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July 24, 2008
Posted: 09:51 AM ET
This week, The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study on women, depression and sexual satisfaction.  Researchers in New Mexico found that women who took Viagra were able to reach orgasm more than the group who took the placebo pill. That got me to thinking about what women - depressed or not - can do to get back their groove back. Here’s what researchers told me. 1. Try impotence drugs such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis A woman’s biggest hurdle could be finding a doctor who’ll prescribe them, since they’re approved by the FDA only for men. The solution: Be frank with your doctor. Ask whether he or she is willing to consider prescribing these drugs “off label.” Be clear that you recognize these medicines have not been approved for women, and that you want to know about the risks and benefits. Experts we talked to said taking testosterone has helped many of their female patients. “It not only helps with sex drive, it will also help with arousal,” says Dr. Cynthia Brewer, a clinical associate at the Center for Specialized Women’s Health at the Cleveland Clinic. Testosterone, produced naturally by both men and women, boosts libido. Synthetic testosterone, however, has been approved only for use with men. In 2004, the FDA declined to approve a testosterone patch for women, saying it hadn’t been thoroughly tested. As with Viagra and its cousins, if you’re interested in possibly trying testosterone, tell your doctor you know it’s off label, and you’d like to discuss the benefits and risks for women — knowing that not all the risks are fully understood. 3. Arginine Some doctors suggest using a cream with arginine , an amino acid that’s supposed to increase blood flow. “It’s supposed to act like Viagra,” says Brewer. “I saw one patient try it, and it had benefits. For another it didn’t. Women can try it and decide for themselves.” For more tips on how to get your sex drive back in gear. check out my column at CNN.com/health Posted by: Elizabeth Cohen -- CNN Medical Correspondent |
 
About this blog
CNN's team of experts share their top tips to help you become a wise consumer. We know you're busy, and that's why our tips are quick and effective. From health to personal finance, we'll arm you with the information you need to make smart choices.  Contributors
Gerri Willis is CNN's Personal Finance Editor, hosting Open House and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Ali Velshi is CNN's Senior Business Correspondent, hosting Your $$$$$ and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Dr. Sanjay Gupta is CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent and host of House Call.
 Elizabeth Cohen offers up medical advice in her weekly Empowered Patient report.
 Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily weekdays on Headline News.
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