Wednesday 10 September, 2008Could caffeine work like Viagra for women?

New research conducted at Southwestern University in Texas is the first to examine the interaction between caffeine and sex in females.

Researchers gave 108 female rats a "moderate" dose of caffeine to see what effect it would have on mating behavior. (The 15 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight for the rats would be roughly equivalent to 8 cups of coffee for a 120-pound woman.)

The caffeine apparently shortened the amount of time it took the lady rats to go back for more after receiving an ejaculation, suggesting that they were more motivated to have sex. (In a second try, half as much caffeine had no effect on the ladies' lust.)

It's tempting to think that caffeine could affect sexual desire in other animals, too. But these rats had never had caffeine before; it may not work so well for most humans, who already chug caffeine on a regular basis.

For those who don't depend on coffee, tea, or cola every day, it just might provide a stimulating jolt. If only it doesn't send them running for the bathroom . . .