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Is Alura a Viable Sex Enhancer?
(06/29/2005)

by Kathleen VanKirk

Designed as the feminine answer to Viagra, Alura (previously known as Viacreme) promises that you'll "reclaim the sexuality only known to you in your early twenties." Or so one of their product sites say. I'm not quite sure what this statement might entail but I'm sure there are plenty of women out there that wouldn't trade the sex they have now for the fumbling, uneducated sex of their early years.

So I have to admit, that I tested Alura with a bit of a bias. I've heard the gushing promises of Alura distributors and of some of its users. On the flip side, I'm also aware of the concern that Alura is nothing but a trumped up menthol ointment akin to the diluted menthol chest rub gel moms rub on their sick kids to relieve congestion.

The active ingredient that Alura promotes is the savior to women's sexuality is L-Arginine. L-Arginine is an amino acid that is the basic building block of the Nitric Oxide Pathway -- the body's key signaling molecule for starting and maintaining an erection/vaso-congestion. Preliminary research has shown that when L-Arginine is ingested, it can have a similar effect to Viagra as it can result in the dialation of blood vessels. However, I am not aware of any research that indicates that a topical application would have the same results as ingesting it. Perhaps a slight oversight on the part of the marketing campaign?

My own experience seemed to be equivalent to that of my friends and fellow associates who have tried it. The initial application consisted of a burning feeling – almost a sense of urgency to urinate. You're supposed rub the cream on the clit as well as on the under side of the clit. This is where there is a chance the ointment will come in contact with your urethra. This was mildly uncomfortable. I definitely didn't notice any increased feelings of desire. Maybe it's me, but the sensation of having a urinary tract infection doesn't really arouse me.

At most, it's an interesting sensation. I would recommend it to women who might just want to try something new. I don't want to discount the fact that perhaps there is some woman out there who may get some other sexual benefit from it (e.g. becoming more aroused/orgasmic). But as far as I'm concerned this is not the new Viagra for women.

Rubbing a little cream on your clit will probably will not save your sex life but it may be a new way to experiment if you're getting a little bored with the same old thing. Then again rubbing your clit can usually help with or without the Alura.

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Copyright: Dr. Kathleen Van Kirk and www.Libida.com

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