The erectile dysfunction (ED) epidemic is striking. About 30 million American men suffer from this condition, which is often associated with other sexual health issues. It’s no secret that there is a huge market demand for ED treatment in America alone. But with great power comes great responsibility. Can you really take a pill to fix your little problem?
Viagra, the pill that changed everything, launched in 1998 and quickly became one of the best-selling drugs in history. Its phenomenal success is thanks to the fact that it treats both ED and prostate cancer. But what if you don’t have ED and simply want to try the pill to boost your libido and performance? Can you still take Viagra?
Fortunately, the short answer is yes. You can take Viagra as long as your healthcare provider prescribes it for you. The problem is that many people are unaware of this fact, thinking that only men with ED can benefit from this drug. Even more alarming is that some doctors may actually encourage this misunderstanding. They may incorrectly tell their patients that ED is a necessary condition for taking Viagra.
It’s time for this misinformation to stop. Here, we will explain the truth about Viagra and ED, as well as what you should know if you are ever prescribed this drug.
Viagra And ED: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either experiencing ED yourself or know someone who is. In that case, you’re certainly aware that there is a link between ED and many other health problems. This includes heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease. It’s also associated with psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. What you may not know, however, is that ED is a highly treatable condition. In fact, studies have shown that it’s often preventable.
At the same time, Viagra is more than just a drug used to treat ED. It has been shown to help treat a variety of sexual health issues, including premature ejaculation, low libido, and increased frequency of sexual intercourse. Because of its multi-purpose use, Viagra is approved by the FDA for treatment of both ED and sexual dysfunction.
While ED is often thought of as a male issue, it doesn’t discriminate. One in four American women suffer from this condition. Furthermore, African Americans are twice as likely to experience ED as compared to Caucasians. In light of this information, it is crucial that doctors understand the demographics they are treating and ensure that the right treatment is prescribed for each patient.
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either experiencing ED yourself or know someone who is. In that case, you’re certainly aware that there is a link between ED and many other health problems. This includes heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease. It’s also associated with psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. What you may not know, however, is that ED is a highly treatable condition. In fact, studies have shown that it’s often preventable.
At the same time, Viagra is more than just a drug used to treat ED. It has been shown to help treat a variety of sexual health issues, including premature ejaculation, low libido, and increased frequency of sexual intercourse. Because of its multi-purpose use, Viagra is approved by the FDA for treatment of both ED and sexual dysfunction.
While ED is often thought of as a male issue, it doesn’t discriminate. One in four American women suffer from this condition. Furthermore, African Americans are twice as likely to experience ED as compared to Caucasians. In light of this information, it is crucial that doctors understand the demographics they are treating and ensure that the right treatment is prescribed for each patient.
To understand why Viagra is such a unique and attractive drug for treating ED, let’s take a quick trip back in time to the 1950s.
The Birth Of Viagra
In the early 1950s, pharmacists in northern Italy began noticing a problem. More and more of their sexually active male patients were reporting low libido and trouble maintaining an erection. The Italians named this issue vasculogenic impotence, or, simply, ED. While the exact cause of ED is still unknown, scientists today believe that it’s related to a combination of factors: poor nutrition, stress, and an over-consumption of alcohol. Let’s take a closer look at each factor.
Poor Nutrition
It’s well-established that a nutritious diet helps maintain strong bones. Osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is one of the most common complications of diabetes. And it’s no secret that heart disease is often the result of diabetes. What many people don’t know, however, is that poor nutrition may also play a role in the development of ED. Specifically, studies have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the disease. Omega-3s are essential for human health, and they’ve shown to play an important role in maintaining an erection. For this reason, I recommend that all diabetics consider incorporating fish, nuts, and seeds into their diet.
Stress
Stress is another well-established cause of ED. About 50% of men report that they have a partial or full inability to produce an erection under high stress. There are several theories as to why this may be. Some scientists believe that stress inhibits the production of nitric oxide, which is a critical chemical for maintaining an erection. Others think that stress inhibits the flow of blood to the penis, decreasing its effectiveness. Still others believe that stress prevents the body from responding appropriately to the sexual stimulation that would result in an erection. Whatever the case may be, chronic stress poses a significant risk factor for developing ED.
Alcohol
Another well-established cause of ED is excessive alcohol consumption. It’s been demonstrated in several studies that men who drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day are two to three times more likely to experience ED than men who drink fewer than three drinks a day. Furthermore, heavy alcohol consumption has been shown to decrease sperm count, which can cause infertility. Another harmful effect of alcohol is its interaction with certain medications. It has been demonstrated in studies that males taking certain medications, such as statins, are at an increased risk of developing ED. The takeaway from all of this is that alcohol poses a significant threat to your sexual health.
How Does Viagra Work?
What makes Viagra so special is that it is a highly effective drug for treating ED. In fact, it is the gold standard for treatment of this condition. Although it is effective for treating ED, it doesn’t work immediately. It typically takes about 30 minutes for the drug to begin exerting its effect. During this time, it is imperative that you refrain from having sex or using any other form of stimulation, as this could potentially ruin the potency of the drug. If you do happen to have sex during this time, the risk of experiencing a failed erection is extremely high. Luckily, since Viagra is a potent drug, the risk of an incomplete or total failure is low. The key to a successful erection is maintaining strong bladder and bowel control. Otherwise, it could be dangerous to engage in sexual activity while on this medication.
There is a lot more that you need to know about Viagra. For more information, check out its wiki page or read the medication guide. Most importantly, if you’re ever prescribed this medication, be sure to consult with your doctor about how to take it optimally.
ED is a serious condition that can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional well-being. Because it can be so debilitating, it’s essential that men suffering from this condition seek treatment as soon as possible so that they can resume a healthy sex life. Luckily, thanks to the development of Viagra, this is now much more attainable. As long as your doctor prescribes it for you, you don’t have to worry about not being able to take it because it doesn’t agree with you or because someone told you that you shouldn’t. All you need to do is take the pill and wait for it to work its magic.