Vyleesi: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear the name Vyleesi, a prescription injectable medication used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Also known as bremelanotide, it’s one of the few FDA-approved treatments specifically designed to address low sexual desire in women. Unlike hormonal therapies that change estrogen or testosterone levels, Vyleesi works on the brain—targeting pathways involved in sexual arousal and motivation. It’s not a pill you take daily. You use it as needed, about 45 minutes before sexual activity, by giving yourself a simple injection under the skin.

It’s important to know Vyleesi isn’t for everyone. It’s meant for premenopausal women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder—where low libido causes personal distress and isn’t caused by other medical, psychological, or relationship issues. The most common side effects are nausea, flushing, headache, and injection site reactions. Some people feel dizzy or get a spike in blood pressure after use, so it’s not recommended if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease. Your doctor will check your health history before prescribing it.

Vyleesi is part of a broader conversation about women’s sexual health. It’s not a magic fix, and it doesn’t work like Viagra does for men. Instead, it’s a tool that helps restart the brain’s natural response to sexual cues. Many women who use it report feeling more interested in sex and more in control of their desire—not because something changed externally, but because their internal drive started to respond again. It’s often used alongside counseling or lifestyle changes, not as a standalone solution.

If you’ve tried other approaches—therapy, supplements, hormone patches—and nothing stuck, Vyleesi might be worth discussing with your doctor. It’s not cheap, and insurance doesn’t always cover it, but for some, the difference it makes is real. The posts below dive into how it compares to other treatments, what the research says about long-term use, and how it fits into the bigger picture of sexual health medications. You’ll also find real-world experiences, side effect breakdowns, and what to expect when you start using it.