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Does Cialis work on women? What will happen if an AFAB person takes a PDE5 inhibitor? Are there other ways to address female sexual dysfunctions?

We took a look at clinical and anecdotal evidence to find the answer. In this article, we collected essential information regarding the matter.

What is Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to achieve a state of erection or maintain it for satisfactory intercourse. Note that the term is used for AMAB patients—i.e. it means occurrences of the penis not being hard enough to have sex.

For women, doctors use the term FSIAD, which stands for female sexual interest/arousal disorder. It united two previously used terms:

• hypoactive sexual desire disorder—low or absent interest in sex;
• FSAD (female sexual arousal disorder)—lack of excitement, sensation, and pleasure from sexual activities.

FSIAD can be difficult to diagnose because there could be many other reasons why a patient loses interest and joy in sexual interactions. For example, the doctor will need to rule out:

• other mental disorder that better explains patient’s health status but also affects their sexual life;
• another medical condition;
• effect of medications or other substances;
• trauma or abuse.

The term is also applied only if the patient feels distressed with their situation.

FSIAD has three categories:

• subjective: when the patient’s genitals respond to stimuli, but they do not experience mental arousal;
• genital: when the patient has an interest in sex and can be mentally aroused, but lacks physical response;
• combined: lack of both mental and physical reaction to stimulation.

What is Cialis

Cialis is a brand name for tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor manufactured by Eli Lilly company. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia in AMAB patients.

Other well-known PDE5 inhibitors are Viagra (sildenafil) and Levitra (vardenafil).

How Does it Work?

PDE5 inhibitors act as vasodilators: they affect smooth muscles inside the walls of blood vessels, making them relax. As a result, blood vessels dilate, which improves blood flow. When the brain sends signals of arousal, blood rushes into the cavernous tissue of the penis, making it erect. With vasodilation, the process is faster and easier.

Cialis Forms and Dosing

Cialis is manufactured in tablets with doses of 2.5, 5,10, and 20 mg. It can be taken with or without meals, as needed for occasional use, or every day for chronic health issues, but never more than once a day.

The initial recommended dosage for use as needed is 10 mg. Depending on the patient’s response, it can be decreased to 5 mg or increased to 29 mg. For daily use, the starting dose of Cialis is 2.5 mg increased to 5 mg if necessary; the patient should take the medicine at the same time of the day.

Cialis and Alcohol

Cialis is compatible with moderate amounts of alcohol. However, just like PDE5 inhibitors, alcohol is a vasodilator, so more than units of alcohol taken with Cialis, can amplify its side effects and cause:

• nausea;
• low blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• fainting;
• lightheadedness, etc.

For those unfamiliar with units, some data on servings of alcohol:

• a standard glass of wine (175ml, ABV 13%) is 2.3 units;
• a pint of lower-strength cider/beer/lager (568ml, ABV 3.6%) is 2 units;
• a single shot of spirits (25ml, ABV 40%) is 1 unit.

Additionally, alcohol is a depressant: it suppresses CNS activity and inhibits neural transmission, which can affect arousal. Also, spirit beverages cause dehydration and the following contraction of blood vessels, making them narrow and countering the effect of Cialis.

Can Women Take Cialis?

There happens to be much anecdotal evidence of cases of women taking Cialis. Some tell their doctors, some share their stories online, etc. One may even stumble upon a blog post titled “I am a woman, and I took Cialis.” Nevertheless, clinical data on the matter is extremely limited and inconclusive. Research with a sample size often less than 10 patients is not enough to draw any implications.

How to Use Cialis for Women

First of all, Cialis is a prescription drug: to obtain it legally, one would need a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Secondly, there are contraindications and warnings in force—for instance, those who take nitrates and antihypertensives, should not take PDE5 inhibitors.

Shortly speaking, if you want to try and take Cialis, talk to your doctor first to ensure the safety of the process. You may also need dose readjustment because standard dosages are indicated for AMAB patients. Your healthcare professional will guide you and keep you safe and healthy.

Suggested Benefits for Women

Let us take a look at the potential benefits of Cialis for women.

Blood flow and sensation

Both in male and female bodies, arousal results in blood rushing to the genitals. If, for some reason, normal blood flow is restricted, the person may experience a lack of physical response to the mental arousal. PDE5 inhibitors and their vasodilating effect seem to be a perfect solution for such situations.

However, clinical studies yield confusing results. For example, PDE5 inhibitors did not provide sufficient vasodilating effect in patients who had abnormal levels of steroid hormones. This again turns us to the conclusion that it is necessary to determine a primary source of sexual dysfunction before any attempts of treatment.

Arousal, orgasm, and general satisfaction

There are several studies on the benefits of tadalafil for female sexual activity, including arousal, orgasm, and sexual enjoyment in general. The issues with them are, again, a very small number of participants and the absence of a placebo control group. For example, a study of genital arousal disorder of premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes included 33 volunteers. Another trial reported tadalafil reversal of sexual dysfunction in women who were taking antidepressants but there were only three patients, and the dose of tadalafil was maximized to 20 mg. Like with the previous case, there was no placebo control group.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon, or secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, is a disorder characterized by episodic spasms in small blood vessels. It can affect toes, fingers, nose, ear lobes, or lips. While it occurs in AFAB patients more often, it is not exclusive.

The vasodilating effect of PDE5 inhibitors resulting in improved microcirculation suggested that this group of medications may be considered a therapeutic option for patients with the condition. However, authors of clinical studies agree that further research is needed.

Cialis Side Effects in Women

Cialis side effects on women and men are not different, with an exception for priapism—painful penile erection that lasts more than 4 hours. Both in AMAB and AFAB patients, ordinary adverse reactions to Cialis include:

• nasal congestion;
• dizziness;
• flushing (face and neck redness);
• headache;
• muscle, back, and limb pain;
• dyspepsia,
• diarrhea.

There is also a possibility of severe side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• Changes in vision and hearing.
• Heart pain (cardialgiat).
• Extreme weakness and fainting caused by acute drop in blood pressure.

Cialis Alternatives for Women with FSIAD

Are there alternatives to Cialis for healthy pre-menopausal females who are not satisfied with their sexual lives? Yes, of course.

• Counseling. An honest dialogue with a professional can help you root out and solve psychological issues lying underneath sexual dysfunctions. It will also help you establish honest and proactive communication with your sexual partner.
• Healthy lifestyle. Physical activity, quitting bad habits, and opting for a balanced diet can improve your health a lot, including mood, hormone balance, and blood circulation.
• Addressing an ongoing health condition can improve your sexual life if it is affected.
• If your current medications are causing sexual dysfunctions as a side effect, talk to your doctor. Seeking an alternative or adjusting dosage may solve the issue.
• Ask your doctor about Addyi (flibanserin)—an FDA-approved medication for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Summary

Do women take Cialis? According to anecdotal evidence, they totally do, and some are even satisfied with their results and claim that their sexual life has improved. Do PDE5 inhibitors have proven beneficial effects in AFAB patients? No, available clinical data regarding the subject is extremely limited and flawed.

What can you do if unsatisfied with your sexual life? Start with an honest dialogue with a counselor, your primary healthcare provider, or both—and do not hesitate to ask questions about options you find promising for you.

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