PT-141 Therapy
The only sexual health treatment that targets desire at the neurological level. PT-141 (bremelanotide) activates melanocortin receptors in the brain to increase sexual desire and arousal — for both men and women.
What Is PT-141?
PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide that increases sexual desire and arousal through a mechanism found in no other sexual health medication. While treatments like Viagra and Cialis work on blood flow, and testosterone therapy works on hormonal levels, PT-141 works directly in the central nervous system — activating melanocortin receptors in the brain that regulate sexual desire, arousal, and motivation.
PT-141 is FDA-approved under the brand name Vyleesi for the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, making it one of the only FDA-approved treatments specifically targeting low sexual desire. At Rewind Anti-Aging of Miami, we also prescribe PT-141 for men whose sexual dysfunction includes a significant desire or arousal component, and for postmenopausal women experiencing desire-related sexual difficulties.
How PT-141 Works
Every other sexual health treatment targets peripheral mechanisms — blood flow, hormone levels, or nerve sensitivity. PT-141 is fundamentally different because it targets the brain itself.
PT-141 activates melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus and other brain regions involved in sexual behavior. The melanocortin system is a network of neuropeptide pathways that regulate appetite, energy balance, and — critically — sexual desire and arousal. When MC4R receptors are activated, they trigger downstream signaling cascades that increase:
Sexual Desire
The subjective feeling of wanting to be sexually active
Sexual Arousal
The mental and physical state of readiness for sexual activity
Genital Blood Flow
As a downstream effect of central arousal signaling, PT-141 promotes genital engorgement in both men and women
This distinction is clinically important. Many people with sexual dysfunction experience reduced desire, not just reduced physical capability. A man may achieve an erection with Viagra but feel no genuine desire. A woman may have normal hormone levels but no motivation for sexual activity. PT-141 addresses this specific gap in ways that no other treatment can. For a deeper look at the science and clinical applications, read our complete guide to PT-141 for sexual health.
Who PT-141 Is For
Women with HSDD
PT-141 is FDA-approved for premenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. In clinical trials, women reported significant increases in desire and decreases in distress. We also prescribe off-label for postmenopausal women, often as part of a broader plan with hormone optimization and topical arousal therapies.
Learn about female sexual health →Men with Desire-Related ED
Not all ED is a plumbing problem. Many men — especially those dealing with stress, performance anxiety, depression, or SSRI side effects — experience ED rooted in reduced desire rather than reduced blood flow. PT-141 addresses desire directly and is particularly effective when combined with a PDE5 inhibitor.
Learn about ED treatment →Men & Women on SSRIs
SSRI antidepressants (sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, escitalopram) are well known for causing sexual side effects — including dramatically reduced desire. Because PT-141 works through melanocortin receptors rather than serotonin receptors, it can counteract SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction without interfering with the antidepressant effect.
How PT-141 Is Administered
PT-141 is a simple subcutaneous injection — similar to an insulin injection — administered into the fat layer just beneath the skin.
Timing
Inject approximately 45 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity
Injection Site
Abdomen or thigh — subcutaneous, similar to an insulin injection
Duration of Effect
Effects typically last several hours, providing a comfortable window
Frequency Limits
No more than once per 24 hours, no more than 8 doses per month
Side Effects of PT-141
PT-141 has a well-characterized side effect profile from its clinical trials.
Nausea
The most common side effect (~40% in trials). Usually mild to moderate, peaks within the first hour, and significantly diminishes with repeated use.
Flushing
Warmth and redness in the face, neck, or chest. Generally mild and temporary.
Headache
Reported by some patients, usually mild and short-lived.
Injection Site Reactions
Mild redness or irritation at the injection site, resolving quickly.
Transient BP Increase
PT-141 can cause a temporary elevation in blood pressure. Discuss with your provider if you have uncontrolled hypertension.
To minimize nausea, we often recommend starting with a lower dose and titrating up, and suggest taking PT-141 with a light snack rather than on a completely empty stomach. Most patients find that nausea significantly decreases or resolves entirely after the first few uses.
Why PT-141 Matters in Sexual Health
For decades, sexual health treatment has focused almost exclusively on the physical mechanics — blood flow, hormones, and tissue health. PT-141 represents a paradigm shift: the recognition that desire is a neurological event, and that treating desire requires targeting the brain, not just the body.
At Rewind Anti-Aging of Miami, PT-141 is one tool in a comprehensive sexual health toolkit that includes PDE5 inhibitors, injectable therapy, testosterone optimization, and topical arousal treatments. By combining the right treatments for each patient's unique situation, we address sexual function from every relevant angle.
The Rewind Process
From consultation to results — every step is personalized to your unique situation.
Consultation
We discuss your symptoms, sexual health history, current medications, and goals to determine if PT-141 is appropriate for you.
Medical Evaluation
Blood work and cardiovascular assessment to ensure PT-141 is safe for you. We also evaluate hormonal factors that may be contributing.
Prescription & Training
We prescribe PT-141 and teach you the simple subcutaneous injection technique in our office.
Dosing Optimization
We start with a conservative dose and adjust based on your response and tolerance, minimizing side effects.
Follow-Up
We check in to assess results and may recommend combining PT-141 with other treatments for optimal outcomes.
Related Treatments
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Comprehensive ED evaluation and treatment including PDE5 inhibitors, TriMix, and hormone optimization.
Learn more →Female Sexual Health
Treatments for low libido, HSDD, vaginal dryness, and arousal difficulties in women.
Learn more →Sexual Health
Explore our full range of sexual health services for both men and women at Rewind Anti-Aging.
Learn more →Explore PT-141 in Depth
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PT-141 differ from Viagra or Cialis?
Viagra and Cialis are PDE5 inhibitors that work by increasing blood flow to the penis — they address the mechanical, vascular component of sexual function. PT-141 works through an entirely different mechanism: it activates melanocortin receptors in the brain to increase sexual desire and arousal at the neurological level. PT-141 addresses the 'want to' — the desire component — while PDE5 inhibitors address the 'able to' — the blood flow component. They can be used together for a comprehensive approach that addresses both desire and mechanics.
Can women use PT-141?
Yes. PT-141 is FDA-approved under the brand name Vyleesi specifically for premenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). It is one of the only FDA-approved treatments for low sexual desire in women. In clinical trials, women treated with PT-141 reported statistically significant increases in sexual desire and reductions in distress related to low libido compared to placebo. We also prescribe PT-141 off-label for postmenopausal women experiencing desire-related sexual dysfunction.
How long before sexual activity should I take PT-141?
PT-141 is administered as a subcutaneous injection approximately 45 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. This allows time for the peptide to reach the brain and activate melanocortin receptors. Effects can last for several hours after administration, providing a generous window for intimacy. It should not be used more than once in a 24-hour period and no more than 8 times per month.
What are the side effects of PT-141?
The most common side effect is nausea, reported by approximately 40% of patients in clinical trials. The nausea is usually mild to moderate and tends to diminish with subsequent doses as your body adjusts. Other common side effects include flushing (warmth and redness in the face or chest), headache, and injection site reactions. Less common side effects include fatigue and dizziness. PT-141 can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, so it should be used with caution in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Is PT-141 the same as Vyleesi?
Yes. Vyleesi is the brand name for bremelanotide, which is the same active compound as PT-141. Vyleesi was FDA-approved in June 2019 for the treatment of HSDD in premenopausal women. When we refer to PT-141, we are referring to the same melanocortin receptor agonist peptide. At Rewind Anti-Aging, we prescribe PT-141 for both men and women — for women with HSDD and for men whose sexual dysfunction includes a significant desire or arousal component.
Can PT-141 be combined with other treatments?
Yes, and combining PT-141 with other treatments often produces the best results. For men, PT-141 can be combined with PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil or tadalafil) to address both desire and blood flow simultaneously. It can also be used alongside testosterone optimization therapy. For women, PT-141 can complement hormone optimization, topical arousal creams, and oxytocin therapy. The combination approach addresses sexual function from multiple angles — neurological, hormonal, and vascular.
Address Desire, Not Just Mechanics
PT-141 targets sexual desire at its source — the brain. Schedule a confidential consultation to find out if PT-141 is right for you.
⚕ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatments at Rewind Anti-Aging of Miami are performed under the supervision of licensed medical professionals. Individual results may vary. Consult your physician before beginning any new treatment protocol.
Meet our clinical team →Areas We Serve in Miami & South Florida
Our Wynwood clinic at 24 NW 29th Street serves patients across the Miami metro in person and the entire state of Florida via telehealth.