Recently I have been asked about medications to help increase female sex drive - libido - and many magazines have published articles regarding these. Now, I'm from New York, and we NYers are into quick fixes. But some of these quickies are useless, expensive, or down right dangerous! Although this is a little further than I usually go in terms of sexual conversations in my e-mails, I feel that addressing this issue will be of interest to some of you.

Some of these products are pills, and others creams that dilate genital blood vessels and intensify sensation (but if it contains L-arginine can also irritate sensitive areas AND potentiate or begin a herpes outbreak if you carry the virus.) (It doesn't GIVE you the virus) When anything is mass-marketed, someone is trying to make a lot of money. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!!

What to look for - and beware of -

Are there published trials and evidence of research? If so, how many participated in that research? Two neighbors? 40 college students? Or 8,000 women in a scientifically conducted trial?

How long do you have to take it before feeling frisky? One product (Cerniplex) suggests that you take it for 3 months before sexual enhancement is realized. So $150.00 or more later, you will know if it works! I'd be so angry my best gratification would be revenge if it was a flop! And because the ingredients are listed as "assorted Chinese herbs" with no further explanation, you are ingesting who knows what kind of lawn clippings every day for 3 months. Is that wise? I personally would demand more information.

If a product is all natural, that does not mean it is safe. One 100% natural product (Avlimil) contains mostly sage leaf, which is associated with vomiting and hallucinations - not especially pleasant foreplay. The package insert does not mention this, so BUYER BEWARE!

OK! Now I'll stop the negatives. There are a few well researched and effective products to enhance female sexual response. One herbal supplement is ArginMax. Available without prescription, the research showed that 73% of the users felt improvement with their overall sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and allover satisfaction (I don't want to get too graphic in my e-mails, and if anyone needs more detailed discussion of this, call me at the office!). This product does contain L-arginine, so should not be used by persons who have a history of herpes infections.

Another product - Zestra - is a blend of botanical oils that was rated GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA. The small but well done study was recognized by the FDA, which does not usually require validation for botanical preparations. An impressive 85% of women reported they could feel a positive difference when using this product.

Before dabbling with any of these preparations, be honest with yourself. Why are you experiencing a low sex drive? Are you:

1. going to school, work, baking from scratch and organizing the neighborhood block watch? AKA trying to do too many things and generally stressing?
2. using a hormone method of birth control that could influence your sexual feelings?
3. experiencing a weight loss or gain that does not make you feel more attractive?
4. experiencing a partner who is experiencing a looks or attitude change?

All of the above can alter your feelings and abilities to function at peak perfection!

Lynne Fiore, NP