6 New Libido Boosters Tried and Tested

Want your sex life to be a little hotter? So did our testers, who checked out the most promising better-sex devices and potions for women--no little blue pill in sight.

PRODUCT TESTED:

Zestra® for Women

What is it? A liquid concoction made up of borage-seed oil, evening-primrose oil, and various other natural ingredients, which is intended to be massaged into the genitals for five minutes to increase blood flow. "For women who have mild arousal problems, or who want more arousal or sensitivity, it may help," says sex therapist Laura Berman, Ph.D., director of the Berman Center in Chicago. $24.95 for nine uses; www.zestraforwomen.com

What our tester said:
"I loved it. First, I tried it alone. Only once in my life have I had an orgasm from masturbation without a vibrator, but with this, it happened in just seven minutes. With my husband, I had an orgasm through intercourse with manual stimulation--that doesn't usually happen! The only drawback: I took a bath, but the product's smell lingered, and I got selfconscious--if anyone knew the smell, they'd know what I've been up to!"

Rating: 5 star

PRODUCT TESTED:

Eros Therapy

What is it? The only FDA-approved device for female sexual dysfunction, this small, battery-operated gadget creates gentle suction over the clitoral area. By increasing blood flow, it improves sensation, lubrication, and orgasm. It's available only by prescription. $395; www.eros-therapy.com

What our tester said:
"I was diagnosed with ovarian failure--which basically means menopause--in my early 20s, and this led to decreased sex drive and lubrication. I tried lots of gooey products, but they dry out. I used Eros for 15 minutes a day, and in about a month, I started feeling a lot more sensation and lubrication. It was less intrusive than a vibrator, although it felt kind of silly at first. Now, since I have more sensation, my sex drive is much higher."

Rating: 5 star

PRODUCT TESTED:

Xzite

What is it? A mixture of three Chinese herbs said to increase blood flow to the genital area, boost muscle relaxation, and stimulate the mood center of the brain--which supposedly increases desire, lubrication, sensation, ease of orgasm, and frequency of sex within two weeks. $39.99 for a 30-day supply; www.drugstore.com

What our tester said:
"At first I tried to use it like Viagra and didn't climax any easier than before. But after a week-and-a-half of taking it daily, I felt more sensitivity--every once and a while, I would be sitting at work and notice that something was going on. The increased sensitivity made foreplay and sex a little bit more intense. After three weeks, all of a sudden it became easier to reach orgasm. Maybe it's psychological, but it's working!"

Rating: 4 1/2

PRODUCT TESTED:

Wild in Secret Bedroom Bondage Sash

What is it? This 100-percent silk, nearly six-foot-long sash with a Swarovski crystal butterfly is soft and easily undone. In pink, red, or blue, it gives off a different vibe than traditional bondage gear. $55 to $75; www.wildinsecret.com

What are tester said:
"Its silkiness makes it more about sensual foreplay than nasty bondage. First, my husband and I used it as a blindfold. Then he ran the silk across my nipples. I tied both his wrists, and then he wrapped his arms around me so we were tied together. It was very erotic and added just the variety and spontaneity I was looking for."

Rating: 4 1/2

PRODUCT TESTED:

Slightest Touch

What is it? This device sends pulses up the nerve pathway in the legs that go to the genitals. After manual stimulation, place the electrodes above inner anklebones, put the unit next to you, and turn it on for 10 to 30 minutes before having sex. This supposedly brings on a preorgasmic state, so genital stimulation can produce enhanced orgasms. $139.95; www.slightesttouch.com

What our tester said:
"While this didn't work miracles, it did increase lubrication and take my orgasm from a five to a six or seven. I could feel the pulsing about six inches in each direction from the electrode (not painful, but weird at first) and didn't really feel turned on. But the waves of current went right along with the pulsing of my orgasm, so sex was more pleasurable--but not over-the-top amazing. And the wires were inconvenient--they even came unplugged. I wouldn't use it every time, but it could be a fun toy."

Rating: 4

PRODUCT TESTED:

Vielle

What is it? A latex fingertip with tiny, soft plastic teeth positioned to stimulate the entire clitoral area. In a small, company-sponsored study, some women got to orgasm nearly twice as fast when using Vielle than without it. $19.95 for three; www.vielleusa.com

What our tester said:
"It looks like a little finger puppet and seemed like an easy way to get to orgasm faster, but it wasn't as good as I'd hoped--the rubber isn't super-soft, so you don't get that skin-to-skin feel. And I wish the teeth were a bit smaller, because it felt to aggressive. In the end, it didn't speed things up--I think it got in the way more than anything."

Rating: 2 1/2

Warning: Avoid supplements, gels, or the Slightest Touch device if you're nursing, pregnant, or trying to conceive. Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition or take medication. In addition, women who take antidepressants or blood-pressure medications, or who use an electronic medical device, shouldn't use Slightest Touch.

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