Pfizer’s study included 800 pre- and postmenopausal women in Europe who suffered from sexual dysfunction, which can mean anything from lack of libido to difficulties with arousal or orgasm. Future studies could refine the trial by excluding women whose problems stem from emotional or relationship issues (not exactly fixable with a pill) and targeting women who have specific physiological conditions. Rosen, codirector of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School’s Center for Sexual and Marital Health, says researchers are already studying Viagra in women with spinal-cord injuries, diabetes and uterine cancer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that women who’ve had hysterectomies or are on certain antidepressants (which can dampen sexual response) may also benefit. Viagra could still offer hope for women eventually–just not as obviously as it does for men.
