Cialis for women: does it work?

At this time, Cialis is not approved for use in women by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It does, however, show some promise in treating sexual dysfunction in women, so some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this purpose.

Here’s what you should know about Cialis for women, including whether it works and what other treatment options are available.

Cialis (tadalafil) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s also approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate.

For ED, Cialis works in part by increasing blood flow to the penis. To get and maintain an erection, blood vessels in the penis need to widen and fill with blood. When a person has erectile dysfunction, they may have trouble getting adequate blood flow to the penis, or their blood vessels may not widen enough. Cialis addresses both of those issues. 

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As of now, Cialis is not FDA-approved for women — the FDA has only approved the medication for men. However, just like there is an off-label use of Viagra (sildenafil) for women, some healthcare providers may suggest Cialis if you are struggling with female sexual dysfunction.

Similar to Cialis for men, researchers think tadalafil may increase blood flow to the genital area in women. Good blood flow to the vaginal area is important for arousal and sexual response, including engorgement and increased sensitivity of the clitoris. Increased blood flow also supports natural lubrication.

However, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is complex. It involves psychological, social, and physical components beyond blood flow. As such, it’s unclear if Cialis would address aspects of FSD like sexual desire (libido), arousal, or physical barriers to sexual satisfaction caused by aging or other medical conditions.

The research on Cialis for women is minimal, with few large-scale studies looking directly at how Cialis affects sexual function in women. Here’s what we know so far about the use of Cialis in women:

• A 2017 study found that daily treatment with a low dose of tadalafil was effective in treating overactive bladder in women. 

• In women who take antidepressants and experience sexual side effects, a 20 mg dose of tadalafil may help reduce sexual problems, according to a small 2006 case series.

• A small 2012 open-label study found that a daily tadalafil dose of 5 mg improved sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes.

• A 2017 review of sexual dysfunction treatments in menopausal women indicated that further research is needed on tadalafil because it may be able to successfully treat sexual conditions in postmenopausal women.

Although the research is limited, Cialis for women is an area of ongoing interest, and more clinical trials are needed to study its efficacy in treating female sexual dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a challenge faced by 40–50% of women, according to recent estimates. FSD may be experienced by premenopausal women and postmenopausal women alike, and can have physical, psychological, or social causes.

The components that lead to a positive sexual experience for women are complex and multifaceted, which is why medications like female Viagra or Cialis for women may not solve issues relating to sexual dysfunction for every woman. 

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is defined as any type of sexual concern relating to:

• Sexual arousal

• Sexual desire, including low sex drive

• Ability to reach orgasm

• Pain with sexual activity or intercourse

Sometimes FSD is caused by physical conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse or endometriosis. Other times, it may be related to psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, or relationship concerns.

Symptoms of FSD are more common in women after menopause. Decreased levels of estrogen may also increase vaginal dryness or decrease vaginal lubrication, which can reduce sexual desire and cause pain during sex.

It isn’t fully known whether women will experience the same side effects as men who take Cialis, since clinical trials were conducted in men. However, the FDA reports the following potential side effects:

• Headache

• Indigestion

• Back pain

• Muscle aches

• Flushing

• Stuffy and runny nose

Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

In rare instances, serious side effects can occur, including:

• Vision loss

• Hearing loss

• Allergic reaction (hives, rash, swollen lips or tongue, trouble breathing or swallowing)

If you experience any of these more serious side effects, contact emergency services immediately. 

Certain groups of people should not take Cialis. At this time, Cialis is only approved by the FDA for men with erectile dysfunction or an enlarged prostate. It’s not indicated for use in women or children.

Cialis has not been tested in pregnant people, so it’s unclear whether it could harm a fetus. Similarly, the FDA states there is no research on whether Cialis is excreted in breast milk, so people who are breastfeeding should not use it.

Other groups who should not take Cialis, according to the FDA, include:

• People with certain heart conditions or issues with low blood pressure 

• People who take nitrate medications

• People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol

• People who have severe liver or kidney disease

Before taking Cialis, you should discuss all health diagnoses and any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider. From there, they can determine if Cialis is safe for you to take and what your starting dose should be.

Understanding what is causing a woman’s FSD is the key to treating it properly. Often, providers who treat FSD take a holistic approach, addressing any psychological concerns, interpersonal issues, as well as physical or medical conditions.

Psychological and interpersonal issues can be addressed through psychotherapy or sex therapy. Couples therapy can be helpful when it comes to improving communication about sexual preferences and desires. One older study found that mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga may have therapeutic value for FSD.

Certain medications may help improve FSD symptoms, including: 

• Estrogen therapy, usually as a low-dose cream inserted into the vagina

• Transdermal testosterone (testosterone patch)(usually short-term and post-menopausal)

• Ospemifene (Osphena) for pain during sex

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) for people who experience sexual side effects from antidepressants

• Addyi (flibanserin) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (low libido) in premenopausal women

• Vyleesi (bremelanotide), an injectable medication for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women

Women who experience genital pain, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse may benefit from seeing a women’s health provider in person who can do a physical examination, diagnose the problem, and discuss treatment options. Pain during sex can have both psychological and physical components.

Many effective treatments for sexual dysfunction are available, and a healthcare provider can walk you through your options.

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If you’re a woman dealing with female sexual dysfunction, it’s possible that Cialis could help.

• Cialis for women is not FDA-approved, but some healthcare providers might prescribe it off-label.

• Cialis is thought to work in women by enhancing blood flow to the genitals, which may improve sexual arousal. 

• Research on Cialis for women is limited, but some small studies suggest the medication may improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction in certain populations, like postmenopausal women, women with type 1 diabetes, or women with sexual side effects from antidepressants. 

• There are other treatment options for FSD, including estrogen therapy, testosterone patches, or bupropion. Individual therapy, sex therapy, or couples therapy can also help improve FSD symptoms.