How to Get Treatment for HSDD in the UK

Desire Starts in the Brain...
The Clinically Proven Treatment for Low Sexual Desire
Real Science. Real Results.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Where the Magic Happens

Attitude Aspect	Description	Key Influencers
Public acceptance	Increasing acceptance of female sexual health products	Media campaigns, education efforts
Medical professional perspectives	Growing support but some hesitance	Doctors, sexologists
Social stigma	Lessening but still present in some communities	Cultural shifts

This makes the cost of each treatment only about $0.24. (We appreciate the Unbound customer service team explaining that the company’s estimate of “pea-sized” is .25g worth of gel.) Often, the more convenient a treatment is, the easier it tends to be to integrate into your routine — and the more likely you are to stick with it and potentially see results.

Desire Starts in the Brain...

The dose for Hello Cake’s Drive For Her supplement falls somewhere between the other supplements, requiring users to take two capsules. And, while they’re not included in the above image, Cake’s capsules are roughly the same size or slightly smaller than the VitaFLUX ones. Female libido support products are generally intended to aid women or assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals who: Are experiencing a dip in their libido or sex drive May be feeling less pleasure from sex due to various reasons, such as menopause symptoms Are diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or another form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) Some of the products, like over-the-counter (OTC) arousal topicals or gels, can also be used simply because you want to enhance your sexual experience. Cream, though, are typically intended for those struggling with distressing sexual symptoms. (The Wisp online consultation quiz specifically asks if you’ve been experiencing a lower interest in sex than usual or difficulty reaching orgasm.) Besides having male anatomy or a safety restriction (more on that in the following section), there aren’t too many reasons why the female libido-supporting products in this guide couldn’t be used by someone interested in trying them.

What are other tips for boosting female sex drive?

However, certain products may be more ideal than others depending on your unique needs. Individuals with HSDD may do better with one of the two available FDA-approved prescriptions — Addyi (pill) or Vyleesi (injection). Those looking for viagra packaging an “instant” fix could find that topicals, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, or Vyleesi are what they need (these work within the hour). People seeking a more long-term solution might prefer supplements or Addyi (these options take weeks or months to work, but the potential benefits last longer). While many of the sketchy “instant female arousal” pills on the market are not safe, the products we mention in this guide should be safe for most healthy adults.

A note about sex and gender

However, we’d be remiss not to mention a few safety considerations that should be kept in mind, including: Pregnant or nursing individuals would be safest sticking with OTC topicals only, as some ingredients in supplements and prescriptions may harm your baby. The herbal ingredients in various supplements may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before taking them. Many of these products increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lower blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular concerns or who are on blood pressure medications should consult a doctor to make sure these products are safe to try.63 Products containing L-arginine — such as Jolt Gel, HerSolution Gel, and VitaFLUX — could trigger a herpes flare-up (oral, genital, or both).3 Some libido-support products for women, like HerSolution pills (not the gel), may contain a synthetic form of DHEA, a hormone that acts as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. This ingredient has the potential to interact with a host of medications, increase the risk of certain cancers, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, trigger manic viagra online generic episodes, and more.6 12 At varying times and for many reasons, including the hormonal changes of menopause, women and AFAB individuals may notice that their libido has dropped and their desire for sex is much lower than it used to be.13 Fortunately, there are a few generally safe and effective female arousal products on the market. Convenience can be a very subjective thing, however, and what might be considered the most convenient treatment to you could be the most bothersome one to someone else. We think Cake Meds Libido Lift Rx stands out as a convenient option for a few reasons: It’s a one-pill dose per use Effects should kick in within 30 minutes The pills are actually tablets that dissolve under your tongue (no need to have water on-hand) Hello Cake will send you a new prescription every one, three, or six months until you cancel your subscription Saving money is also convenient, and we can share a coupon code that gets you 10% off of a Cake Meds prescription: INNERBODY10 When it comes to topicals — gels and creams — the idea of being able to apply a product and have it work within the hour (similar to Libido Lift Rx) could perfectly fit your idea of convenience, but others may not like the potentially “messy” aspect of topicals.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Generic	200mg	120 + 8 Pills	204.80€ 195.05€
Viagra Generic	100mg	120 + 6 Pills	149.50€ 142.38€
Viagra Generic	150mg	120 + 8 Pills	177.58€ 169.12€
Viagra Super Active	100mg	120 + 16 Pills	198.37€ 188.92€
Viagra Generic	25mg	180 + 6 Pills	154.93€ 147.55€
Viagra Professional	100mg	180 + 4 Pills	337.30€ 321.24€
Viagra Original	100mg	120 + 8 Pills	470.39€ 447.99€
Viagra Original	100mg	48 + 4 Pills	207.15€ 197.29€
Viagra Generic	100mg	90 + 6 Pills	129.02€ 122.88€
Viagra Original	100mg	14 + 2 Pills	89.03€ 84.79€
Viagra Generic	50mg	60 + 4 Pills	83.93€ 79.93€
Viagra Oral Jelly	100mg	10 Sachets	46.36€ 44.15€
Viagra Professional	100mg	360 + 6 Pills	527.09€ 501.99€
Viagra Original	100mg	92 + 4 Pills	362.88€ 345.60€
Viagra Original	100mg	22 + 2 Pills	120.71€ 114.96€

Jolt Gel can be convenient in its own way as a fast-acting gel, but HerSolution Gel and OMG! Cream both have specific standout qualities that make them runners up here. HerSolution Gel isn’t just an arousal gel, but it also acts as a personal lubricant, which the other two don’t; this could be particularly helpful for people struggling with vaginal dryness as a symptom. Cream, provided through telehealth company Wisp, can be prescribed entirely online with free delivery and the viagra jelly sachets uk option for recurring deliveries every quarter in packs of one or two bottles. In the chart below, we compare our top picks in several key ways to help you decide which product best suits your needs. If you’re interested in learning more details, you can find our complete evaluation of these products in their dedicated sections. $49.95 ($44.95 when you use our links) 30-day return policy for unopened, unused products Likely a few weeks (company states 30 minutes) Cost with insurance varies; non-insured price is around $350 for 30 tablets Insurance could bring costs down to $0 for some but can cost up to around $1,000 for four doses 4 doses (Each autoinjector pen contains a single dose) Additionally, as you can see below, we compared the sizes of VitaFLUX and HerSolution pills. Both pills are a bit on the larger side, which might make topicals a more appealing option for some people. This becomes especially pertinent when you consider that Promescent instructs VitaFLUX users to take three capsules in the morning and three at night, while a serving of HerSolution is only one tablet per day.

The Clinically Proven Treatment for Low Sexual Desire

Exploratory Phase 2b RESPOND Study, Completed in 2023

What do females use instead of Viagra?

The dose for Hello Cake’s Drive For Her supplement falls somewhere between the other supplements, requiring users to take two capsules.

Side Effect	Percentage of Users	Severity	Notes
Nausea	15%	Mild	Usually mild, transient
Headache	20%	Mild to Moderate	Common among users
Dizziness	10%	Mild	Typically subsides
Insomnia	8%	Mild	Reported in some cases

And, while they’re not included in the above image, Cake’s capsules are roughly the same size or slightly smaller than the VitaFLUX ones.

Real Science. Real Results.

But, for those who are uninsured, you could pay up to $956 for four doses.11 Because of this very wide range of potential prices, we chose the next least-expensive option, Jolt Gel, as our winner for cost. Since it’s an OTC product, each 1oz bottle costs $24 for everyone, and it should get you around 100 or so uses if you adhere to the recommended pea-sized treatment amount. This makes the cost of each treatment only about $0.24. (We appreciate the Unbound customer service team explaining that the company’s estimate of “pea-sized” is .25g worth of gel.) Often, the more convenient a treatment is, the easier it tends to be to integrate into your routine — and the more likely you are to stick with it and potentially see results. Convenience can be a very subjective thing, however, and what might be considered the most convenient treatment to you could be the most bothersome one to someone else.

Top What Is Natural Viagra for Females Related Articles

We think Cake Meds Libido Lift Rx stands out as a convenient option for a few reasons: It’s a one-pill dose per use Effects should kick in within 30 minutes The pills are actually tablets that dissolve under your tongue (no need to have water on-hand) Hello Cake will send you a new prescription every one, three, or six months until you cancel your subscription Saving money is also convenient, and we can share a coupon code that gets you 10% off of a Cake Meds prescription: INNERBODY10 When it comes to topicals — gels and creams — the idea of being able to apply a product and have it work within the hour (similar to Libido Lift Rx) could perfectly fit your idea of convenience, but others may not like the potentially “messy” aspect of topicals. Jolt Gel can be convenient in its own way as a fast-acting gel, but HerSolution Gel and OMG! Cream both have specific standout qualities that make them runners up here. HerSolution Gel isn’t just an arousal gel, but it also acts as a personal lubricant, which the other two don’t; this could be particularly helpful for people struggling with vaginal dryness as a symptom. Cream, provided through telehealth company Wisp, can be prescribed entirely online with free delivery and the viagra jelly sachets uk option for recurring deliveries every quarter in packs of one or two bottles.

Though you cannot place an order quite yet...

In the chart below, we compare our top picks in several key ways to help you decide which product best suits your needs. If you’re interested in learning more details, you can find our complete evaluation of these products in their dedicated sections. $49.95 ($44.95 when you use our links) 30-day return policy for unopened, unused products Likely a few weeks (company states 30 minutes) Cost with insurance varies; non-insured price is around $350 for 30 tablets Insurance could bring costs down to $0 for some but can cost up to around $1,000 for four doses 4 doses (Each autoinjector pen contains a single dose) Additionally, as you can see below, we compared the sizes of VitaFLUX and HerSolution pills. Both pills are a bit on the larger side, which might make topicals a more appealing option for some people. This becomes especially pertinent when you consider that Promescent instructs VitaFLUX users to take three capsules in the morning and three at night, while a serving of HerSolution is only one tablet per day. Female libido support products are generally intended to aid women or assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals who: Are experiencing a dip in their libido or sex drive May be feeling less pleasure from sex due to various reasons, such as menopause symptoms Are diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or another form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) Some of the products, like over-the-counter (OTC) arousal topicals or gels, can also be used simply because you want to enhance your sexual experience.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

These products take on a few different forms — supplements, gels or topicals, and prescription medications — each with its own way of working to try and rectify your concerns. Female libido support supplements often tout being an “all-natural” approach to treating sexual concerns. These supplements generally contain herbal and botanical ingredients, vitamins and minerals, or organic compounds, like amino acids. Some, including HerSolution, may use synthetic forms of hormones, like DHEA and melatonin. The main goals for these products typically include the following potential benefits: Increasing blood flow to the genitals and relaxing smooth muscle tissue by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production.14 Regulating sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — which may improve sex drive and other related symptoms.15 16 Balancing neurotransmitters, some of which play a major role in libido and sexual excitement.17 Currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD): Addyi, a pill, and Vyleesi, an injection.

IN CLINICAL TRIALS1, WOMEN ON ADDYI EXPERIENCED:

HSDD is believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. But other factors, like satisfaction in a relationship or self-esteem, may also play a role.18 Due to the believed involvement of neurotransmitters, both Addyi and Vyleesi regulate or modify the release of these chemical messengers in different ways — the former on serotonin (and indirectly dopamine and norepinephrine) and the latter on dopamine and norepinephrine alone.18 Another prescription pill option, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, contains the drug tadalafil (generic Cialis). Tadalafil was FDA-approved in 2003 for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.64 65 However, healthcare providers can prescribe drugs for unapproved uses based on their judgment that they’re medically appropriate; this is known as “off-label” use.42 The tadalafil in Libido Lift Rx is off-label, but research suggests that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors — like tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil — could be an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD).66 Female arousal gels or creams can also help with sexual satisfaction. While these products can’t affect things like hormone or neurotransmitter balance, some of the ingredients can increase genital blood flow and sensitivity, and others can add additional vaginal lubrication. Like supplements, OTC female arousal topicals often rely on botanical ingredients and amino acids.

Effects on sexual dysfunction

But prescription topicals, like Cake Meds’ O-Cream Rx and Wisp’s OMG! Cream, add drugs, such as sildenafil, to the mix. Like the tadalafil in the Libido Lift Rx pill mentioned above, the sildenafil in these two prescription topicals is off-label, but a small study from 2020 found that women who used sildenafil cream reported “clinically significant increases” in arousal versus the results from no cream and placebo cream.9 At the time of this writing, the closest thing to an “instant” female arousal pill is Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, which is a dissolvable prescription tablet containing tadalafil that should work in about 30 minutes and may be effective for up to 36 hours.67 Otherwise, pills tend to take the longest to start working (anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or so). Cream, though, are typically intended for those struggling with distressing sexual symptoms. (The Wisp online consultation quiz specifically asks if you’ve been experiencing a lower interest in sex than usual or difficulty reaching orgasm.) Besides having male anatomy or a safety restriction (more on that in the following section), there aren’t too many reasons why the female libido-supporting products in this guide couldn’t be used by someone interested in trying them. However, certain products may be more ideal than others depending on your unique needs. Individuals with HSDD may do better with one of the two available FDA-approved prescriptions — Addyi (pill) or Vyleesi (injection). Those looking for viagra packaging an “instant” fix could find that topicals, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, or Vyleesi are what they need (these work within the hour).

The Women's Health Concern charity offers expert advice on conditions like HSDD.
The Sexual Advice Association provides resources and information for patients.
Brook offers confidential sexual health support and advice for younger women.
Relate provides relationship and sex therapy counseling services across the UK.
The NHS website has extensive information on sexual health conditions and treatments.
Online forums like HealthUnlocked offer community support and shared experiences.
Always verify information from charities against NHS or other official medical sources.

People seeking a more long-term solution might prefer supplements or Addyi (these options take weeks or months to work, but the potential benefits last longer). While many of the sketchy “instant female arousal” pills on the market are not safe, the products we mention in this guide should be safe for most healthy adults. However, we’d be remiss not to mention a few safety considerations that should be kept in mind, including: Pregnant or nursing individuals would be safest sticking with OTC topicals only, as some ingredients in supplements and prescriptions may harm your baby. The herbal ingredients in various supplements may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s important to get the all-clear from your doctor before taking them. Many of these products increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lower blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular concerns or who are on blood pressure medications should consult a doctor to make sure these products are safe to try.63 Products containing L-arginine — such as Jolt Gel, HerSolution Gel, and VitaFLUX — could trigger a herpes flare-up (oral, genital, or both).3 Some libido-support products for women, like HerSolution pills (not the gel), may contain a synthetic form of DHEA, a hormone that acts as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. This ingredient has the potential to interact with a host of medications, increase the risk of certain cancers, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, trigger manic viagra online generic episodes, and more.6 12 At varying times and for many reasons, including the hormonal changes of menopause, women and AFAB individuals may notice that their libido has dropped and their desire for sex is much lower than it used to be.13 Fortunately, there are a few generally safe and effective female arousal products on the market. These products take on a few different forms — supplements, gels or topicals, and prescription medications — each with its own way of working to try and rectify your concerns. Female libido support supplements often tout being an “all-natural” approach to treating sexual concerns. These supplements generally contain herbal and botanical ingredients, vitamins and minerals, or organic compounds, like amino acids. Some, including HerSolution, may use synthetic forms of hormones, like DHEA and melatonin.

A GP is the first point of contact for discussing sexual health concerns in the UK.
They may conduct blood tests to check hormone levels (e.g., testosterone, estrogen).
A full medical and psychological history is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
GPs can refer patients to a specialist clinic, like a urogynaecology or sexual health service.
Specialists may work in NHS hospitals or private practices.
The British Society for Sexual Medicine provides guidelines for healthcare professionals.
A diagnosis often involves ruling out other medical and relationship issues first.

The main goals for these products typically include the following potential benefits: Increasing blood flow to the genitals and relaxing smooth muscle tissue by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production.14 Regulating sex hormones — estrogen and testosterone — which may improve sex drive and other related symptoms.15 16 Balancing neurotransmitters, some of which play a major role in libido and sexual excitement.17 Currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD): Addyi, a pill, and Vyleesi, an injection. HSDD is believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. But other factors, like satisfaction in a relationship or self-esteem, may also play a role.18 Due to the believed involvement of neurotransmitters, both Addyi and Vyleesi regulate or modify the release of these chemical messengers in different ways — the former on serotonin (and indirectly dopamine and norepinephrine) and the latter on dopamine and norepinephrine alone.18 Another prescription pill option, Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, contains the drug tadalafil (generic Cialis). Tadalafil was FDA-approved in 2003 for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.64 65 However, healthcare providers can prescribe drugs for unapproved uses based on their judgment that they’re medically appropriate; this is known as “off-label” use.42 The tadalafil in Libido Lift Rx is off-label, but research suggests that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors — like tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil — could be an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD).66 Female arousal gels or creams can also help with sexual satisfaction. While these products can’t affect things like hormone or neurotransmitter balance, some of the ingredients can increase genital blood flow and sensitivity, and others can add additional vaginal lubrication. Like supplements, OTC female arousal topicals often rely on botanical ingredients and amino acids.

Filbanserin (Addyi) is not available on the standard NHS drug tariff.
Vyleesi (Bremelanotide) is also not routinely funded by the NHS in the UK.
Ospemifene (Senshio) may be prescribed on the NHS for specific menopausal symptoms.
Testosterone is used off-label, and funding can vary by local Clinical Commissioning Group.
Most treatments for FSD are primarily accessed through private prescription.
Private consultation costs range from £50-£250, plus the cost of medication.
Some private health insurance policies may cover specialist consultations and treatments.

But prescription topicals, like Cake Meds’ O-Cream Rx and Wisp’s OMG! Cream, add drugs, such as sildenafil, to the mix.

A healthy, balanced diet supports overall health, including hormonal balance.
Regular physical exercise improves blood circulation, mood, and body image.
Adequate sleep is crucial for regulating hormones that influence sexual desire.
Stress management techniques (yoga, meditation) can reduce a major libido killer.
Reducing alcohol consumption can improve sexual response and overall health.
Quitting smoking improves blood flow to sexual organs and overall vitality.
Open communication with a partner is fundamental for a healthy sexual relationship.

Like the tadalafil in the Libido Lift Rx pill mentioned above, the sildenafil in these two prescription topicals is off-label, but a small study from 2020 found that women who used sildenafil cream reported “clinically significant increases” in arousal versus the results from no cream and placebo cream.9 At the time of this writing, the closest thing to an “instant” female arousal pill is Cake Meds’ Libido Lift Rx, which is a dissolvable prescription tablet containing tadalafil that should work in about 30 minutes and may be effective for up to 36 hours.67 Otherwise, pills tend to take the longest to start working (anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or so).