If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you might assume that when it comes to
sex, I’m always ready to rock and roll, all the time, at the drop of a hat. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I don’t always blog in real time, so a lot of the
sexual experiences I’ve written about on here didn’t occur simultaneously or serially, but rather were spaced out over large periods of time. Also, like many people, my sex drive ebbs and flows throughout the month.
My sexual persona lives primarily in my head. I love sex, however if I’m feeling stressed or anxious, sometimes I need a bit of help getting in the zone. More often than not, this involves something as simple as slowing down long enough so that my partner and I can really connect. This is why I’m always slightly skeptical of products that are designed to “increase desire.”
Unless there’s a pill that can pour me a glass of wine, run me a bubble bath, and/or read me Pablo Neruda, I don’t have much faith that it will work for me (however, if anyone is interested in developing that Pablo Neruda whispering pill, let’s talk.)
Now, enter Zestra – a topically applied medication, approved by Health Canada for women suffering from a decrease in sexual interest and desire.
As the makers of Zestra explain, 43% of women from 18 to 59 encounter a sexual problem of desire or arousal at one point in their life. In other words, it’s not just you. If you feel this way, it’s completely normal.
These symptoms may happen in various moments of life, therefore Zestra is ideal for women:
• going through different stages of menopause
• taking oral contraceptives
• taking anti-depressants
• after giving birth
• with medical conditions affecting sexual feeling
• that have a desire to heighten their sexual experiences
When the company reached out to me to see if I’d be interested in trying Zestra I was curious, albeit slightly hesitant. When it comes to chemicals, I don’t like to put anything extra into my system that doesn’t need to be there. However, after I read that Zestra is completely hormone-free and made of natural oils, I was intrigued.
I take a regular medication for my anxiety disorder. Although I don’t feel like the brain drugs have had a negative impact on my libido, I was curious to see if it would make any difference and/or heighten my sexual experiences (as suggested.) You never know until you try, right?
It’s now a few weeks later. I’ve tried Zestra and am ready to share my experiences.
So, what exactly is Zestra?
Good question! Zestra is a unique, patented and hormone-free formula is composed of active ingredients extracted from 4 plants recognized to increased blood flow and local sensitivity (Borage, Evening Primrose, du Huo and Forskohlii). These ingredients are introduced into Zestra in the form of medicinal oils.
How does it work?
Zestra’s active ingredients increase blood flow and nerve conduction, to safely and effectively enhance female sexual pleasure, sensation, sensitivity and overall sexual satisfaction.
Yeah, but what it is?!
I was expecting Zestra to be either a cream or a gel, so I was surprised when I opened the package and discovered it’s actually an oil. Zestra comes in a tear packet similar to a lube sampler. One package = one application. The package I received included three packets/applications. FYI, a little goes a long way. Don’t do what I do and squirt the whole package into your hand – you probably won’t need all of it.
Another happy surprise: Zestra smells really good. Like fruit and plants, but not in a gross, artificial, jolly-rancher way. The noticeably nice scent definitely added to the experience.
How do you use this magical oil?*
(*Disclaimer: Zestra is not really magic. It just feels that way.)
Easy. You apply it topically to your outer labia and clitoris. It’s meant to be used externally, so don’t insert any of the product into your vagina. Leave it on for five minutes before you have sex. Within a few minutes you should start to feel it working.
Omg, what does it feel like?!
As I mentioned above, I didn’t really have any expectations for my Zestra experience, however this stuff feels really freaking amazing. A minute or so after I applied it, I could feel a nice tingly sensation, like a mix of hot and cold. Although I tend to avoid sex products that advertise a “tingling sensation” because they usually lead to irritation and burning, I didn’t have any unpleasant sensations associated with Zestra. By the five minute mark, it definitely felt like there was more blood in that area. It felt good, really, really good.
When my boyfriend asked me to describe the sensation, I told him that it felt like I had given my vagina and clit a nice, steaming hot shot of espresso.
After applying the solution I noticed that any touch or stimulation felt noticeably more intense. The happy-in-my-pants feelings brought on by Zestra lasted for about an hour, after which they tapered off.
That’s awesome, but is there anything I should be aware of?
Yes. Zestra shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant or nursing (because it hasn’t been tested in these populations.)
Secondly, because it’s oil based, Zestra can’t be used with latex condoms (oil based products break down latex condoms.) However, Zestra is safe to use with POLYURETHANE condoms, as they are specially designed for use with oil-based products. If you’re looking for a condom that’s made of polyurethane, Trojan Supra Bareskin is one option.
Sidebar: When I told a group of friends that I was going to be reviewing Zestra, the ones who were most interested in the product were the recent Moms in the group. Go figure. After all, it’s totally normal to experience a decrease in sexual desire after giving birth and/or while you’re breastfeeding.
So, while I understand the reasoning behind both of these precautions, I hope that the makers of Zestra will consider developing a similar product that is compatible for both latex condom users and women who are pregnant/breastfeeding. My experience with Zestra was really positive and I think the more people who are able to also benefit from it, the better.
At the end of the day, I can’t say how this product would work for someone else – I can only share my experiences, which were positive. However, I could definitely see Zestra being very helpful to anyone hoping to give their sex life a jolt. Like I mentioned above, it’s like a really good shot of espresso…in your pants.
Has anyone else tried Zestra or something similar?
This post was brought to you by Zestra. I received free samples of the product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own because that’s how I roll. Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog.