Sexual Function Peptides

Affects sexual health and function

Primary Use

Sexual health peptides affect libido, arousal, and sexual function through the melanocortin system in the brain rather than through vascular mechanisms like PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis). PT-141 (bremelanotide) is the most well-known, working by activating MC4 receptors in the hypothalamus to increase sexual desire and arousal. It was FDA-approved in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

Melanotan II also activates melanocortin receptors and produces sexual arousal as a side effect alongside its tanning effects, though it is not approved for either use. Kisspeptin, a hormone involved in reproductive signaling, is being researched for its effects on sexual arousal and fertility. These peptides address desire and arousal at the neurological level, making them fundamentally different from drugs that only improve blood flow.

This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki tagged for sexual function. Browse individual profiles for mechanisms, dosing, and safety data.

Peptides (4)

Melanotan II

Skin, Hair & Aesthetics

Melanotan II is a synthetic version of alpha-MSH, a natural hormone involved in skin pigmentation. It activates hormone receptors involved in skin color and sexual function, and is being studied for both tanning and sexual health applications.

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Sexual Health & Libido

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a hormone receptor activator that works directly in the brain, unlike blood flow-based medications for sexual dysfunction. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

Kisspeptin-10

Hormones & Endocrine (Non-GH)

Kisspeptin is a brain signaling peptide that plays a critical role in reproductive hormone regulation. It works upstream of GnRH to control the hormone signaling chain between the brain and reproductive organs. It is being studied for fertility and puberty disorders.

Gonadorelin (GnRH)

Hormones & Endocrine (Non-GH)

Gonadorelin is a synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a key reproductive signaling hormone. It is used diagnostically and therapeutically for fertility assessment, low hormone levels, and to maintain testicular function during testosterone replacement therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) work by increasing blood flow to erectile tissue. They address the mechanical aspect of arousal but do not affect desire. PT-141 works in the brain by activating melanocortin-4 receptors in the hypothalamus, which increases sexual desire and arousal at the neurological level. This makes PT-141 effective for low libido (desire problems) while PDE5 inhibitors are effective for erectile dysfunction (blood flow problems). They work through completely different mechanisms and can theoretically be complementary.

Yes. PT-141 was FDA-approved for women (as Vyleesi for HSDD in premenopausal women), and clinical trials in men showed improved erectile function and desire. The melanocortin system affects sexual arousal in both sexes. For women, it primarily increases desire and arousal. For men, it affects both desire and erectile function. The most common side effect is nausea, which is more prevalent in women. Dosing and timing differ between the approved women's formulation and the research protocols used by men.

Melanotan II is not FDA-approved and carries a broader side effect profile than PT-141 because it activates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, not just MC4R. Side effects include nausea, facial flushing, increased blood pressure, darkening of moles (which requires monitoring for changes), and unwanted tanning. PT-141 was developed as a more targeted alternative specifically because Melanotan II's effects were too broad. For sexual function specifically, PT-141 is the more targeted and better-studied option.

PT-141 typically takes effect within 45-60 minutes after subcutaneous injection, with effects lasting 6-12 hours. It is used on-demand rather than daily. Melanotan II produces sexual effects within 1-4 hours. Kisspeptin is being studied in single-dose research protocols with effects observed within hours. Unlike daily medications such as SSRIs or hormone replacement, these peptides are used as needed before anticipated sexual activity.

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