Sexual Health Disorder
Medications

Types of Medications & How They Work

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual health disorder that affects men of all ages. ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

There are several medications available that can help treat ED by increasing blood flow to the penis and facilitating an erection.

Some of the commonly used ED medications include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra): Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that is used to treat ED. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood flow and facilitating an erection. Sildenafil is usually taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity and can last up to 4 hours.
• Tadalafil (Cialis): Tadalafil is another PDE5 inhibitor used to treat ED. It has a longer duration of action than sildenafil, lasting up to 36 hours. Tadalafil can be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity and can also be taken daily in smaller doses to maintain erectile function.
• Vardenafil (Levitra): Vardenafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor that is used to treat ED. It works in a similar way to sildenafil and tadalafil but may have a faster onset of action. Vardenafil is usually taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity and can last up to 5 hours.
• Avanafil (Stendra): Avanafil is a newer PDE5 inhibitor that has a faster onset of action than the other medications, with some men reporting an onset of action within 15 minutes. It can be taken 15-30 minutes before sexual activity and can last up to 6 hours.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual health disorder that affects men of all ages. PE is characterized by ejaculation that occurs too quickly during sexual activity, often before the person or their partner is satisfied.

There are several medications available that can help treat PE by delaying ejaculation.

• Dapoxetine (Priligy): Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is specifically used to treat PE. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can delay ejaculation. Dapoxetine is usually taken 1-3 hours before sexual activity and can last up to 12 hours.
• Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline is an SSRI that is commonly used to treat depression but can also be used off-label to treat PE. It works in a similar way to dapoxetine, by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Sertraline is usually taken daily and can take several weeks to show an effect.
• Paroxetine (Paxil): Paroxetine is another SSRI that can be used off-label to treat PE. It works in a similar way to dapoxetine and sertraline, by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Paroxetine is usually taken daily and can take several weeks to show an effect.

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a term used to describe a range of sexual health disorders that can affect women, including decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and pain during sexual activity.

Treatment options for FSD can vary depending on the underlying cause of the disorder and may include medications.

• Flibanserin (Addyi): Flibanserin is a medication that is specifically approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that are involved in sexual desire. Flibanserin is taken daily and can take several weeks to show an effect.
• Sildenafil (Viagra): While sildenafil is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, it has also been used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction in women. It works by increasing blood flow to the genitals, which can improve sexual function. Sildenafil is usually taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity and can last up to 4 hours.
• Testosterone therapy: In some cases, FSD may be due to low levels of testosterone. Testosterone therapy may be recommended to increase sexual desire and improve sexual function in women with FSD. However, testosterone therapy can have side effects and is not recommended for all women.
• Vaginal estrogen therapy: Vaginal estrogen therapy may be recommended for women with FSD due to vaginal dryness or atrophy. Estrogen creams, rings, or tablets can be inserted into the vagina to improve lubrication and reduce pain during sexual activity.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact.

There are several medications available to treat STIs, depending on the type of infection.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. The type of antibiotic used will depend on the specific infection and may be taken as a single dose or over several days.
• Antiviral drugs: Antiviral drugs are used to treat viral STIs such as herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. The type of antiviral drug used will depend on the specific infection and may be taken orally or applied topically.
• Antifungal drugs: Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal STIs such as candidiasis (yeast infection). They can be taken orally or applied topically.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

While there is no cure for HPV, there are medications available to treat the symptoms and complications of the infection.

Some of the commonly used medications to treat HPV include:

• Imiquimod (Aldara): Imiquimod is a topical cream that is used to treat external genital warts. It works by stimulating the immune system to fight the virus. Imiquimod is applied directly to the affected area and is typically used for several weeks.
• Podofilox (Condylox): Podofilox is a topical solution that is used to treat external genital warts. It works by destroying the tissue of the warts. Podofilox is applied directly to the affected area and is typically used for several weeks.
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): TCA is a chemical solution that is used to treat external genital warts. It works by destroying the tissue of the warts. TCA is applied directly to the affected area and may need to be repeated several times.
• Interferon: Interferon is a medication that is used to treat certain types of genital warts that are resistant to other treatments. It works by boosting the immune system to fight the virus. Interferon is usually given as an injection.

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are common and can be caused by various factors such as bacteria, yeast, or viruses.

Depending on the cause of the infection, medications used to treat vaginal infections may include:

• Antifungal medications: Antifungal medications are used to treat yeast infections such as Candida albicans. These medications are available in the form of creams, tablets, or suppositories and are applied directly to the vagina. Some examples of antifungal medications include miconazole, clotrimazole, and fluconazole.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and some sexually transmitted infections. Antibiotics can be taken orally or inserted into the vagina in the form of creams or suppositories. Some examples of antibiotics used to treat vaginal infections include metronidazole, clindamycin, and azithromycin.
• Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications are used to treat viral infections such as genital herpes. These medications are available in the form of oral tablets and can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Some examples of antiviral medications used to treat genital herpes include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.