So This New 'Female Viagra' Is Either Totally Great or Complete Bull

A supplement that promises to be the new female Viagra is being snapped up by women in Britain.

According to the International Business Times, the little pink pill contains pycnogenol, an extract from a French pine bark. The makers of the supplement, dubbed Lady Prelox, say it’s the female version of Viagra. It’s actually the female version of Prelox, an existing treatment for male sexual dysfunction.

But is it just hype or does the pill actually do what it promises?

One small study looked at 100 women aged 37 to 45 who followed a
management programme to improve their lifestyle, diet, exercise, and
stress control. Half of the women also took Lady Prelox. The study –
funded by [Lady Prelox manufacturer] Nord Pharma – found women who took the supplement showed a
larger improvement in the Female Sexual Function Index, a medical tool
for evaluating female sexual health.

Erectile dysfunction in men can be caused by conditions that affect
the flow of blood to the penis. But doctors are far from sure if poor
circulation is an important cause of sexual dysfunction in women, or
whether improving circulation would help treat sexual problems.

Much of the belief that Lady Prelox works stems from the idea that pycnogenol helps with poor circulation. But doctors aren’t yet convinced that the same underlying causes that lead to male erectile dysfunction have anything to do with similar issues in women. One doctor has already voiced his skepticism until further research is done. Chairman of the Sexual Advice Association and a
cardiologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London Dr Graham Jackson said there was
no evidence that sexual dysfunction in women is linked to the similar causes as men. “I suspect
there may turn out to be a link,” he said.

It’s also really expensive, too. A packet of 60 pills costs £37.95, or about $62. With a recommended dosage of two pills per day, that can get a little pricey.

Dr. Jackson cautioned against looking for any drastic solutions. “These
aren’t aphrodisiacs. If you’re not turned on by your partner, no amount
of tablets will help.”