Love Potions

By Sora Song

Sex may be a natural act, but for the millions who suffer from sexual dysfunction, it can be vexingly unattainable. Below, a guide to some of the medical treatments available for what ails our libidos:

OPTIONS MEN

PRESCRIPTION THERAPIES

--Viagra, Levitra and Cialis: All these drugs work the same way, by relaxing smooth-muscle cells and widening blood vessels, primarily in the penis. Cialis stands out as particularly long-acting--up to 36 hours, compared with four or five hours for the others

--Testosterone: For men who don't produce enough, patches (Androderm, Testoderm) and gels (Androgel) deliver extra hormone through the skin

--Alprostadil: This vasodilating drug can be self-administered as an injection (Caverject) in the penis, or inserted into the urethra as a suppository (MUSE)

[OPTIONS] WOMEN

[PRESCRIPTION THERAPIES]

--Testosterone: Doctors prescribe the hormone in lower doses than typically used for men, though it's not approved for this use by the FDA. Women can also take under-the-tongue drops specially formulated by pharmacies or use patches and gels

--Estrogen: Tablets (Vagifem), creams (Estrace, Premarin) and a silicone ring (FemRing) inserted into the vagina release estrogen to alleviate such symptoms of menopause as vaginal dryness

--Viagra and Levitra: Initial trials are disappointing, but the drugs appear to work for some women

[OPTIONS] [MEN]

NONPRESCRIPTION THERAPIES

--Ginkgo biloba: Better known as a memory enhancer, this herb is believed by some to improve blood flow to the body, including the penis. Conclusive scientific proof is lacking

--Ginseng: In the lab, ginseng has been shown to release nitric oxide, but there's no evidence to suggest that it improves erectile function

--L-arginine: This naturally occurring amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide and is believed to improve the flow of blood to the genitals

[OPTIONS] [WOMEN]

[NONPRESCRIPTION THERAPIES]

--Avlimil: The pill contains various plant leaves and roots and is touted as the female Viagra, but experts question its effectiveness

--Zestra: A botanical-oil lotion applied to the genitals can create a tingling sensation and enhance orgasm (breath mints or a few drops of Binaca on your partner's tongue during oral sex do the same)

--XZITE: A daily capsule, manufactured in Marina del Rey, Calif., containing Chinese plant bark, flowers and roots, which doctors at UCLA's Female Sexual Medicine Center say works for many of their patients

[OPTIONS] [MEN]

DEVICES

--Penile prostheses: These surgically implanted devices are still used by men who, for medical or physical reasons, don't respond to drugs

[OPTIONS] [WOMEN]

[DEVICES]

--Slightest Touch: UCLA doctors express high hopes for this device, which uses a set of electrodes to stimulate nerve pathways

By Sora Song

Sources: Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, Columbia University; Dr. Debra Wickman, Female Sexual Medicine Center, UCLA