Libido supplements for women are on the rise. But do they work?

We tend to think of libido as a switch. It’s inherent in the language we use – are you turned on, or off? – and the premise of the growing category of “libido-boosting” supplements for women in the billion-dollar vitamin industry.

But is activating desire really as simple as taking a pill? Do any of them actually work? And, most importantly, are they safe to use?

Is there such thing as an aphrodisiac?

From oysters and figs to chocolate-dipped strawberries and chilli, many foods have been considered aphrodisiacs throughout history.

But Clare Collins, laureate professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle, says there is little evidence that any food can have a direct effect on libido.

A 2014 review of 20 botanical compounds claimed to be sexual enhancers found little evidence to support their role as aphrodisiacs in men and women.

Collins thinks oysters garner their reputation from the fact they are high in zinc, an essential mineral for sperm production. But research on their desire-enhancing effect remains limited, particularly for women.

Oysters and other foods like figs and bananas may draw allusions because of their resemblance to sex organs, suggests Collins.

She suspects the reputation certain foods have gained as aphrodisiacs may also stem from the simple fact they can make us feel good.

“I think foods get associated with Valentine’s Day, for example. Sometimes, it’s because the bioactive components do actually make you feel better, like boost serotonin in your brain. Or sometimes it’s because they have really nice orosensory properties, so if you think about a beautiful chocolate that just melts so beautifully in your mouth, that actually increases the blood flow in your brain, and that also boosts your mood,” she says.

Rise of supplements

For men experiencing low libido or erectile dysfunction, the “little blue pill” – or Viagra – has long existed as a solution. But there is no direct equivalent for women.

Sex and relationship counsellor Susie Tuckwell says that just as research on women’s health lags behind men’s, evidence on the effectiveness of sexual aids for women is still limited.

Over the years, several medicines poised as women’s versions of Viagra have hit the market.

One, an injectable called bremelanotide, is available via prescription in Australia for the treatment of low sexual desire in women before menopause. However, research on its effectiveness is inconclusive and adverse side effects are common.

Filbanserin, a drug commonly touted as a “female Viagra”, is approved for use only in Western Australia but is available at some online pharmacies.

As the sexual wellness industry and sex positivity continues to grow, non-medical solutions – promising “healthy libido support” and “better intimacy” – are being increasingly marketed towards women.

These supplements are often sold as oral supplements, tonics or even transdermal skin patches.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what is in these products, but common ingredients include maca, ginseng, ashwaganda and L-arginine.

Clinical trials on these ingredients often rely on small sample sizes, animal trials or male subjects.

Tuckwell suspects the placebo effect may be strong for many of these supplements. Some even purport to combine fertility support with libido-enhancing properties – something Collins warns consumers to be particularly careful about.

“If you’re trying to become pregnant, then you only want to take nutrients that are associated with safe and healthy fetal development, which are folate and iodine,” she says.

Unlike medicine, Collins points out that to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, supplement makers need only prove their product is safe, not effective.

Products not approved by the TGA, often readily available online, can contain unsafe or harmful ingredients.

What is a ‘healthy’ libido?

There is no such thing as “normal” or “healthy” when it comes to libido, says Tuckwell.

While growing sex positivity has done a lot to reduce the stigma and shame around women’s pleasure, it also means some may feel deficient if they don’t have a high sex drive.

“It has become, for some women, actually a character fault to not have a strong sexual desire,” she says.

Tuckwell says the idea of “normal” often becomes apparent in relationships where desire gaps are common.

“When you talk about low libido, what is it being measured against? What is the ‘normal’ in this conversation?”

Even if these supplements can boost libido, Tuckwell says desire is not just a simple biological mechanism, but a complex interplay of psychological and physiological factors.

“Women are so sensitive to context,” she says. “All the moons have to line up for women to be sexual in a way that they don’t for men.”

So, what does work?

It may not be as sexy or simple as buying a pill, but Collins recommends first looking at overall health if you’re unhappy with your libido level.

“Before you spend lots of money on buckets-full of supplements, go and have a health check-up with the GP,” she says. They may identify an underlying issue, like iron deficiency, that can contribute to low desire.

Tuckwell agrees, pointing out advice from the International Society for Sexual Medicine that if you want to improve libido, focus on “diet, exercise, stress management and open communication”.

Other things Tuckwell recommends include conducting a “thorough sexual history because many women have had some form of sexual abuse”.

“Even though someone may love their partner, the sexual act sets off a chain of reactions which is basically a trauma reaction.”

She says renowned American psychologist John Gottman argued deep friendship is the foundation of long-term sexual partnerships. Particularly in relationships with a desire discrepancy, friendship can encourage couples to find a happy medium for the sake of love.

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect libido. Tuckwell says the first port of call if this is the case is seeking help from a health professional.

A doctor may prescribe HRT, testosterone or oestrogen cream, which can be helpful for some in managing the symptoms of menopause and improving sexual function.

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