5 Ways To Improve A Woman's Sex Drive

Over the last decade, the explosive popularity of drugs like viagra and cialis has alleviated erectile dysfunction for millions of men. Meanwhile, millions of women are still suffering from sexual dysfunction and have no such sure-fire cure available to them. The problems that women suffer in this area include a lack of sexual desire, lack of natural sexual lubrication and other psychophysiological cues, and inability to experience orgasm.

CNN.com reports that a siginificant percentage of these symptoms are brought on by the widespread use of antidepressants among women, who suffer from depression somewhat more commonly than men. One way that women experiencing lack of sex drive or other sexual side effects from antidepressants can regain their sexual abilities is by consulting with their psychiatrists about switching to a different antidepressant medication which might have fewer side effects for them, and by entering into psychotherapy in order to work through the underlying psychological causes of the depression for which the medications have become necessary.

Here are five other alternative means that a woman can seek out in order to try to boost sexual functioning:

1. Drugs approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men, such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis

There have been some medical studies suggesting that these drugs may also have some efficacy in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women. However, other studies have shown no efficacy for these drugs in treating women. The FDA has only approved these drugs for treating men, but doctors do have discretion in prescribing medicines for off-label purposes. You can talk to your doctor to see if they will be willing to offer you this type of medication to see if it works for you. Your doctor will also be able to discuss the possible benefits and risks of trying out these medications.

2. Testosterone therapy

Many female patients experience increased sex drive and sexual functioning when they are treated with testosterone. This hormone, usually known as the "male hormone" but actually endogenous to both the male and female bodies, helps to increase libido in patients of either gender.

Again, though, this treatment has only been approved for use in men, as the FDA says it has not been adequately tested with female patients. You can still talk with your doctor about the possibility of trying out this treatment, however, and they can tell you about the possible side effects or potential benefits of taking extra testosterone.

A big problem with off-label use of testosterone treatment for women is that it is currently only produced in doses appropriate for men, which means the doctor would have to have some special knowledge of how much would be required in the treatment of a woman.

3. The Amino Acid Arginine

Arginine is a readily available substance that you can buy over the counter in many drug stores or vitamin stores. Arginine is an amino acid, which means that it is one of the building blocks that your body uses to build up new proteins. Some patients have experienced benefits from applying an Arginine cream directly to their genitals in order to improve bloodflow to the area, while others have taken the amino acid as an oral supplement.

Women have reported some mixed results, and little scientific research has tested the efficacy of this treatment for female sexual dysfunction. However, arginine itself has a substantial body of research suggesting that it is extremely safe and well-tolerated, so little harm can come of trying out this method. Of course, you want to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement. And in my opinion this is all part of the central issue which I would encourage you to come and lose weight with me so we can be fully in our health.

4. Relaxing herbal supplements

Chronic stress can damage sexual functioning in a variety of ways and at a variety of levels. If you feel like you are under stress, you might try taking one of the relaxing herbal supplements recommended by Dr. Esther Konigsberg, medical director of the Family Practice Center of Integrative Health and Healing in Burlington, Ontario. She recommends: ashwagandha, astragalus, and panax ginseng.

5. Experimental drugs

Good luck getting into one of the ongoing studies of new drugs specifically designed for treatment of female sexual dysfunction, but keep your eyes and ears open around the local celebrity clinic or university campus and maybe you can get in on the ground floor.