The number of women complaining of a drop in libido is increasing. And that they do not exist. Most of the fair sex near the menopause, fresh from illness or over-stressed is looking for pleasure. But if viagra has now helped so many men with erection problems, is there any remedy for women?
A decline in female libido: there is a drug
Or it would be there. At least until its effectiveness has been ascertained. But do not think only about remedies aimed at over-60s. A study published recently in the journal BMJ Open found that over a third of 5,000 women between the ages of 16 and 74 said they suffered a drop in libido.
It’s been 20 years since viagra provided a solution for boys. And science did not stop only to them. A few years ago there was also talk of “viagra in rosa”. It is a drug called bremelanotide. The Peptide PT-141, to be exact, a powerful synthetic aphrodisiac, effective for the treatment of sexual dysfunction or loss of female libido.
The drug acts on the nervous system, therefore not harmful to the heart and blood vessels. The effect of PT-141 usually occurs two hours after intake, lasting about four hours. The drug has just undergone successful phase 3 clinical trials in the United States. We talk about the last phase before a drug can be authorized. Originally tested as a bronzing pill in the 1980s, it later proved effective for muscle recovery. Since then many bodybuilders have used it. Men also reported spontaneous erections and women noticed benefits in their mood.
The pharmaceutical company Palatin Technologies then began to study the drug to develop its effects on the loss of libido or sexual dysfunctions.
How PT-141 works
The drug works by binding to the brain chemicals involved in sexual desire. It increases the production of chemical dopamine, that “feeling good” that plays a key role in excitement. Unlike the ’80s, today it is designed to be injected and specifically about 45 minutes before sexual intercourse.
Treatment development suffered a setback in 2007 when it was found that the “nasal spray” version caused hypertension in some subjects. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States interrupted his studies. It was then that the drug was changed into an injection.
The latest studies have shown that, in addition to countering the decline in libido of a woman in general, bremelanotide makes sex more satisfying. Above all for pre-menopausal women. Palatin Technologies scoffs for the discovery, but we still need to proceed with caution.