Move Over, Viagra

As interest in the medical side of female sexuality grows, an expanding array of herbal remedies with names like “Exotica” and “Steel Libido” are also hitting drugstore shelves and showing up in spam advertising. Many of them are minimally effective and loaded with irritants like orange oil and menthol. But a few herbal remedies have shown promising results in clinical trials. Some doctors say Zestra, a homeopathic mixture of botanical oils can create a tingling sensation and increase blood flow to genitals. They’re also suggesting ArginMax, an amino acid supplement that may increase blood flow to the genitals.

- Wall Street Journal: His and Hers Sex Drugs

First, a caveat: I don’t think a low sex drive is a “problem” unless the person experiencing it thinks it’s a problem. For instance, if I go more than a week or two without sex at first I suffer horrible feelings of loneliness and deprivation, but then my body just shuts down and I just stop giving a shit. I’m actually a little relieved by that point. Sometimes I think this thing with Scorpio feels like kicking a drug habit over and over and over.

Still, there are people in active relationships who are seriously bummed out by the mismatches in their sex drives. I figure if there’s a chemical intervention that can them singing the same tune, whether it be saltpeter or testosterone or Viagra, well, mazeltov!

Personally, I found Wellbutrin kicked my sexuality into hyperdrive, to the point where my romps with Scorpio, became spectacularly . . . uh . . . messy. Who knew? Unfortunately, now that we hardly ever see each other anymore it all just went pfffft. Meh, that means less laundry and less stress, I suppose. The right man will kick it into gear again someday. For the rest of you seekers, however . . . You GO, GIRLS!

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:

Testosterone (AndroGel, Testim and products mixed for women at specialty pharmacies). Known as the “hormone of desire,” it’s prescribed for women who complain of low sex drive. Not approved by the FDA for use by women. Has many unpleasant side effects including hair growth, muscle mass increase and deepening of the voice.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion): An anti-depressant without the libido dulling effects. It may also boost sexual thoughts in women who are not depressed. The drug is currently being prescribed to replace or counteract other antidepressants.

Viagra/Levitra: Both drugs increase blood flow to the genital areas, which some doctors say could improve “engorgement” in women. Approved by the FDA only for men. Initial studies of Levitra in women have been “disappointing” according to its maker.

FemRing/Topical Estrogen: A silicon ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases estrogen. Used to treat menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness. Topical estrogen products, including Etrace and Vagifem, have similar effects.

NON-PRESCRIPTION REMEDY

Zestra: A lotion containing ingredients like borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, and coleus extract that creates a tingling sensation. Claims to increase blood flow and “nerve velocity.” The treatment has been through a small clinical trial and some doctors say the results stand up to scrutiny.