Compare Lady Era (Sildenafil) with Alternatives for Female Sexual Health

When women struggle with low sexual desire, finding the right solution can feel overwhelming. Lady Era, often marketed as a female version of Viagra, contains sildenafil-the same active ingredient found in Viagra for men. But is it the best option? And what else is out there? Many women turn to Lady Era after hearing stories online, but few know the real differences between it and FDA-approved alternatives like Addyi and Vyleesi. This isn’t about hype. It’s about what actually works, what’s safe, and what’s legally available in the UK and beyond.

What is Lady Era, really?

Lady Era is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, typically sold as 50mg or 100mg tablets. It’s marketed as a treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. But here’s the catch: sildenafil was never designed or approved for female sexual dysfunction. It was developed for erectile dysfunction in men. The theory behind using it for women is simple-boost blood flow to the genital area to improve arousal. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest it helps a subset of women, especially those with physical arousal issues. But the evidence is thin. No major health authority, including the UK’s MHRA or the US FDA, has approved sildenafil for use in women. That means Lady Era is often sold as a "dietary supplement" or through online pharmacies outside regulated markets. That’s a red flag.

Addyi (Flibanserin): The first FDA-approved option

In 2015, the FDA approved Addyi (flibanserin) as the first medication specifically for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD. Unlike Lady Era, Addyi doesn’t work on blood flow. It targets brain chemicals-serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine-to rebalance desire. It’s taken daily, not on-demand. Results? In clinical trials, women reported a modest increase in satisfying sexual events-about 0.5 to 1 more per month. Side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure. Alcohol is strictly forbidden with Addyi because of the risk of fainting. It’s expensive, often costing over £100 per month in the UK, and not covered by the NHS. But it’s legal, regulated, and backed by real clinical data. If you’re looking for a prescription option with clear guidelines, Addyi is the only one approved for long-term use in women.

Vyleesi (Bremelanotide): The injectable alternative

Vyleesi is another FDA-approved option, but it works completely differently. It’s an injectable drug taken 45 minutes before sexual activity. It activates melanocortin receptors in the brain, which are linked to sexual arousal. In trials, women using Vyleesi saw a small but measurable increase in sexual desire and a reduction in distress. About 25% more women reported improvement compared to placebo. The downside? It’s injected into the thigh or abdomen, which can be off-putting. Side effects include nausea (up to 40% of users), flushing, and headache. It’s also costly and not widely available outside the US. In the UK, it’s not licensed, so you won’t find it on the NHS or through regulated pharmacies. Still, for women who want an on-demand solution with solid trial data, Vyleesi offers a real alternative to unregulated pills like Lady Era.

How does Lady Era stack up against Addyi and Vyleesi?

Here’s a clear breakdown of how these three options compare:

The biggest difference? Safety and legality. Lady Era has no quality control. Pills bought online may contain wrong dosages, fillers, or even dangerous substances. Addyi and Vyleesi, while not perfect, come with clear instructions, monitoring, and known risks. If you’re considering Lady Era because it’s cheaper or easier to get, you’re trading convenience for safety.

Other options beyond pills

Before jumping to medication, consider what else might be causing low desire. Stress, relationship issues, hormonal changes after childbirth or menopause, depression, and certain medications (like SSRIs) can all play a bigger role than biology. Many women find relief through therapy-especially sex therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). A 2023 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who combined CBT with education about sexual response saw twice the improvement in desire compared to those who took placebo pills. Lifestyle changes matter too: regular exercise, reducing alcohol, better sleep, and managing stress can boost libido naturally. For some, simply talking to a partner about needs and desires makes more difference than any pill.

What should you do?

If you’re considering Lady Era, ask yourself: Why? Are you looking for a quick fix? Or are you trying to understand what’s really going on? If you’re experiencing persistent low desire, talk to a GP or a sexual health specialist. They can check for underlying causes-thyroid issues, low testosterone, or mental health conditions-that might be treatable. Don’t self-medicate with unregulated products. Even if Lady Era works for someone you know, that doesn’t mean it’s safe or right for you. Your body, your history, your risks-they’re unique.

If you want a medically backed option, Addyi is your only prescription choice in the UK, even if it’s hard to get. Vyleesi isn’t available here, but if you’re considering traveling for it, know the risks and costs. And if you’re looking for natural, lasting change, therapy and lifestyle adjustments offer real, evidence-based results without the side effects or legal gray areas.

What about herbal supplements?

You’ll see plenty of online ads for "natural female libido boosters"-maca root, horny goat weed, ginseng. These are not regulated. No clinical trials prove they work for HSDD. Some contain undisclosed pharmaceuticals, including hidden sildenafil. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued warnings about these products. One batch seized in 2024 contained sildenafil at 3x the safe dose. That’s not a supplement. That’s a health hazard.

Final thoughts

Lady Era isn’t a miracle cure. It’s an unregulated version of a drug never approved for women. Addyi and Vyleesi are the real alternatives-flawed, expensive, and not perfect, but grounded in science. The best choice isn’t always the one that’s easiest to buy. It’s the one that’s safest, most honest, and most aligned with your health goals. Don’t let marketing confuse you. Your sexual health matters. Treat it like you would any other medical concern-with care, knowledge, and professional guidance.

Next steps if you’re considering treatment

• Book an appointment with your GP or a sexual health clinic. Don’t self-diagnose.
• Ask about Addyi if you’re premenopausal and have persistent low desire.
• Consider therapy-many women find it more effective than medication.
• Avoid online pharmacies selling "female Viagra" or Lady Era. The risks aren’t worth it.
• Track your symptoms: When does low desire happen? What’s going on in your life? This helps your doctor pinpoint the cause.

Sexual health isn’t a niche issue. It’s part of overall wellbeing. You deserve answers that are safe, clear, and backed by science-not marketing slogans and unregulated pills.