You’ll often hear men (and some women) talking about their ‘low-libido’ or ‘low-sex drive.’ There are numerous causes for this lack of desire including health issues, personal problems, or medications. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine what is causing a reduced interest in sex and what can be treated to increase desire. In particular, men may be concerned about what is contained in the popular drug Viagra (sildenafil citrate). Although it was originally developed to treat erectile dysfunction, it has become a medication that can increase libido in both men and women. This article will discuss the effects of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) on sexual desire as well as the chemical make-up of this popular drug.
Effects of Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate)
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a drug that improves blood flow to the penis and is often used to treat erectile dysfunction. While there are other drugs that can be used to treat this issue, it is estimated that about 80% of men will experience some relief from erectile dysfunction with the use of Viagra (sildenafil citrate). This amazing drug is also known to increase sexual desire in both men and women. It does this by increasing blood flow to the sexual organs and tissues. This, in turn, increases both physical and mental arousal which, in turn, leads to enhanced sexual performance.
Let’s take a quick look at the facts. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In 1998, it was the leading drug prescribed for this condition, accounting for 28% of all prescriptions. However, since then, its use has declined by about 14% due to the increasing prevalence of the condition as well as the arrival of many new medications. Still, it is one of the most popular therapeutic options for erectile dysfunction and the chemical formula is quite simple; it’s just PDE5 and Sildenafil, which is approved as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries increases which can lead to heart failure.
The effect of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) on libido has been well-documented. In a 2014 analysis of 63 clinical trials, the drug was shown to significantly increase sexual desire in both men and women. Similarly, a 2015 meta-analysis of 20 studies found that it was more effective than placebo (an inactive substance used to mimic the effect of the drug) in raising sexual desire in both men and women. Some studies have also suggested that Viagra (sildenafil citrate) can increase the amount of penile tissue in men. In 2008, a small study published in the International Journal of Impotence found that men who took the drug for 12 weeks reported significantly thicker penises than those who took a placebo. The same trend was not noted in women. Although the link between Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and increased penis size is intriguing, more research is needed to determine whether this is a genuine benefit of the drug or just a side effect.
Chemical Ingredients of Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate)
What is the chemical make-up of Viagra (sildenafil citrate)? Let’s take a look!
As mentioned, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a drug that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is, therefore, a medication that works directly on blood vessels in the penis to improve the condition. Let’s take a quick look at its chemical formula:
- Sildenafil (generic name)
- Citrate
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Lactose
As you can see, the formula for this drug is quite simple. It is comprised of four main ingredients: sildenafil, citrate, sodium, and potassium. Let’s discuss each one separately.
Sildenafil (Generic Name)
Sildenafil (generic name) is the generic version of Viagra (sildenafil citrate). It is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and, as a result, is a drug that is relatively safe for use in combination with other medications. Still, it is not recommended for use in patients with certain health conditions including liver disease, kidney disease, and heart disease.
There are several other medications that your doctor may advise to be used in combination with Sildenafil (generic name) to treat erectile dysfunction. For example, if your doctor decides that Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is not enough for your needs, he may prescribe you another PDE5 inhibitor, such as tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra). These are all commonly used medications for erectile dysfunction and they are, in fact, the second, third, and fourth most prescribed drugs for this condition.
Citrate
Citrate is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is found in the small intestine. It helps prevent calcium from being absorbed by the body both when it is ingested and when it is synthesized in the laboratory. This is important because too much calcium in the body can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bone syndrome). In addition, citrate reduces the likelihood of kidney stones forming. This is fortunate because there are known ways to prevent these too.
Citrate is also required for the proper operation of certain cellular enzymes or proteins. It helps maintain normal blood pressure and helps regulate blood clotting. It is a useful substance to have around when gardening as plants utilize certain chemicals in building their structures. This is why gardening enthusiasts call it the ‘food of the gods.’
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral that is essential for keeping the body in good health. It is important for maintaining normal blood pressure and fluid balance, which is great for preventing strokes and heart disease. In addition, the vast majority of sodium in the body is locked away in cell membranes where it is not accessible to drugs or chemicals. This makes it highly unlikely that you will experience any form of negative side effect from consuming this substance. Sodium is also necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Like calcium, sodium helps prevent the body from absorbing various toxins and carcinogens. It does this by forming a protective shield known as a ‘salt bridge’ around these compounds which prevents them from being absorbed by the epithelial cells in the intestines. The substance is also needed for the synthesis of hormones such as aldosterone and cortisol which, in turn, regulate the body’s electrolytes (chemicals that affect the electrical charge of the body).
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that is necessary for nerve function, muscle contractility, and the formation and maintenance of blood vessels. It also aids the body’s ability to regulate temperature and fluid balance. In essence, potassium is responsible for enabling your body to function properly.
Like sodium, potassium is also needed for the synthesis of various hormones including dopamine and norepinephrine which, in turn, play an important role in modulating mood and impulse control. What is more is that certain compounds can actually enhance the brain’s uptake of the substance, which may lead to improved memory and focus. Potassium is, therefore, considered a ‘brain mineral.’
Lactose
Lactose is a sugar that is naturally found in dairy products. It is the main ingredient in milk and also produced by the body in small amounts. Similar to other sugars, lactose is used for energy which enables humans to function. In addition, it helps maintain healthy teeth by providing the body with an energy source that is not easily absorbed by tooth bacteria. Finally, studies have suggested that ingesting lactose may help prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
As a general rule, most people should avoid products that contain lactose as it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. Still, in the right amounts, it is considered a ‘prebiotic,’ which is a substance that helps promote the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria.
Interactions With Other Substances
While we’re on the subject of chemicals and medications, let’s discuss some of the interactions that may occur when using this drug. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, this topic is more relevant now than ever before.