Will Women Finally Get Their Own Pill for the Bedroom?

Sometimes, even candlelight and roses just aren’t enough to make getting between the sheets sound appealing. But unlike men, women have limited medical options when it comes to increasing desire.

Yep, while men have a virtual buffet of choices when it comes to erectile disfunction pills (just look at the cringe-worthy commercials during any prime-time sports event), ladies have been told, “sorry, we can’t help you.”

There are dozens of factors that contribute to varying levels of sexual desire, from stress and illness, to side effects from medication, and mental health issues—and that’s just to name a few. But in cases where there’s seemingly no underlying cause for a waning sex drive, science is finally ready to step in with a little pink pill that may hold the answer to our bedroom woes.

This week, the FDA will vote on a measure to approve a drug called flibanserin, otherwise known as “Viagra for women.” The drug aims to restore lost libido in women—a rare and much-needed prospect in an industry that already offers more than 25 similar options aimed at men.

An online petition—created by the 24 women’s rights organizations that came together to form a supergroup known as Even The Score—has gained over 57,000 signatures in support of flibanserin since its launch earlier this year. This sends a loud and clear message about just how important the issue of sexual health is to women everywhere.

It’s worth noting, however, that this is the third attempt at getting the drug approved by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the parent company for flibanserin. The drug has already been refused twice, the first time in 2010, due to the agency’s opinion that its side effects—which include nausea, sleepiness and dizziness—outweigh any potential benefits, which were deemed modest at best.

So it might be awhile before the pink pill rivals that famous blue one, and the drug might not be all its cracked up to be. But flibanserin’s very existence means women are getting more options—and that’s never a bad thing.

Check out Thrive Market’s full selection of environmentally friendly, sensual products. From condoms to personal lubricants, they’ve got you covered.

Photo credit: Parachute Home