Question

How do I get my sexual desire back after a partial hysterectomy if I can’t afford Addyi?

Answer

Filbanserin (brand name: Addyi) is a female sex drug that does not have a generic version available on the market. Contrary to their advertising, Addyi is not the safest or most effective option to increase sexual desire in women. Studies have shown that combining Addyi with 2-4 drinks causes a loss of consciousness and dangerous drops in blood pressure. 

If you are experiencing low sexual desire, some alternative methods may work better without the harmful side effects. These include consulting a sex therapist, experimenting with sex toys, changing the dose or type of other medicine you are taking that may be impacting libido, or addressing relationship or other interpersonal issues. 

During a partial hysterectomy, the uterus is removed but the cervix and ovaries are not (this procedure is also called subtotal or supra-cervical hysterectomy). It's less disruptive to hormone balance than a total hysterectomy, but some women experience problems with sex afterwards, possibly as a result of nerve damage. For example, some women report a reduction in sensation inside their vagina during sex after a hysterectomy. This does not have to negatively affect a woman's ability to feel sexual pleasure, as the clitoris is still highly sensitive and can produce orgasms. Focusing more on foreplay and changing point of contact in the vagina may also help. 

The NWHN supports this approach to improving sexual satisfaction. We know that loss of sexual desire can occur for many reasons. Exhausting other safer and more effective measures is recommended before taking any female sex drug on the market right now. However, if you are still interested in trying Addyi, after insurance the monthly costs for Addyi will be around  $25.00. Without insurance, the costs will be about $99.00 per month for your prescription if you use home delivery via a telemedicine website.

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