LONDON: A sex stimulant, used as a body patch, and claiming to improve women's libido, is among 20 female sex drugs that are hitting the market in the U.K. this week.
The hormone-based patch, Intrinsa, is placed on the stomach or bottom of a woman and it works by stimulating thoughts about sex, unlike chemical effects of Viagra, the pill that is used in correcting erectile dysfunction in men.
The patch is transparent and releases the male hormone testosterone through the skin into the woman's blood stream. The patch can be obtained only through prescription and is meant for use by women with sexual problems. It needs to be changed twice weekly.
Sex experts say the patch can become quite popular and reach the proportions of a life style drug.
Intrinsa has been developed by Proctor & Gamble and the European Medicines Agency has given it a license. The company said it is not promoting the drug as female equivalent of Viagra.
During trials, the drug was found to have led to a 74% increase in satisfying sex. Nearly 500 women had participated in the trials.
In the U.K., Intrinsa will be available on the NHS from April.
Experts claim women having a hysterectomy or those having a premature menopause before the age of 50 can benefit from the drug. Testosterone, when in excess, can lead to problems of the liver and excessive growth of hair. This is one reason why Proctor & Gamble opted for a patch system rather than a pill.
