Most people take the classic “blue pill” as prescribed by their docs to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). But what if you’re wondering if there are other options?
You might be wondering if another pill, such as one from the drug class sildenafil (viagra), could be the solution. While sildenafil has been proven to be an effective treatment for ED, there are various reasons why it might not be the right pick for everyone.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the risks associated with sildenafil, as well as how ED affects men of different ages.
Key Facts About Viagra
First, let’s cover some basics about viagra. Viagra is a well-known drug that has been around for more than 20 years.
It was originally approved in the U.S. as a treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) in 1999 and for ED in 2001. Since then, the drug’s approval has expanded to include more conditions, such as diabetes and depression. It’s also available in various forms, including tablets, liquids, and gels, which can be taken orally or inserted into the penis prior to sex.
So what exactly is sildenafil? Sildenafil is a compound derived from natural products and it’s often marketed as a generic equivalent of the brand name medication viagra. Sildenafil is a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is an important chemical that promotes the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and allows blood flowing into the penis to remain there for a longer period of time. High levels of cGMP have been shown to be associated with an increased level of male sexual satisfaction.
In men with ED, an insufficient amount of cGMP results in blood flowing into the penis not staying there for as long as it should. As a result, the person may experience discomfort or lack of pleasure during sex. Sildenafil, as previously mentioned, inhibits the action of PDE5, which results in increased levels of cGMP. This, in turn, helps to relax the muscles in the blood vessels in the penis and allows the blood to stay there for a longer period of time during sex. When the muscles in the penis are relaxed enough, it allows for deeper penetration and, as a result, greater satisfaction for both partners.
Risks Associated With Sildenafil
Although sildenafil has been around for a while and its risks have been discussed in detail in other articles, it’s important to revisit these risks now that sildenafil is a popular option for people with ED. If you consume alcohol while taking sildenafil, you may increase your risk of adverse effects.
To begin with, sildenafil can cause your blood pressure to go up. The medicine increases the amount of blood flowing into the penis and it’s well-known for causing erections in some people without proper or adequate warning. Sometimes this effect can be quite severe and even dangerous. Although much of the time it’s usually not a problem, people taking sildenafil for treatment of ED are warned to be on the lookout for signs of blood pressure elevation. Severe cases of hypertension have been reported in patients taking sildenafil.
Another potential risk associated with sildenafil is the drug’s interaction with other medicines. Like with all medications, there is the potential for sildenafil to interact with other medicines or substances. And while most of these interactions are not thought to be dangerous, it’s still worth being careful about what you consume while on this medication. Some examples of possible interactions include:
- Sildenafil and rizatriptan (marketed as Maxalt), an anti-pain medication which acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as mental status changes, restlessness, high fever, and in rare cases, death. This is particularly concerning in patients with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
- Sildenafil and verapamil (marketed as Verex), a medication used to treat heart disease, may increase the risk of heart disease or heart failure. This is especially concerning in people with existing heart disease.
As you can see, there are several risks associated with sildenafil, not the least of which is the risk of increasing your blood pressure or suffering from a heart attack or stroke. But despite these risks, sildenafil remains an effective treatment option for ED. It’s important to note that not everyone with ED should take sildenafil, as it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Who Is It Best For?
Based on the information presented so far, it’s clear that sildenafil is not the right choice for everyone with ED. If you’ve got severe hypertension (high blood pressure) or if you’re at a heightened risk of heart disease due to a pre-existing condition such as diabetes or heart disease, then it might be best to avoid this medication.
On the other hand, if you’re not at a high risk of heart disease and you’re looking for a medication option, then sildenafil might be the right choice for you. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that there are various other medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ED which might be a better fit for your situation.
Also, it’s important to remember that while sildenafil is an effective treatment option for ED, it’s still a medication and it’s not a cure. It also doesn’t provide any lasting relief and it has to be taken regularly to be effective. In some cases, it might not even be the best solution for those who are actively seeking treatment for ED. But for many others, it’s a viable and often life-changing option.
So, while sildenafil is an option for men with ED, it’s not something to necessarily rush into taking. It also doesn’t provide any lasting relief and it might not be the right solution for everyone. It’s also important to keep in mind the potential risks associated with sildenafil and decide what is best for you as an individual based on your situation.