Can The New Pink Pill Help Your Sex Life?

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Didi Saint Louis spent her formative years traveling due to her father’s job as a Haitian diplomat. Now residing in Atlanta, Dr. Didi is the head mommy-in-charge of two and owner of Healthy Mommy, Happy Baby, Inc., the intelligent resource for moms of color seeking medically sound advice and tips to aid them in making important life decisions about health, nutrition, parenting, and sexuality.

She joined Morehouse School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2012, after six years in private practice. She currently works as the medical director for a nonprofit women’s health organization serving Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

Dr. Didi earned her medical degree from the University of Miami, then completed her surgical internship at the University of Missouri and her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at New York Medical College/St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center. After residency, Dr. Didi served as an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned a Master’s of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. She is the current board member and vice chair of Pea Pod Nutrition and GirlTrek board member. You can check out her website HERE.    

More Info on Flibanserin [sold under the name Addyi] to treat low desire: 

Yesterday, by an overwhelming majority, the FDA Advisory Committee recommended that the FDA approve Flibanserin for the treatment of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Flibanserin also known as “The Little Pink Pill” is being lauded by some as a step in the right direction for the treatment of female sexual disorders.

What do you need to know:

• Flibanserin will probably not be on the market for another 6-8 months at best. It still needs to gain the full approval of the FDA before it is made available for commercial consumption.
• Flibanserin is specifically formulated for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or simply put: women with little to no libido. During the studies, women with HSDD who took Flibanserin, reported more satisfying sexual events, greater sexual desire and less distress
• Unlike Viagra, which specifically treats erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis, Flibanserin targets the neurotransmitters in the brain that act on libido, and is in the same class of drugs as anti-depressants. As such, it must be taken daily.
• As with any drugs, and one the concerns from opponents of the drug, its side-effect profile includes fainting, drowsiness, low blood pressure. But remember that all drugs have side effects and so it may not be fair to hold that against Flibanserin.
• Women sexuality and libido is complex. Flibanserin is not meant to be a cure all for women with libido issues. It will not help women for whom issues of libido and desire are tied to relationship problems, trauma, and other social variables, as well as chronic illness.

As we wait to see what will happen, perhaps the best quote I have heard thus far is that if nothing else, this drug is finally bringing the discussion about female sexual desire to the public’s attention. Too often women feel uncomfortable addressing issues of sexuality and libido with their providers and unfortunately with their partners as well.

It is time for women to be able to have a candid discussion about sexuality that is not linked to male desire and definition of sexuality, but to what women seek in a sexually satisfying relationship. This will require for a safe and respectful space for these conversations to occur.

Dr. Didi answers your questions about sexuality, the pink pill and more.

Would this pink pill help with hot flashes, too?

This pill does not help with hot flashes. If you are experiencing hot flashes, talk to your gynecologist about your treatment options and they will help you find one that works for you and your specific needs.

What are some of the side affects?

Side effects include dizziness, somnolence (sleepiness) nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dry mouth. It is contraindicated with alcohol consumption. [Don’t drink while taking it.]

Does that pill help vaginal dryness? If not, what do you recommend?

Addyi does not help with vaginal dryness. Estrogen cream and vaginal lubricants such as Astroglide and K-Y are your best tools for vaginal dryness. I recommend you talk to your provider about which one is the best option for you.

Is the pink pill appropriate for menopausal women?

Unfortunately, Addyi is not indicated for menopausal or postmenopausal women. Addyi is the first drug of its kind to address issues of libido for women but it only targets pre-menopausal women.

Lubrication is a function of being aroused through foreplay. If you having problems with lubrication, talk to your partner and discuss ways to improve foreplay and make it better for both of you. I also encourage you to use lubricants such as Astroglide and K-Y during sexual play. Sometimes women may get dry during intercourse and lubricants can be used to help with that.

Is the pink pill taken only as needed?

No, it is a prescribed medication that you will be taking for a set period of time under the supervision of your doctor.

Question for the doctor  – does the pill turn her into a beast? Does it extend her endurance? Will I be able to keep up with her without getting Viagra?

No, it will not transform her into a beast and you will not need Viagra! However, it will help respond and enjoy her experience with you better.

I have been with my husband for 20 years and I don”t have a desire to have sex. Will my doctor know about this pill soon? Is it expensive?

Although the drug is new, your doctor can find information about Addyi directly from the company, Sprout Pharmaceutical, and help you decide whether it’s a choice for you. I also recommend speaking to a therapist to address any other reasons why your libido is low. The pricing for the medication has not yet been released, so unfortunately I can’t comment on the price.

Is there an age limit to take this pill?

This medication is specifically for premenopausal women who are experiencing hypoactive sexual disorder. It has only been studied in adult women who are premenopausal.

First, I would like to know what is a libido? I think that’s right. And for someone who has not ever had sex or hasn’t had sex in a long time, what can help before using the pink pill?

Libido is another name for sexual desire, for the drive to have sex. For someone who has never had sex or hasn’t had sex in a long time, the pill may not be what they need. The first thing is finding out if anything is going on with the person. So I recommend the person speak to their gynecologist to discuss what may be going on.

Dr., I had breast cancer with a double mastectomy. I am taking tamoxifen and have no libido. Am I a candidate for this drug?

First let me say kudos to you being a breast cancer survivor. As with any drug, there are always potential interactions, especially when talking about chemo drugs. Some of the issues you may be experiencing regarding libido may due to what you have been through, as well as the impact a double mastectomy can have on a woman’s self image as a sexual person. I strongly recommend you speak to your gynecologist and seek a counselor who is familiar with breast cancer survivors. She or he can help you explore your options including Addyi with the help of  your gynecologist.

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