Frequently Asked Questions

Zestra® is a scientific breakthrough in Women’s Sexual Health – one that women and sexual medicine experts around the world are praising for its natural design, ease of use and effectiveness.

This unique arousal oil, is easily applied to the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening during foreplay. Once applied it’s bioactive botanical ingredients begin to work on the sexual pleasure pathways that are specific to women.

Zestra® is effective, discreet and easy-to-use. It helps to increase female sexual pleasure in normal women, those with arousal difficulties, and in women suffering sexual side effects from antidepressant medications.

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Zestra® contains only plant-derived natural ingredients which do NOT produce sensation through irritation. Zestra® contains "PA - free" Borage Seed Oil - Evening Primrose Oil - Angelica Extract - Coleus Extract - Vitamin C - Vitamin E. Zestra® also contains natural fragrances reputed to be aphrodisiacs. Zestra® does not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives. United States and International Patents Pending.

Each of Zestra's four (4) botanical ingredients contain special skin nourishing compounds that play highly complementary roles and work together naturally to safely and effectively enhance female sexual pleasure, sensation, sensitivity and satisfaction.

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Zestra®™ was specifically designed to increase female sexual pleasure during foreplay, manual stimulation, vaginal intercourse and masturbation. Zestra®™ is perfectly safe to eat because it was formulated from ingredients with well-established safety profiles that are dietary supplements derived from natural botanical ingredients. Nearly all women will enjoy its pleasure enhancing effects but keep in mind that Zestra® is not flavored or sweetened and is therefore not the 'tastiest choice for oral sex'. When using Zestra®, oral sex should occur prior to the application of Zestra®.

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Zestra® was designed to be topically applied and gently massaged onto the clitoris and labia (vaginal lips) during foreplay. It is intended for use during foreplay, vaginal sex, manual stimulation and masturbation. The effects generally begin within 3 to 5 minutes after genital application and tender massage and its pleasurable effects typically last about 45 minutes for most women. Zestra® is not flavored or sweetened and therefore is not intended for "tasty" oral sex. For more instructions: View the Zestra Package Insert (PDF)

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Zestra® is a special blend of botanical oils enriched with the active energy of scientifically selected herbs. Zestra® oil is packaged in a retail box which contains 9 "single-unit of use" foil packets.

• The Zestra® retail box contains approximately 9 average uses

* Note - all approximate uses are dependant upon the desired intensity of the Zestra® enhanced sexual experience.

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To purchase Zestra®

• Through our web site by clicking here.
• *Call toll-free 877-4-Zestra (877-493-7872).
• Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional today.

* Customer Service hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST.

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Heat and light are harmful to most natural products and Zestra® is no exception. Zestra® is generally stored on / in a nightstand or purse in its individual foil packet. Zestra® should not be stored in direct sunlight or under very hot conditions for prolonged periods of time.

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If stored at room temperature, Zestra® has a shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture of the product. Over time you may notice that the fragrance of Zestra® may change slightly but its pleasurable activity remains constant. Zestra® foil packets are labeled with a lot number and "best if used by" date.

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Zestra® is made from only the highest quality standardized botanical ingredients by pharmaceutical scientists under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines. Zestra® is expertly manufactured and packaged by an FDA-registered and approved pharmaceutical and consumer products manufacturing facility. The manufacturer of Zestra® also makes prescription and non-prescription products for many of the world's largest pharmaceutical and consumer products companies.

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Zestra® is made from all natural botanical ingredients that contain the active energy of scientifically-selected plants. The unique pleasure enhancing components in Zestra® are only soluble in specific botanical oils.

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There are no known drug interactions between topically applied Zestra® and any prescription or non-prescription drug available in the United States. However, if you have a vaginal infection that is being treated with a locally applied/administered cream, ointment, lotion, vaginal insert, etc., you should wait until the infection is cured before using Zestra®.

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Zestra®™ has been evaluated in consumer and clinical studies for more than five (5) years. Using topically applied Zestr®a is very safe. There were no side effects reported in the Zestra® clinical trials with the exception of mild skin irritation in those women who had an active vaginal yeast infection. Since Zestra® became available to consumers in June 2002, the only effects reported to us are the praising emails we receive from women who are enjoying intercourse more than ever before and are having sex more frequently.

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Yes.

Zestra Laboratories is a science-driven company focused on developing clinically-proven consumer products in women's health. While there is no requirement by the FDA for manufacturers to conduct clinical trials of products marketed as consumer products, dietary supplements or cosmetics, Zestra Laboratories has chosen to conduct evidence-based scientific studies. As with its first clinical trial, a 200-women Zestra study is being conducted to FDA scientific standards.

Zestra Feminine Arousal Fluid is topically applied, hormone-free and is not a drug. Zestra Feminine Arousal Fluid is topically applied, hormone-free and is not a drug. Zestra is a patented formulation (U.S. Patent 6,737,084) of two botanical oils and two extracts -- specifically designed to increase sexual sensation, arousal, pleasure and satisfaction for women. Its well-studied natural ingredients are FDA recognized as dietary supplements and natural cosmetic ingredients. Non-prescription Zestra is marketed under the FDA Cosmetics Act to improve sexual experiences for women. A previous phase 2-type randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, cross-over design trial demonstrated Zestra produced these desired effects in women with and without FSD regardless of menopausal status, antidepressant usage, or oral contraceptive usage (Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy 2003;29 Supplement 1:33-44). The current 200-women Zestra study will increase the number and diversity of women tested with Zestra. See article abstract on PubMed. The full-text article is available at:
http://www.zestraforwomen.com/articles/JSMT.pdf.

Zestra® is precisely manufactured in a long-established FDA-registered contract manufacturing and packaging facility under strict Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines (GMPs), as described by FDA for prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products, cosmetics and personal care products. Our contract manufacturer has built a remarkable reputation in the pharmaceutical and consumer products industry and has attracted some of the largest, quality-conscious clients in the business, including GlaxoSmithKline, Schering-Plough, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble, to name a few.

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The importance of practicing "safe-sex" cannot be overstated and sexually-active condom users should already be aware that "latex" condoms are not compatible with petroleum-based oils such as light mineral oil (Baby Oil) or even petrolatum (Vaseline®).

Zestra®™ is a special blend of consumable botanical oils that have different physical properties from petroleum-based products. You may use condoms with Zestra®™ but you need to use a polyurethane condom, as they are specifically designed for use with oil-based lubricants.

An added plus of "polyurethane" condoms is that they transmit body heat between partners much better than latex condoms.

The following is a list of popular polyurethane condoms and each manufacturer’s description:

Avanti®
Durex's Revolutionary "Non-Latex" Condoms are thinner and more sensitive than regular latex condoms. Ideal for latex sensitive condom users the unique non-latex material is sensitive, clear, odorless, and safe with oil based lubricants. Each condom is individually tested for maximum reliability. Made from polyurethane.

TROJAN SUPRA® Microsheer™
Can be used with both water-based or oil-based lubricants. In contrast, latex condoms should not be used with oil-based lubricants. Have undergone FDA required test procedure in which organisms smaller than sperm and viruses such as HIV did not pass through the Microsheer polyurethane material.
You may use this Trojan Supra® Microsheer Polyurethane Condom if you or your partner are allergic to latex. You should know: The risks of pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including AIDS (HIV infection), are not known for this condom. A study is being done. There are laboratory tests on this Microsheer Polyurethane material. These tests show that organisms even as small as sperm and viruses like HIV cannot pass through it. Latex condoms for men, if used correctly with every act of vaginal intercourse, are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, as well as STDs, including AIDS (HIV infection). Before using any condom, read and rely solely on its specific effectiveness claims, warnings and directions for use.


Reality™ Female Condom
Presenting an alternative to male condoms. Reality™ is the first condom designed to be worn by a women. Made of soft polyurethane, Reality is hypo-allergenic, heat conductive, and has been reported to increase the sensitivity for both women and men. The Reality™ female condom has been available since 1994. Because it is made from Polyurethane the Reality™ condom can be used with oil and water based lubricants. The Reality™ female condom is an excellent alternative for couples with latex allergies, who are otherwise unable to use a regular latex condom.

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Since Zestra® is an all natural personal care product /massage oil and not a drug, it does not require a prescription and an NDC (National Drug Code) has not been assigned. Traditional prescription card programs do not usually cover consumer products because by definition they are intended for prescription only items. The company is not aware of the availability of insurance reimbursement for Zestra®.

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The development of Zestra® is the result of a long history of scientific research coupled with the support of a double-blind placebo controlled crossover clinical trial which demonstrated that Zestra® safely and effectively increases female sexual pleasure in more than 85% of women.

The clinical trials involved women without sexual complaints, women who experienced difficulty with arousal and orgasm, and women who were on SSRI antidepressant medications. Regardless of the particular group of women studied, Zestra® demonstrated enormous increases in female sexual pleasure and satisfaction in all groups tested. No other women's product can truthfully make these statements.

As with any dietary supplement, vitamin, or medication, response can vary from person to person, with some not responding as well as others. This could be due to any number of factors that may affect women's sexual health and enjoyment such as environment /lifestyle, diet, hormone levels, age, relationship status or certain prescription medications. As healthcare professionals ourselves, we think it is important for you to talk with your own healthcare provider about the use of Zestra®, as this person best understands your personal medical history and is therefore able to place the information concerning Zestra® in an appropriate perspective for you.

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Zestr®a should not be used in anyone with known hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients in Zestra®. As with many consumer products and most prescription drugs, Zestra® should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, or women that are trying to conceive, as it has not been studied under those conditions. Orgasms during pregnancy have been associated with premature labor and unwanted complications. Women who are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding should not use Zestra® and should consult their physician. Women with yeast infections and other irritating conditions of the genitals should refrain from using Zestra® until the irritated condition is resolved. There are no other known contraindications.

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Zestra® was quietly introduced to consumers and the sexual medicine community in the United States in June 2002. Due to its unmatched performance, Zestra® has rapidly become embraced by women and is presently available in limited supply. The development of Zestra® stems from over 5 years of research performed by pharmaceutical researchers and sexual health experts.

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Non-prescription Zestra is available nationwide in the feminine hygiene section or in the family planning section of CVS Pharmacies, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Duane Reade drugstores, HEB supermarkets, and certain natural products stores. Zestra is also available in China, Taiwan, H.K., Korea, Malaysia & Singapore.

Complete information is available at http://www.zestraforwomen.com. The Zestra Package Insert is at: http://www.zestraforwomen.com/PackageInsert.pdf.

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We encourage you to take a look at the following adobe acrobat documents:

Women's Sexual Products - Comparison Fact Sheet (PDF)
Redbook: Sexier Sex - Can a cream increase arousal? (PDF)

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Zestra® samples are available upon request only to "healthcare professionals". Please fax a request on your clinic's letterhead to the Zestra Laboratories, Inc., 843.402.0919.

Samples are NOT available to consumers due to the limited availability of Zestra®.

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Since the introduction of Zestra® in June of 2002, the only refund requests that we have received has come from those that tried using Zestra® during "oral sex". However, if you are not completely satisfied with the results you achieve from appropriately using Zestra® during foreplay, vaginal intercourse, and manual stimulation - simply return the unused portion within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, less shipping and handling. Be sure to include proof of purchase indicating date of transaction.

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