Low sexual desire in women has been a complex and understudied issue, often overshadowed by its male counterpart. Low sexual desire in women is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors, including psychological, hormonal, and relational elements. Historically, addressing this concern has been challenging, and the approval of medications specifically targeting female sexual dysfunction has been met with both anticipation and skepticism.
Currently on the market is two FDA approved medications for women to combat low sexual desire.
Bremelanotide, often dubbed the “female Viagra,” and Flibanserin, marketed as a treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), have both received regulatory approval. However, the approval processes for these drugs raise critical questions about the fallacy of regulatory precedent in addressing women’s sexual health.
Bremelanotide, an injectable medication, has faced scrutiny for its potential side effects, including nausea and vomiting. While it has been approved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), concerns linger about the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment.
Flibanserin, approved as a daily pill for premenopausal women with HSDD, has been on the market for a few years. However, its approval process was not without controversy, with initial rejections citing marginal efficacy and significant side effects. The ongoing debate questions whether the regulatory approval truly aligns with the needs of women seeking solutions for low sexual desire.
The approval of Bremelanotide and Flibanserin raises broader questions about the regulatory framework for women’s sexual health medications. Critics argue that the bar for approval may be lower than for male counterparts, potentially leading to the availability of drugs with questionable efficacy and safety profiles.
While the approval of Bremelanotide and Flibanserin signifies progress in acknowledging and addressing low sexual desire in women, it also prompts a reevaluation of regulatory standards. As discussions surrounding women’s sexual health gain momentum, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the fallacy of regulatory precedent and ensure that approved medications genuinely meet the diverse needs of women, both in terms of efficacy and safety.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, critical dialogue and continued research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of treatments for low sexual desire in women.
While these medications may be one solution to improving sexual desire, there are several other options to consider. Topical testosterone therapy is a promising option practitioners can prescribe for both pre and postmenopausal women. There are also numerous herbs backed by research studies such as Maca, Fenugreek, Tribulus, and Ashwagandha that may also provide improvement.
Ultimately, it falls upon the practitioner to provide all available treatment options and collaborate with the patient to determine the most suitable approach to address their specific needs.
Article by Danielle Melvin, N.D.
Source: Mintzes, B., Tiefer, L., & Cosgrove, L. (2021). Bremelanotide and flibanserin for low sexual desire in women: the fallacy of regulatory precedent. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.
