In today’s modern world, researchers and pharmaceutical scientists have conducted various research and experiments that have improved human lives in terms of drugs. Among these milestones in the field of medicine is the Female Viagra drug. Over the years, Female Viagra has been used to enhance sexual desires, pleasure, and drives among women. However, the drug’s use and side effects have sparked hot-button debates on whether it improves or deteriorates women’s lives. Proponents of the drug argue that the drug offers the necessary solution for women struggling with sexual dysfunctions. On the other hand, its opponents raise concerns about the drug’s side effects and the medicalization of women’s sexuality. Ultimately, while Female Viagra may offer sexual benefits for some women, the drug is deteriorating the lives of women as it has side effects, medicalizes normalcy, and treats low libido symptoms and not causes.

Female Viagra deteriorates women’s lives as the drug can cause serious adverse effects. According to numerous research, the consumption of the drug by women can cause low blood pressure. As a result, one can experience other symptoms like “flushing, headache, nausea and fainting” (Cleveland Clinic par.23). These symptoms can be severe for women who already have low blood pressure. Evidently, “if you have low blood pressure or you’re taking blood pressure medication, Viagra can cause a further drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and even fainting” (Cleveland Clinic par.23). Apparently, such symptoms affect women’s health negatively; hence it is deteriorating the lives of women. On a serious note, the drug might cause irregular heartbeat, which might be fatal to women with pre-existing heart conditions. In addition, in case the drug is taken with alcohol, it can cause severe health issues that may threaten the lives of women. Besides, even though women are using Viagra with doctor’s prescriptions, the drug is not approved to be used among women by the FDA. Temitope affirms that “the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Viagra (sildenafil) for use in women” (Oyeleke par.1). The fact that the FDA has not approved the drug is because Female Viagra has shown no benefits for women and might be harmful. Therefore, given its side effects with no benefits, the drug is deteriorating women’s lives.

Additionally, Female Viagra deteriorates the lives of women as it focuses on symptoms only and not the underlying cause. Generally, the drug is known to treat sexual dysfunction among women. “Viagra even has been tried as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in women” (Marnach par.2). However, it is paramount to point out that low libido can be a sign of underlying severe illnesses like hormonal imbalance and stress. Studies indicate that various issues can impact women’s sex lives, which can cause low sex drive. They include “stresses of daily life, beginnings and ending of relationships, hormonal problems, and relationship problems. On a serious level, “some chronic conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, can cause changes in arousal or orgasm” (Marnach par.10). Other studies note that, “female sexual dysfunction can be due to an inability to reach orgasm, painful intercourse, or lower sexual desire (libido)” (Oyeleke par.12). Evidently, while Female Viagra addresses the symptom of low sex drive among women, it fails to address the underlying root cause of the symptom. As a result, underlying chronic health issues like Multiple Sclerosis might not be addressed on time, which can cause severe health problems for the patient. Therefore, the drug worsens the lives of women as it addresses low sex drive, only leaving room for underlying root causes to worsen, which might prompt chronic health problems later.  

Female Viagra worsens women’s lives also as it medicalizes normalcy. For women, a natural fluctuation in libido is normal. As pointed out by various scholars, low sex drive among women can be caused by underlying issues like hormonal imbalances, age, and stress. Evidently, “women’s levels of sexual desire change over the years. It’s common for highs and lows to happen along with the start or end of a relationship. Or they can happen with major life changes such as pregnancy, menopause or illness” (Mayo Clinic par.1). In some cases, anti-depressants and other drugs used to treat mood swings can also cause low sex drive. Notably, it is apparent that low sex drive is a normal part of women’s lives. Thus, the use of Viagra to counter sexual dysfunction among women leads to the medicalization of a normal occurrence. This, in turn, makes women have a feeling that their natural sexual needs necessitate medical solutions, which is harmful to their general well-being. The drug might also prompt addiction, which might hinder natural arousal, causing more harm.

To sum up, it is evident that the use of Viagra to enhance sexual desires is not uncommon among women, even though the drug is not approved by the FDA. However, akin to its use among men, Female Viagra deteriorates women’s lives as it contains side effects that might be harmful and chronic. The drug also does not treat underlying causes of sexual dysfunction, which leaves room for serious illnesses to worsen. Most importantly, it medicalizes a normal part of women’s lives, which negatively impacts women’s sexual lives. Despite its negative impacts, it is essential to note that the drug can be effectively used by some women, whereby its impacts depend on individual women and their unique circumstances.