In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug, called Revatio, for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Designed to work in conjunction with sildenafil (trade name Viagra), Revatio can be taken as a daily pill and is supposed to provide improved adherence and better outcomes than its branded counterpart, Viagra. In early 2017, the FDA approved a similar drug, called Bonjoro, which is designed to be taken once daily and is supposed to be more convenient for patients.
These are just a few examples of how new drug formulations have made their way to market to tackle an issue that has plagued mankind for decades. Another example is flibanserin, a drug that can be used to treat severe female sexual dysfunction. Developed by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, flibanserin is supposed to be a more effective alternative to prostaglandins. Like the other drugs mentioned above, flibanserin is also taken orally to improve adherence and effectiveness.
Does Taking Viagra Increase Testosterone?
One of the main side effects of Viagra is vasodilation, which is the widening of the blood vessels (arteries and veins). This effect is usually mild and doesn’t require medical attention. However, in rare instances (
), patients can experience a severe reaction characterized by headaches, facial flushing, and elevated blood pressure. If you or your partner experience any of these side effects while taking Viagra, you should consult your physician or sexual health care provider immediately.
Looking For A Convenient Way To Take Your ED Meds?
If you’re looking for a convenient way to take your ED meds, there are various options available. Some of the more popular ones include skin patches, wax packs, and sublingual tablets. Each of these products has its perks, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase decision. For instance, the skin patches are supposed to provide a fast and smooth absorption of the drug into the blood stream, but they are also highly adhesive and can be difficult to remove. Wax packs are made of a non-woven fabric that feels similar to braided hair and have a similar function. Sublingual tablets are the most convenient of the bunch, as they are swallowed whole and don’t require any preparation by the user.
Taking Viagra Doesn’t Increase Testosterone Levels
According to studies, taking Viagra does not increase testosterones levels in men. In fact, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the effect of oral sildenafil on testosterone levels in men with ED. Based on the results of these studies, it seems that sildenafil in no way increases testosterone levels, but actually decreases them in some patients. For instance, one study found that in men with ED who were given a daily dose of sildenafil for five days, their testosterone levels decreased by 18%. Another study reported similar results, observing a decrease in testosterone levels in men with ED who were administered sildenafil for 14 days. Finally, a third study showed that in men with ED who were treated with a daily dose of sildenafil for four weeks, their testosterone levels dropped by 23% compared to before they started treatment.
Does Viagra Cause Testosterone Overproduction?
In the previous section, we mentioned that taking Viagra can decrease testosterone levels in some men with ED. One of the possible causes for this unexpected side effect is hormone overproduction. In this case, the body’s natural response is to make more of the hormone in an effort to compensate for the lowered amounts. An enlarged prostate is often the root cause of this issue, and the recommended treatment is hormone blockade, which is the inhibition of testosterone production.
Is It Possible To Increase Testosterone With Viagra?
It is possible to increase testosterone with Viagra, albeit in most cases, it requires an invasive surgical procedure. During a surgical procedure, several small tissue samples are taken from the testicles and prepared for biopsy. Geneticists then analyze the tissue and determine which medications the patient is likely to respond to. Based on the results of this analysis, it usually takes a few weeks before the full effects of the treatment can be observed.
Final Takeaway
Overall, Viagra helps men with ED achieve and maintain an erection, and in rare instances, it can be used to treat low testosterone levels. However, it is not recommended to combine the two, as taking Viagra can lower testosterone and cause unwanted side effects. In addition, if you’re looking for a convenient way to take your ED meds, try one of the options we mentioned above. They have all been proven to work, and since they are taken orally, the chances of them causing adverse reactions are minimal. If your testosterone levels are already ideal, there’s no need to look for alternative treatments.