Has anyone you know ever said that their love life was affected by medication they were on? Chances are you know someone who took Viagra (sildenafil), the popular drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. While there’s no denying that Viagra can give men back their erection, the truth is it can also cause some serious side effects that you should know about. We looked into the scientific literature to uncover the facts about Viagra and its effects on the urinary tract.
Can Viagra Cause Urinary Problems?
Yes, Viagra can cause harmful effects to the urinary tract. In fact, recent studies have shown that it can increase the risk of developing acute urinary tract infections (UTIs) by up to 83% in women and 28% in men. So if you’re taking Viagra, you may want to think about avoiding situations that could lead you to contract a UTI. This includes using antibiotics for common colds and flus, which could make you more susceptible to infection. Taking unnecessary antibiotics could also lead to drug resistance—making future infections more difficult to treat.
The Dangers Of Long-Term Use
Perhaps the biggest red flag when it comes to Viagra is the fact that its effects last for only four to six hours, and then it has to be taken again to feel its healing properties. While there’s no denying that quick relief is wonderful when you need it, long-term use can have some dangerous consequences. Specifically, studies have shown that Viagra can cause harmful changes in the urinary tract that last for months or years after you stop taking it.
Even more unnerving is the fact that the longer you use it, the more likely you are to experience these long-term effects. For example, one study found that men taking Viagra for three years or more had an 87% chance of developing high blood pressure, compared to 49% of men who were on the drug for less than a year. Fortunately, there’s also good news. If you decide that medication for erectile dysfunction is not for you, there are safer and more effective replacement options available. However, before you write off Viagra, keep in mind its potential side effects and the warning signs of a urinary tract infection. Knowing these things can help you make the right decision for your health.
The Basics Of A Urinary Tract Infection
To understand the role Viagra can play in causing UTIs, you have to first know how the urinary tract functions and how infections developed. The urinary tract starts at the end of the trachea (the tube that connects your mouth and nose) and continues down to the kidneys. Now, while this may seem straightforward enough, it’s actually one of the most complicated organ systems in the human body. This is mainly because the urinary tract is constantly exposed to microorganisms and harmful substances that may cause infections. In fact, the urinary tract is considered one of the most densely populated areas in the body with 10 million bacteria living in each gram of feces. Yikes!
That being said, the urinary tract does have certain natural defenses to keep infections at bay. For example, the urine is sterile (has no bacteria in it) until it reaches the bladder. Once there, bacteria begin multiplying rapidly, causing urinary tract infections. So while it may not be easy to prevent UTIs, it’s definitely doable. You just have to know the right ways to keep your urinary tract healthy. One of the best things you can do for yourself is drink plenty of fluids—especially water. This will help flush out any toxins that may have accumulated due to poor hydration. It also helps keep the bacteria at bay. Additionally, eating healthful foods and avoiding certain products with added sugar will help to maintain a healthy urinary tract. Finally, getting sufficient rest and not overexerting yourself are also vital to keeping your body in good condition.
How Viagra Changes The Urine
When you take Viagra, it binds to nitric oxide receptors in the blood vessels, thus allowing more blood to flow into the penis. This leads to an erection, and as a result, more urine flow. In fact, one study found that men taking Viagra had an 81% greater chance of developing a UTI than men who didn’t take the drug. This is because Viagra allows for more bacteria to be washed away as urine during urination. In other words, if you have an erection, you are more likely to become a host for infections. Luckily, there’s also good news. Just because you have an erection doesn’t mean that you will automatically develop a UTI. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately: fever, chills, pain in the side, pain during urination, urgency, or frequency. If you experience any of these symptoms, even if it’s just one, and your doctor isn’t sure what’s causing it, you may want to get tested for a urinary tract infection. Especially if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s vital that you get tested. This is because, if a UTI is confirmed, then you will need to stop taking Viagra and replace it with other medication—such as tamsulosin—to prevent further infections from occurring.
What About Sildenafil (Viagra) Side Effects?
While there are no exact numbers available, it’s estimated that somewhere between 3 and 5% of people who take Viagra experience serious side effects. The most common side effect is a headache, which can be unpleasant but is generally not dangerous. Some of the more serious side effects associated with Viagra include: chest pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, heart attack, and liver problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if your doctor suspects that you may be experiencing them, then you should discontinue use of Viagra and contact your doctor immediately. It’s also important to let your doctor know that you’re taking this medication, as there are cases where patients have experienced allergic reactions to Viagra. In some situations, these allergic reactions were so severe that they required immediate hospitalization. Fortunately, these situations are rare. If you experience any allergic reaction to Viagra, you should seek medical help right away.
When Is The Right Time To Stop Taking Viagra?
If you decide that medication for erectile dysfunction is not for you, there are safer and more effective replacement options available. If you stop taking Viagra at the same time, you will likely experience a short period of erectile dysfunction before your body adjusts and you resume normal sexual activity. If, however, you decide to try and wean yourself off of Viagra, it is advisable to do so gradually over a period of weeks or months to avoid the unpleasant side effects that come with a sudden stop.
In summary, Viagra can cause serious side effects to the urinary tract that last for months or years after you stop taking it. If you decide that medication for erectile dysfunction is not for you, then there are safer and more effective replacement options available. Just remember to consult your doctor before you try and wean yourself off of Viagra, and make sure that you stop taking it at the same time each day to avoid any unpleasant side effects.