The Stimulating Gel and the History of Erectile Dysfunction: What Can We Learn?
Thanks to its natural composition based on plant extracts, a natural stimulating gel should help increase the sensitivity of the erogenous zone while respecting the health of this delicate part of the body. A single drop applied to the clitoris with the finger provides a warming sensation, ideal for people with reduced sensitivity, providing additional stimulation that can amplify their natural arousal.
Unlike products based on chemical ingredients, this gel gently stimulates the erogenous zone while preserving the natural pH balance. Plant extracts, such as acmella flower extract and essential oils, rosemary and peppermint promote blood circulation and increase sensitivity for enhanced stimulation. In addition, the moisturizing and softening properties of sweet almond oil offer a more comfortable experience, without the risk of irritation or burning sensation.
Do we really need a stimulant gel?
At IntyEssentials, we often reflect on the intimate issues and discomforts people with vulvas encounter that prompt them to seek medical attention. Over the years, we have observed a striking imbalance in the number of clinical trials and research conducted within the medical community. In fact, sexual dysfunction in people with penises (such as erectile dysfunction) is the subject of more than five times as many clinical trials as sexual dysfunction in people with vaginas, such as vulvodynia, vaginismus, and dyspareunia.
It is important to remember that just twenty years ago, the same taboos surrounded sexual dysfunction in people with penises. In the 1990s, when Viagra was being developed, many people within Pfizer opposed the project. Some considered it immoral, while others believed that the taboo surrounding these disorders would prevent people from talking about it or even buying the drug. Some lawmakers and religious groups also expressed their opposition, believing that the issue was not legitimate.
As one Pfizer supporter explained at the time, "It was difficult for a lot of people to have conversations about sexual dysfunction drugs."
In 2024, discussions around sexual dysfunction in people with vulvas are at roughly the same stage as those around erectile dysfunction in the 1990s. It is therefore high time to break this silence and propose appropriate solutions.
The Difference Between the Birth of Viagra and the Blatant Lack of Attention to Female Sexual Dysfunction
Viagra was first tested to treat chest pain, and it was by chance that its effect on erectile dysfunction was discovered – an unexpected “side effect”. At the time, there was little data on the need for medication to treat these disorders, although individual cases have been reported. Today, erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect about half of men over 40, which has helped to identify Viagra as a solution to an identified problem.
The situation is quite different for female sexual dysfunction. In the United States, nearly 3 out of 4 women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. In France, according to our own survey conducted with BVA, 80% of people with a vagina have already experienced sexual pain. Among them, 40% rate this pain as significant (6 or more on a pain scale) and more than 60% believe that it negatively affects their sex life.
This inequality in the recognition and treatment of female sexual disorders is striking and highlights the urgent need for tailored solutions.
Why does this gap persist?
One of the main reasons for this inequality is related to the fact that the history of medicine has been largely focused on male needs, relegating those of women to the background. Female sexuality has long been surrounded by taboos, and intimate pain or discomfort for women and people with vulvas has often been considered “normal” or simply ignored. In contrast, erectile dysfunction has quickly been considered a public health problem, warranting considerable investment and extensive research. This has led to a saturated market of solutions for male sexual well-being, while the female population continues, for the most part, to suffer in silence.
Consequences for women's health
This indifference has serious consequences for the sexual health and well-being of people with vulvas. In fact, around three out of four women will suffer from sexual pain at some point in their lives, whether occasional or chronic. However, these problems are often overlooked and many women hesitate to seek help, for fear of being judged or due to a lack of clear and accessible information. Beyond physical pain, the lack of adequate solutions to treat these disorders also has an impact on their sexual and emotional fulfillment.
Natural clitoral stimulants: an underrated solution
Faced with this gap, natural clitoral stimulants represent a healthy and effective alternative for people who wish to stimulate their pleasure without compromising their health. While millions of men have effective treatments for their sexual disorders, equivalent options for women remain limited. Natural stimulants, often formulated with respect for the body, provide a concrete answer to this glaring gap in the market.
The stimulating concentrate by IntyEssentials has also been specially designed for people with vulvas. It is free of endocrine disruptors and irritating components that are generally found in conventional products and it respects the delicate balance of the intimate area, while providing effective clitoral stimulation and ensuring optimal hydration and comfort as a bonus. This natural solution designed to boost pleasure is a real alternative to more conventional products, often unsuited to the specific physiological needs of women and often irritating.
