Compare Womenra (Sildenafil) with Alternatives for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Womenra is a brand name for sildenafil, the same active ingredient found in Viagra. But while Viagra is widely known for treating erectile dysfunction in men, Womenra was developed specifically for women experiencing low sexual desire - a condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or female sexual dysfunction (FSD). It doesn’t work like a magic switch. It doesn’t create desire out of thin air. What it does is improve blood flow to the genital area, helping with arousal, sensation, and response during sexual activity. But it’s not the only option. And for many women, it’s not even the best one.
How Womenra (Sildenafil) Actually Works in Women
Womenra contains 50mg or 100mg of sildenafil citrate. Taken about 45 minutes before sexual activity, it relaxes blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the clitoris and vaginal tissues. This can lead to better lubrication, heightened sensitivity, and stronger orgasms. But here’s the catch: it only works if there’s already some level of sexual arousal. If you’re stressed, tired, or emotionally disconnected, no amount of sildenafil will fix that.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women taking sildenafil reported modest improvements in arousal and satisfaction compared to placebo - but only about 30% saw significant benefit. That’s not a cure. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it only helps if the problem fits the design.
Why Womenra Isn’t the Go-To Choice for Most Women
Despite being available online and through some private clinics, Womenra isn’t approved by the FDA or the UK’s MHRA for use in women. That means it’s prescribed off-label - which isn’t illegal, but it does mean there’s less safety data, fewer long-term studies, and no standardized dosing guidelines. Many women report side effects: headaches, flushing, dizziness, and stomach upset. Some even experience vision changes or low blood pressure, especially if they’re on nitrate medications.
And then there’s the cost. A 30-pill pack of Womenra can run £60-£90 without insurance. Compare that to FDA-approved options like flibanserin (Addyi) or bremelanotide (Vyleesi), which, while expensive too, come with clearer safety profiles and doctor-supervised use.
Alternative #1: Flibanserin (Addyi) - The First FDA-Approved Pill for Low Libido
Approved in 2015, flibanserin works on brain chemistry - not blood flow. It targets serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors to rebalance the neural pathways involved in sexual desire. Unlike sildenafil, it needs to be taken daily, not on-demand. That’s a big shift.
Studies show about 1 in 3 women taking Addyi reported improved sexual desire and satisfaction over placebo. But side effects are real: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure - especially if combined with alcohol. The FDA even required a black box warning and a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program because of the risk of fainting and severe hypotension.
Addyi isn’t for everyone. If you drink even occasionally, it’s off the table. But for women who struggle with chronic low desire and aren’t looking for a quick fix before sex, it’s a legitimate option.
Alternative #2: Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) - The Injections That Work Fast
Vyleesi is a self-injected shot given 45 minutes before sexual activity. It activates melanocortin receptors in the brain, triggering arousal pathways. It’s the only FDA-approved treatment for FSD that works on-demand - like Womenra, but with more clinical backing.
In trials, women using Vyleesi saw about a 50% increase in satisfying sexual events compared to placebo. Side effects include nausea (up to 40% of users), vomiting, flushing, and injection-site reactions. It’s also expensive - around £100 per dose in the UK - and requires a prescription.
What makes Vyleesi stand out? It doesn’t rely on physical blood flow. It works on the brain. That means it can help women whose low desire is rooted in emotional or psychological factors, not just physical ones.
Alternative #3: Testosterone Therapy - The Controversial Option
Testosterone is a hormone linked to libido in both men and women. As women age, especially after menopause, testosterone levels drop. Some doctors prescribe low-dose testosterone gels or patches off-label to boost desire.
A 2023 Cochrane review found that testosterone therapy improved sexual desire and satisfaction in postmenopausal women. But it’s not without risks: acne, hair growth, voice deepening, and potential long-term effects on cholesterol and liver function. The NHS doesn’t routinely recommend it, and it’s not licensed in the UK for this use.
Still, for women who’ve tried everything else and still feel disconnected from their sexuality, testosterone can be a turning point - if monitored closely by a specialist.
Alternative #4: Non-Pharmaceutical Options - Therapy, Lifestyle, and Devices
Medication isn’t the only path. Many women find relief through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or sex therapy. A 2022 study in Archives of Sexual Behavior showed that women who completed 8 sessions of CBT for low desire saw improvements equal to or better than those taking sildenafil.
Lifestyle changes matter too. Poor sleep, chronic stress, depression, and relationship conflict are bigger drivers of low libido than hormonal imbalances. Regular exercise, reducing alcohol, and prioritizing intimacy - not just sex - can make a huge difference.
There are also FDA-cleared devices like the Osphena (a vaginal laser treatment for dryness) and the Eros CT (a clitoral suction device that improves blood flow). These aren’t pills, but they’re proven to help with physical arousal symptoms.
Comparing Womenra to Alternatives: A Quick Overview
| Treatment | How It Works | When to Take | Effectiveness | Common Side Effects | Regulatory Status (UK/US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Womenra (Sildenafil) | Increases genital blood flow | 45 min before sex | 30% see moderate improvement | Headache, flushing, dizziness | Off-label, not approved |
| Flibanserin (Addyi) | Modulates brain neurotransmitters | Daily, at bedtime | 1 in 3 women benefit | Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea | Approved (US), not available in UK |
| Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) | Activates brain arousal pathways | 45 min before sex (injection) | 50% improvement in satisfying events | Nausea, vomiting, injection site pain | Approved (US), available in UK privately |
| Testosterone Therapy | Replaces declining hormone levels | Daily gel or patch | Improves desire in postmenopausal women | Acne, hair growth, voice changes | Off-label, not licensed |
| Sex Therapy / CBT | Addresses emotional and relational causes | Weekly sessions over 6-12 weeks | Equal or better than medication in studies | None | Recommended by NICE guidelines |
Who Should Avoid Womenra Altogether?
Women with heart disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or those taking nitrates (like GTN for angina) should never take sildenafil. It can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
If you’re over 65, have a history of stroke, or take certain antidepressants (SSRIs), your risk of side effects increases. Always talk to a doctor - even if you’re buying Womenra online. Many websites sell counterfeit versions with unknown ingredients or incorrect dosages.
What’s the Real Best Option?
There’s no single best treatment for female sexual dysfunction. What works for one woman might do nothing for another. The key is matching the treatment to the root cause.
If your issue is physical - dryness, poor arousal, weak orgasms - then devices, topical treatments, or sildenafil might help. If your problem is emotional - stress, trauma, relationship issues - then therapy is more effective than any pill. If you’re postmenopausal and your libido has dropped with hormones, testosterone or Vyleesi could be worth exploring.
Most importantly: don’t feel like you’re broken if nothing works right away. Low sexual desire is incredibly common - affecting up to 40% of women at some point in their lives. But it’s rarely just one thing. It’s a mix of biology, psychology, and life circumstances.
Start with your GP or a women’s health specialist. Ask for a full assessment. Don’t settle for a quick fix. And if someone tells you Womenra is the answer, ask them why - and what they’re not telling you.
Is Womenra the same as Viagra for women?
Yes, Womenra contains the same active ingredient as Viagra - sildenafil citrate. The difference is branding and marketing. Viagra was developed for men with erectile dysfunction, while Womenra was marketed for women with low sexual desire. But the mechanism of action is identical: improved blood flow. It doesn’t increase libido directly; it enhances physical response when arousal is already present.
Can I buy Womenra legally in the UK?
Womenra is not licensed by the MHRA for use in women. You can’t get it on the NHS. Some private clinics and online pharmacies sell it, but these are often unregulated. Many products sold as Womenra online contain incorrect dosages or harmful fillers. Always get it through a licensed prescriber who can monitor your health.
Does Womenra work for postmenopausal women?
Some postmenopausal women report improved arousal and orgasm intensity with Womenra, especially if vaginal dryness is a factor. But studies show mixed results. For hormonal causes of low desire, testosterone therapy or Vyleesi often work better. Womenra doesn’t replace estrogen or testosterone - it only addresses blood flow.
How long does Womenra take to work?
Womenra typically starts working within 30 to 45 minutes after taking it. Peak levels in the blood occur around 1 hour. It’s best taken on an empty stomach, as food - especially fatty meals - can delay absorption. Effects last about 4 to 6 hours.
Are there natural alternatives to Womenra?
Yes. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress reduction, better sleep, and reducing alcohol can significantly improve libido. Some women benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy or using clitoral suction devices like the Eros CT. Herbal supplements like maca root or ginseng have limited evidence, and many aren’t regulated. Therapy - especially CBT or sex therapy - has the strongest evidence for long-term improvement.
Why isn’t Womenra approved for women in the UK or US?
Regulatory agencies require strong evidence of safety and effectiveness. While some studies show modest benefits with sildenafil in women, the results weren’t consistent enough across large populations. Side effects were also common. The FDA and MHRA approved other drugs - like Vyleesi and Addyi - because they showed clearer benefit-risk profiles for specific types of low desire. Womenra remains off-label because the data isn’t robust enough for formal approval.
What to Do Next
If you’re considering Womenra or any other treatment for low sexual desire, start with your GP or a women’s health specialist. Ask for a full check-up - including hormone levels, mental health screening, and relationship assessment. Don’t rush into pills. Try therapy first. Explore devices. Make lifestyle changes. And if you do choose medication, make sure it’s prescribed, monitored, and safe.
Sexual health isn’t a weakness. It’s a core part of well-being. And you deserve care that’s honest, evidence-based, and tailored to you - not a marketing slogan.
About Author
I am a pharmaceutical expert with a passion for writing about medication and health-related topics. I enjoy sharing insights on the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry and how they can impact our daily lives. My goal is to make complex medical information accessible to everyone. In my spare time, I love exploring new hobbies and enhancing my knowledge.
Sharon M Delgado October 31, 2025
Wow. This is the most thorough, well-researched breakdown I’ve ever seen on this topic-thank you. I’ve been struggling with low desire for years, and no one ever explained the difference between blood flow and brain chemistry like this. I didn’t even know Vyleesi existed until now.
Wendy Tharp November 1, 2025
Of course the FDA approves expensive drugs but not the cheap one. Big Pharma doesn’t want you fixing yourself with generics. They want you hooked on $100 injections and monthly prescriptions. Wake up.
HALEY BERGSTROM-BORINS November 2, 2025
I’ve been on Womenra for 6 months. 🤫 It works-but I’m not supposed to tell you that. My doctor told me to keep it quiet because ‘it’s not approved.’ I’m not buying it off some sketchy site-I’m getting it through a compounding pharmacy with a script. So yes, it’s off-label. But so is half of what we take. Why are we pretending this is some scandal? 😒