A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a company asking me to be their spokesperson for an over-the-counter supplement
to increase women's sexual desire. My first question was if they had any research to back up their product. I was looking for was a
randomized clinical trial. In other words, I was looking for a study in which the supplement was given to a group of women who took scientifically-sound measures both before they started taking the supplement and a number of weeks after taking it consistently. I also wanted this study to have a
control group: women who simply took the same measures at the same time-intervals (known as a wait-list control group) or better yet, were given either another similar treatment proven to be effective or a
placebo (e.g., a sugar pill). I was also looking for a study that had been published in a journal or presented at a peer-reviewed professional conference, which signifies that other knowledgeable professionals have evaluated the methods and conclusions (e.g., "this treatment is effective") of the study. The company sent me a study - but they had not yet published or presented it and so, for this and other reasons (e.g., ethical concerns, concerns about the ingredients), I said no.
Still, this experience had me realize the need for a listing of effective for-purchase remedies for women's sexual desire and satisfaction. By "effective" I mean that the remedy performed better than a placebo in a study presented in a scientific forum. Because of this, I don't mention a study on DHEA which found it didn't perform better than a placebo, and also, according to Mayo Clinic, has concerning side effects. I also don't mention a study on vibrators--recent use of which has indeed found to be associated with greater sexual functioning--because these studies aren't the kind with control groups (what would be the control?). By for-purchase, I mean anything that someone can buy at an in-person or online store, without a prescription from a physician.
Three remedies meet my criteria, and they are listed below. Please keep in mind, though, that even if a study finds something effective, not everyone will reap the same benefits. Also, importantly, most studies have "exclusion criteria" meaning that people with certain pre-existing issues or experiences (e.g., sexual abuse history, diabetes, pregnant, history of urinary tract infections) aren't eligible to participate.
Zestra is a blend of botanicals. One study, published in 2002 in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, found that as compared to a placebo (soybean oil), using Zestra on one's genitals during a sexual encounter increased desire and arousal. Some women (including me and about 14% of those in the study) experience a burning sensation. I would like to see a study comparing Zestra with less expensive lubricants, including a plain type and one of the warming or clitoral stimulating variety (see Sinclair Institute's buying guide for more information on lubricant varieties). This would help determine if it is Zestra that is working - or if other lubricants would have the same effect.
Argin-Max is a nutritional supplement. Two studies, one published in 2006 in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy and one published in 2001 in the Journal of Women's Health reported positive effects in women who take it, as compared to those who took a sugar pill. In the 2006 study, pre-menopausal women reported increased sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and frequency of intercourse. Post-menopausal women showed an increase in sexual desire. Side effects mentioned in the study were that a few participants had mild gastric distress, two had heavier periods, and one had headaches. Given these findings, I started taking Argin Max. I can't say if it is due to my belief ("the placebo effect") or the product itself, but I have noticed an increase in my level of spontaneous sexual desire.
Given my other medical issues (thyroid disorder, arthritis), I also took the bottle to my doctor and got her blessing, something good sense and medical advice suggests everyone do before taking new supplements.
A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex is a book I wrote, based on my personal experience, my clinical experiences, and by closely examining the research on sexual desire. It includes such tried and true psychological strategies such as affectionate touch, good communication and using the sex organ between your ears. It also suggests physical exercise, an activity which research has found to rev up libido. A study, presented at the American Psychological Association (also linked to my Psychology Today bio page) found that, as compared to a wait-list control group, women who read the book increased their sexual arousal, sexual desire and overall sexual functioning. These latter two gains were maintained at a seven-week follow up. "Side effects" I have heard of are discovering that one's low sex drive is related to more troublesome problems in one marriage than previously realized. I can also imagine that one could get a paper cut. A student and I are currently doing a follow up study, comparing my book, a control group, and another book for women with low sexual desire. This will help us see if it is my book that is helpful, or just the act of reading any good self-help book on the topic. I am excited to see the results.
In the meantime, I will keep following my own advice, as dispensed in A Tired Woman's Guide, taking Argin Max, and using lubricants that feel good rather than burn. I will also keep scouring the literature for more studies of remedies, without side effects, to help increase my-and your-sexual desire.
