What's a "women's libido-booster" and why would I want one?

In recent years, most of the focus has been on men's sexual performance and pleasure. Now, there are products to help the woman achieve a stronger sex drive, a healthy excitement and interest in sex, a more complete natural arousal, and better responses throughout the sexual arousal cycle including a more powerful climax.

If you or your partner has experienced diminished sex drive and lower levels of sexual response due to fatigue, hormonal changes, stress, aging, or inadequate diet -- or if there's simply a disparity between the woman's and the man's sex drive in your relationship -- women's libido-booster supplements can help.

How do natural supplements for the woman's libido work?

These supplements are typically blended herbal formulas with a number of natural ingredients that each address some aspect of the female sexual response cycle. For instance, some ingredients act on the circulatory system to increase blood flow to the genitals, while others directly enhance production and balance of hormones associated with sexual health. Other ingredients may be specifically chosen for their beneficial effects on the female reproductive system and ability to create overall relaxation or a sense of well being. Taken daily, these supplements are meant to increase sexual response time, boost libido, intensify sexual sensations and orgasm, and balance the hormonal system for proper reproductive functioning.

Can I expect instant results from these products?

If you choose a good-quality, top-notch product, you will notice some results right away, mostly in the form of immediately increased sensations. Most women find that responses improve progressively with daily use over a period of time. Of course, inferior products may have little or no effect, so choose your supplement with care from a respected company that's been in existence for a while -- one excellent choice is Provestra from Albion Medical, a company that has been devoted to sexual health for men and women for many years.

I have never had a strong sex drive and seem not to have much sensitivity in the genital area. Can a women's libido-booster product help?

It's difficult to say exactly what may be behind your lack of interest in sex and lack of sexual response. You may wish to consult your practitioner if you want to understand the underlying causes. For most women who describe themselves as you do, however, natural supplements are very helpful. Women can experience the benefits of a healthy sex drive and proper sexual functioning with the correct, quality formula.

Are there any side effects?

If you choose a pure, natural product manufactured in a cGMP pharmaceutical facility (such as Provestra by Albion Medical), you can be assured of receiving a completely safe, herbal supplement that will not interfere with other medications or disrupt birth control. There are no side effects. However, because the herbal ingredients have effects on the entire sexual system, some women notice a slight increase in breast size. Also, you are advised to beware of products whose origin or ingredients are uncertain.

I know the cost of men's products like Viagra and Cialis and really high. Are these women's products prohibitively expensive, too?

The truth is, some are ridiculously costly and some are suspiciously cheap. The rule of thumb here is that you get what you pay for -- and for a good quality, clinically backed women's supplement, you can expect to pay about $50 for a month's supply, with reputable companies offering a discount for larger orders. So no, it's not prohibitively expensive when you consider that a good supplement contains top-quality ingredients which are more costly (and are more effective!) than cheaper substitutions. When you find out how fantastic this is for your sex life, you will likely feel that the cost is worth every penny.

Is it safe to take a product like this if I'm trying to get pregnant?

Again, you should choose an excellent quality supplement in any case, but especially if you are contemplating pregnancy. Look for assertions of safety from the manufacturer, and when in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife. In the case of Provestra, it's been known to increase fertility. Once you confirm your pregnancy, you should always check with your practitioner regarding any supplements or medications you are taking -- even vitamins.

Should I tell my partner I am using a product like this?

We're all in favor of open communication -- and for some couples the fun of experimenting with a new libido booster is a definite turn-on! For some women, though, having a little secret is an aphrodisiac all its own, not to mention a good gauge of how well your secret potion is working: if you and he are very happy with the more sexual you, there's your answer! Later if you want to cop to your secret, it may open him up to the whole category of natural supplements for men.