The pink pill, also known as female Viagra, has generated a lot of buzz in the news in recent years. While scientists continue to tweak the formula and conduct experiments, those of us waiting with bated breath can speculate on the pros and cons of such a drug.
Pro: It can improve circulation and provide energy for women with certain diseases.
Women who suffer from common conditions such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart disease, neurological diseases, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune disorders like lupus can definitely stand to benefit from the pink pill. The drug can help to treat biological issues resulting from major health problems.
Con: It can’t treat the primary cause of sexual dysfunction in women: desire.
According to Sandra Lieblum, director for sexual and marital health at the UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, N.J., "What the genitals are doing may play a less important role in how a woman defines her sexual arousal. I don't think there will ever be an aphrodisiac that will make [women] want to have sex all the time."
Pro: You won’t have to worry about the sexual side effects of your medications.
The pink pill has one huge benefit: the ability to counteract the loss of libido incurred as a result of certain medications. Women robbed of their mojo by prescription medicines like anti-hypertensives and anti-depressants can expect to receive much-needed relief from female Viagra.
Con: Affordability may prevent widespread use of the pink pill.
Drug companies pay researchers (and study volunteers) inordinate sums of money to develop medication that meets FDA standards. They then pay millions of dollars to advertise those medications (Zyrtec, anyone?). All of this means that once a drug finally hits the market, companies are pushing hard to sell, sell, sell. Women's sexual health products also have a long history of being controversial (birth control, the morning-after pill, etc.) which may prevent them from being covered by insurance plans.
Pro: The road to orgasm will likely be much easier.
The effects of increasing blood flow to the vagina, which is the primary function of female Viagra, include increased lubrication and relaxed vaginal muscles. If you can think back to the worst sex you ever had, I’m betting that pain was part of it, due to the fact that you weren’t feeling turned on and/or comfortable. By taking the pink pill you could lay the groundwork for great sex and a great orgasm by cutting foreplay time in half.
The decision to take female Viagra will be a personal one once it hits the market. Until then, women should be aware that they have other options, which include therapy, lubrication, exercise, and, if you are comfortable with it, pornography. A certain peace of mind can also be gained by the knowledge that the scientific community is interested and invested in “leveling the playing field” for women. Because the existence of a sexual drug for men begs the question – what about the ladies?