Herbal remedies for increasing sex drive?
Meet the Experts
Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Rachelle: Are there any herbal topical cremes or pills that I can take to increase my sex drive and not interact with my medicine therapy?
- Answers —Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: I do not know of any natural herbal preparations that truly can increase a woman's sex drive. Even the big drug companies have not yet found a drug that can increase desire for sex.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: How about Viagra?
- Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Viagra does not work on the brain. It works on the genital area and it has nothing to do with sexual desire.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: What does it help with?
- Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Well there is no evidence right now that it helps women with anything. If it did help, perhaps it might help women who have vaginal dryness and cannot take estrogen. It might promote more vaginal lubrication when women get sexually aroused, but so far there is no proof it works that way.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: But Dr. Schover, have there been studies of Viagra in women?
- Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Yes there have, and they have been very disappointing.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy and Sexuality. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affect your sex life.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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