back pain, muscle pain, flushing, and stuffy nose. However, women may experience other side effects due to physical and hormonal differences.
How safe is Cialis for women?
Some studies suggest that Cialis is safe for women. However, current research is insufficient to determine whether it is safe accurately. For now, women should take Cialis only under the care of a medical expert.
What is the cause of FSD?
There are many causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). These include age, Depression or anxiety, heart disease, neurological conditions, gynecological conditions, infections, etc. Certain medications, like antidepressants or high blood pressure medicines, can also cause it.
Can women who don’t have FSD take Cialis?
No, you should never take Cialis without any disease. Recreational use of Cialis is neither recommended nor safe.
Is hormonal therapy effective for FSD?
Yes, hormone therapies like Estrogen therapy, Ospemifene (Osphena), and Androgen therapy are effective in FSD.
When quoting information, ForDailyMedicine always provides full citations. Please read our Content Information Policy if you want more details on the methods we take to ensure the continued high quality of our content.