Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem that affects about 150 million men worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from ED. Moreover, about 25% of men in their 40s and 50s complain of ED symptoms according to the American Urological Association. Studies show that nearly 70% of men with ED have anxiety or depression symptoms, which makes them eligible for treatment with medication or therapy. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible role of the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, in the treatment of ED and other disorders.
Is Sildenafil Responsible For Viagra’s Success?
Before we discuss the possible role of sildenafil in the treatment of ED and other disorders, it’s important to understand the origin of Viagra and its role in modern medicine.
First manufactured in the early 1990s and approved for medical use in 1998, Viagra is a blue pill with the active ingredient sildenafil. Sildenafil is a medication that promotes blood flow to the penis and relaxes the muscles in the arteries that supply the blood to the penile tissues. As a result, the blood flow is increased, resulting in tumescence (i.e., an erection). In addition to its important role in erectile function, sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, eye floaters, and severe eye pressure. With increasing usage, the medication has seen numerous generics hit the market.
How Is Sildenafil Dosed?
The recommended dose of sildenafil for ED is 100 mg, taken orally approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity. Some manufacturers provide an oral “pinking” agent along with the pill to make it more palatable for children and some adults with swallowing difficulties. Most patients find the side effects minimal with this dose and it has a notably positive effect for around 75% of those who try it. However, in cases where the drug is ineffective, the dosage may need to be increased. Experts advise against taking large amounts of sildenafil, as it may cause harm to the liver.
What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Sildenafil?
While research has not yet determined what long-term effects, if any, sildenafil may have on humans, studies show that it is probably safe to take the drug for four to six months. Side effects are dose-dependent and are generally mild to moderate in severity. The most common side effects include headache, jaw ache, flushing, stuffy nose, and visual disturbances. These effects are usually transient and go away after a few days or weeks of continued usage, although they may reappear if the drug is stopped and started again. Interestingly, the side effects of sildenafil are almost entirely reversible, with over 50% of patients reporting full or partial relief of their symptoms.
What Is The Medical Condition That Viagra Is Most Popularly Used To Treat?
The most common medical condition for which sildenafil is prescribed is erectile dysfunction (ED). In accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ED is defined as a disorder in which a male is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. In fact, the FDA has approved sildenafil for the treatment of ED in men, classified as “major” or “minor”. A “major” ED is defined as one that interferes with the patient’s normal routine day-to-day activities, while a “minor” ED does not. There are several excellent medications currently marketed for ED that act by decreasing blood pressure in the penis, increasing blood flow, or doing both. As a result, the erection is enhanced and the potential for serious damage is eliminated.
The FDA-approved treatment for “major” ED is an injectable medication called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). The advantage of this form of therapy is that it provides for easy, direct administration into the penis and does not rely on any dietary supplements or lifestyle changes to provide effective therapy. The most common adverse effect associated with PGE1 is dysmenorrhea, which is painful menstruation. However, this effect is generally mild and goes away after the treatment has been administered.
Does Sildenafil Have A Roles In The Treatment Of Other Disorders?
While research on the long-term effects of sildenafil on humans is ongoing, the medication has been shown in studies to have positive effects in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, strokes, and myocardial infarctions (i.e., heart attacks). In particular, sildenafil has been proven to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which are two significant measurements that show the heart’s performance. Moreover, studies show that sildenafil may be especially beneficial for patients with heart disease or risk factors (e.g., diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, etc.). In addition, because sildenafil promotes blood flow to the genitals, it is sometimes used in the treatment of impotence associated with diabetes or other endocrine disorders. In these cases, the medication is prescribed to increase blood flow to the genitals and thus increase the potential for sexual intercourse.
Is Sildenafil Effective In The Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction?
The best way to find out whether or not sildenafil is effective in treating ED is through clinical trials. Fortunately, clinical trials provide an excellent opportunity to test the medication’s effect on a wide range of patients with various degrees of ED. As a result, doctors can prescribe the medication to men with “minor” ED, who would not normally qualify for treatment with PGE1, as well as to men with “major” ED, who would normally require that medication. In cases where sildenafil is not effective, the patient may need to try a different medication or seek other forms of treatment.
Does Sildenafil Have Any Negative Effects?
While sildenafil has been proven to be relatively safe for short-term usage, there are still some concerns regarding its long-term effects. Studies suggest that the medication may cause liver damage and dysfunction. Specifically, there is some evidence to suggest that sildenafil interferes with the body’s production of nitric oxide, a substance necessary for normal liver function. This interference may result in the liver becoming more susceptible to damage from toxins or alcohol. The liver is a major organ responsible for breaking down medications and other chemicals that are ingested. Because of this, even users of sildenafil who do not have other liver disorders should be aware that their liver may not be normal after taking the medication. Moreover, since alcohol is broken down by the liver into acetaldehyde and acetic acid, which are carcinogens, users should also be aware that there is an increased risk of cancer if they drink while using sildenafil. In addition, while research is ongoing, there is also a concern that the medication may increase the risk of harm to the patients’ unborn babies. However, in most cases, this risk is minimal as long as the medication is not taken during pregnancy. In these cases, the medication should not be used unless there is no alternative treatment available.
How Long Does It Take For Sildenafil To Work?
It is important to remember that not all males will experience the same results from taking sildenafil as others. In fact, some males may not respond at all to the medication. In other cases, it may take a few months before the full benefits of the drug are felt. In general, most males will feel the effects of sildenafil within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the pill, with the best results occurring within 15 to 30 minutes. In the event that sildenafil is ineffective, the effectiveness will not be evident for 30 to 60 minutes, which may cause anxiety or frustration for some patients.