The Facts
In 2011, the American Urological Association (AUA) revised its guidelines on when and how doctors should prescribe erectile dysfunction medication (EDM), referring to them as the “AUA Position Statement on EDM”. According to this statement, “there is no specific evidence that any one drug (such as Viagra or Cialis) is superior to another in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.”
Based on this, the AUA recommends that doctors take a holistic approach when treating ED, with the drugs being used to support natural sexual functioning and in conjunction with counseling and therapy. If you’re taking ED medication and want to discuss various treatment options with your physician, the AUA also suggests that you inquire about holistic and integrative approaches, such as acupuncture, guaraná supplements, and vitamin D injections.
What’s the Big Deal?
Many men suffer from erectile dysfunction, the inability to get or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. In some cases, the condition goes hand-in-hand with heart disease and diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to serious psychological and physical problems, including a poor self-image and a reduction in sexual pleasure. It also puts you at greater risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer.
As stated above, not all cases of erectile dysfunction can be attributed to a singular cause. However, in many cases, the root of the problem stems from the same source: poor blood circulation to and within the penis. Erectile dysfunction can be effectively treated with medication and, in some cases, therapy. In this article, we will examine the role that Viagra, Cialis, and other ED medications play in improving your sexual functioning, as well as the possible side effects that you need to be aware of.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a medication that was first approved by the FDA in 1998 and is used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by enhancing the effectiveness of nitric oxide, a chemical that is naturally produced in the body. Nitric oxide helps maintain normal blood circulation throughout the body. When it reaches the penis, it causes the muscles there to relax and expand, resulting in an erection. Erectile dysfunction occurs when there is some interference with nitric oxide production or when the nerves that regulate the production of nitric oxide are overstimulated or poorly functioning (these nerves are called the nervous system).
By increasing the concentration of nitric oxide in the penis, Viagra can help improve blood circulation there and, thus, boost sexual performance.
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?
The AUA guidelines suggest a holistic approach to treating erectile dysfunction, which means that you need to treat the root of the problem rather than just the result. Therefore, if you’re taking a drug to treat your ED, you need to be mindful of what caused the condition in the first place. As stated by the AUA, “it is essential that physicians understand the patient’s history [of erectile dysfunction] and consider what might have caused (it) to develop.”
In cases where poor blood circulation is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction, treating the condition with medication can help improve the patient’s overall health and, in some cases, reverse or prevent some of the associated problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. The most effective medications for ED are sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis), with sildenafil showing the best overall results and being the most commonly prescribed drug.
If you’re interested in trying a natural treatment for ED, you have a variety of options to choose from. One of the best treatments is gingko biloba, a plant-derived compound that has been shown in studies to increase nitric oxide production in the body. Another option is vitamin E, which helps maintain normal blood flow throughout the body, as well as in the penis, where it might improve the quality of erections and increase their duration.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
Although Viagra is a relatively safe and effective medication when used as prescribed, it is important to be mindful of its side effects. As with any medication, there are certain risks associated with taking Viagra that you need to be aware of. According to the package insert for Viagra, the most frequently reported side effects include:
- headache
- dizziness
- indigestion
- difficulty breathing
- nasal congestion
- flushing
- muscle contraction
- vision problems
- heart disease
- and more rarely, priapism (an erection that lasts more than four hours)
Luckily, these side effects are generally mild and go away once your body has adjusted to the medication. In cases where they are more severe, they need to be treated with medical attention.
Based on the above, it’s clear that Viagra and other ED medications are very effective in treating erectile dysfunction, with the potential for significant side effects in cases where the dose is not properly adjusted or where it’s used in conjunction with anticoagulant therapy. In cases of extreme or persistent sexual dysfunction, a physician should be consulted.