Can Women Take Avanafil? The Facts Explained

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Can Women Take Avanafil? What the Evidence Shows

Published: 6 November 2026

Can women take avanafil? Avanafil (brand name Spedra) is not licensed for use in women in the UK and is only approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men [6]. While some research has explored whether PDE5 inhibitors like avanafil might help certain female sexual concerns, there is currently insufficient evidence to support their routine use in women, and they are not prescribed for this purpose by UK healthcare providers [2][6].

Why Can Women Not Take Avanafil in the UK?

Avanafil is a prescription-only medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, which also includes sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) [6]. All of these medicines are licensed exclusively for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where insufficient blood flow to the penis makes it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity [1][2].

The reason avanafil and other PDE5 inhibitors are not licensed for women is that the clinical trials required for regulatory approval were conducted only in men with ED. Female sexual dysfunction has different underlying causes—ranging from hormonal changes and psychological factors to relationship issues and certain medical conditions—and the evidence that PDE5 inhibitors provide meaningful benefit in women is limited and inconsistent [2][8].

In the UK, prescribers can only legally prescribe a medicine outside its licensed indication (known as 'off-label' use) in specific circumstances, and this is not standard practice for avanafil in women. If you are experiencing sexual health concerns, it is important to speak to your GP or a sexual health specialist who can explore the underlying causes and discuss evidence-based treatments tailored to your situation [1][2].

What Does the Research Say About Avanafil for Women?

A small number of studies have investigated whether PDE5 inhibitors, including avanafil, might help women with sexual arousal disorder or other sexual difficulties. The theory is that these medicines increase blood flow to the genital area, which could theoretically improve arousal and sensation. However, the results have been mixed, and no large, high-quality trials have demonstrated consistent, clinically significant benefits in women [8].

Female sexual function is influenced by a complex interplay of physical, hormonal, psychological and relational factors. Unlike erectile dysfunction in men—where blood flow is often the primary issue—sexual concerns in women frequently involve desire, arousal, pain, or orgasm difficulties that may not respond to increased blood flow alone [2][8]. For this reason, regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have not approved avanafil or other PDE5 inhibitors for use in women.

If you are considering any treatment for sexual health concerns, always consult a healthcare professional. Self-medicating with a medicine not licensed for your use can be unsafe, particularly because avanafil can interact with other medications and has side effects that have not been fully studied in women [6][12].

Safety Concerns for Women Taking Avanafil

Even though some women may wonder whether they can take avanafil, doing so without medical supervision carries risks. Avanafil can cause side effects such as headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness and changes in vision [6]. More seriously, it must never be taken alongside nitrate medicines (used for chest pain), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs known as 'poppers', because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [6][12].

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy should not take avanafil, as its safety in these situations has not been established. Additionally, avanafil can interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, HIV treatments and blood pressure medicines, which may be more commonly prescribed to women for other health conditions [6][12]. For all these reasons, it is essential to have a full medical assessment before considering any PDE5 inhibitor.

Can Women Take Avanafil Off-Label?

In very rare cases, a specialist doctor might consider prescribing a PDE5 inhibitor off-label for a woman if there is a specific, well-documented medical reason and other treatments have been unsuccessful. However, this is not common practice in the UK, and it would only be done after a thorough consultation, informed consent and careful monitoring [2][8].

Off-label prescribing means using a medicine for a purpose not covered by its marketing authorisation. While it is legal and sometimes necessary, it places additional responsibility on the prescriber to ensure the treatment is appropriate, safe and based on the best available evidence. For avanafil, the evidence base in women is weak, so most UK clinicians would not recommend it [6][11].

If you are experiencing sexual health difficulties, your GP or a sexual health clinic can offer a range of evidence-based options. These may include counselling, psychosexual therapy, hormone treatments (such as vaginal oestrogen for postmenopausal dryness), or addressing underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or depression that can affect sexual function [1][2]. A holistic approach is usually more effective than focusing on a single medication.

What Treatments Are Available for Female Sexual Dysfunction?

Female sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term covering a range of concerns, including low desire, difficulty with arousal, pain during sex (dyspareunia), and difficulty reaching orgasm. The causes are often multifactorial, involving physical health, hormones, mental wellbeing, relationship dynamics and life stressors [2][8].

In the UK, treatment options depend on the underlying cause. For postmenopausal women experiencing vaginal dryness or discomfort, vaginal oestrogen or lubricants can be very effective. For low libido linked to the menopause, some women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or, in specific cases, testosterone therapy under specialist guidance [2]. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychosexual counselling, can help address anxiety, past trauma, or relationship issues that affect sexual wellbeing [1][2].

Lifestyle changes also play an important role. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and managing stress can all improve sexual health. If an underlying condition such as diabetes, thyroid disorder or depression is contributing to sexual difficulties, treating that condition is a priority [1][2]. Your GP is the best starting point for a confidential discussion about your symptoms and the most appropriate next steps.

When to See Your GP

If you are experiencing persistent sexual health concerns, it is important to speak to your GP. Sexual difficulties can sometimes be an early sign of other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances or mental health conditions [1][2]. Your doctor can take a full medical history, perform any necessary tests and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Many people feel embarrassed discussing sexual health, but GPs are trained to handle these conversations sensitively and confidentially. Seeking help early can prevent the issue from affecting your quality of life, self-esteem and relationships. Remember, sexual wellbeing is an important part of overall health, and effective, evidence-based support is available [1][2].

Can Women Take Avanafil Bought Online?

Some women may consider buying avanafil online without a prescription, but this is both unsafe and illegal in the UK. All PDE5 inhibitors, including avanafil (Spedra), are prescription-only medicines, meaning they can only be legally supplied after a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional [6][12].

Purchasing medicines from unregulated websites carries serious risks. You may receive counterfeit products that contain the wrong dose, harmful ingredients or no active ingredient at all. Even if the product is genuine, taking avanafil without medical supervision means you will not be screened for contraindications, drug interactions or underlying health conditions that could make the medicine dangerous for you [12].

Legitimate UK-registered online pharmacies, such as Cured Pharmacy (GPhC 9012511), require all patients to complete a clinical questionnaire that is reviewed by a UK prescriber before any prescription medicine is dispensed. However, because avanafil is not licensed for women, a responsible prescriber would not approve it for female use. If you are experiencing sexual health concerns, the safest and most effective route is to consult your GP or a sexual health service for a proper assessment and evidence-based treatment [1][2].

Understanding Avanafil and How It Works in Men

To understand why avanafil is not suitable for women, it helps to know how it works in men with erectile dysfunction. Avanafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when a man is sexually aroused. This helps him achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity [6][11].

Avanafil is marketed under the brand name Spedra and is available in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablets. It is known for working relatively quickly—often within 15 to 30 minutes—and is taken on demand, about 30 minutes before sexual activity. Like all PDE5 inhibitors, it requires sexual stimulation to be effective and does not increase sexual desire [6][11].

At Cured Pharmacy, we offer Spedra (avanafil) for men with erectile dysfunction at £20.95 per dose (or £16.76 for first orders with code Ednew). All orders require completion of an online consultation reviewed by a UK prescriber. We also stock other ED treatments, including sildenafil (from £0.45), tadalafil (from £7.95) and vardenafil (£16.95), all of which are licensed for men only. If you are a man experiencing ED, our pharmacist-led service can help you access safe, effective treatment discreetly and conveniently.

Why ED Treatments Are Licensed for Men Only

Erectile dysfunction is a well-defined medical condition with clear diagnostic criteria and measurable outcomes, making it relatively straightforward to study in clinical trials. The development of sildenafil (Viagra) in the 1990s revolutionised ED treatment, and subsequent PDE5 inhibitors, including avanafil, have been rigorously tested in large trials involving thousands of men [9][11].

Female sexual dysfunction, by contrast, is more heterogeneous and harder to measure objectively. Desire, arousal, satisfaction and pain are subjective experiences influenced by many factors beyond blood flow. Early trials of PDE5 inhibitors in women did not show the same clear-cut benefits seen in men, which is why these medicines have not gained regulatory approval for female use [8]. This does not mean that women's sexual health is less important—it simply reflects the need for different, more tailored approaches to treatment [2][8].

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
4. European Association of Urology. (n.d.). EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/sexual-and-reproductive-health [accessed 6 November 2026]
5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014). Erectile dysfunction: avanafil (ESNM45). https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm45 [accessed 6 November 2026]
6. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Summaries of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ [accessed 6 November 2026]

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.

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