opinion

FDA’s Decision About 'the Pink Pill' Gives Women More Options

I’m thrilled with the FDA’s decision to put the “pink pill” on the market because women have the right to demand equality when it comes to medical treatment options! Men have had the “little blue pill” for years, and now finally there’s a new way for women to take charge of their sexuality.

In my private practice I have counseled such women who have lost “that loving feeling” and come to me to figure out why, and how they can get their sexy back. As the author of “NeuroLoveOlogy: The Power to Mindful Love and Sex,” I am fascinated by the way this pill works between a woman’s ears, before it works between her legs.

Viagra has definitely changed the game for men with a variety of results. Now we’ll find out if it will be the same for women.

Countless women suffer from anxiety and depression due to many sexual dysfunctions, so if flibanserin can help even one woman get her mojo back, I fully support it.

Far different from Viagra, which increases blood flow to the genitals, the “female Viagra” affects the brain, specifically the message-carrying chemicals dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This kind of “neuro-sexology” research is very exciting, as the clinical trials have been proven to improve the sex lives of many women.

Since the FDA had approved more than 20 sexual dysfunction medical treatments for men and none for women, I’m happy that finally there is the same attention on female sexual health.

Just like the male Viagra, there are side effect warnings that include sleepiness, low blood pressure, and dizzy spells. I believe that in its current form, the pill may also come with a warning to not be used with alcohol until medical experts know how it would affect the mind and body while tipsy or intoxicated. But risks aside, I’m very interested to see how this “wonder drug” will improve the sex lives of millions of women who suffer from various sexual disorders I’ve witnessed over the years, such as:

  • Women with low libido
  • Women with anorgasmia
  • Women with vaginal atrophy
  • Women with dyspareunia
  • Women with hot flashes and hormonal imbalances

With increased sexual desire, women are far more likely to take responsibility for their orgasms, and feel more powerful and confident. If flibanserin can safely deliver this feeling, how is it any different from an anti-depressant?

Viagra has definitely changed the game for men with a variety of results. Now we’ll find out if it will be the same for women. Let’s hope it doesn’t take as long as the sexual revolution more than 50 years ago!

Dubbed “America’s Leading Sexologist” by no less an authority than Cosmopolitan Magazine, Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Dr. Ava Cadell is a clinical sexologist, AASECT certified sex counselor, and founder of LoveologyUniversity.com and Sexpert.com. She has just released her 10th book, entitled “Idiot’s Guides: Kama Sutra.”

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