For most men, getting a good, solid erection is a welcome event that can be enjoyed with their significant other, family, or friends. However, for some men, getting a firm erection is a challenge. If you’re wondering if Viagra (sildenafil) might be the answer to your erection problems, here’s some bad news: Though it can help with some cases of erectile dysfunction, it might also cause others. Let’s take a look at the facts about Viagra and whether it is safe for men with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Viagra’s Effect On Erections
According to the American Association of Sexuality & Health, about 69 million American adults have low sexual desire – a condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). To help these individuals get in the mood, sexually active men are turning to medication, specifically Viagra and its derivatives. In fact, sales of Viagra rose by 16% from $2.95 billion in 2014 to $3.42 billion in 2015.
Viagra improves blood flow to the penis and helps promote stronger erections. However, for some men with hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes, Viagra can cause angina (chest pain) and other heart-related side effects. If you have one of these conditions, you must avoid taking Viagra.
Viagra And AFib
Thoughts about Viagra and its potential to cause afib should be taken with a grain of salt, as it is impossible to predict how a medication might affect an individual patient. However, we can look at the overall body of evidence and make an educated guess about whether or not this drug causes afib. Based on the available evidence, it is safe to assume that Viagra does not cause afib. We know this because there are cases where Viagra has been prescribed for erectile dysfunction and the patient did not experience afib. In fact, studies have shown that for those who do experience afib while on this medication, it is possible that the condition was triggered by another factor (such as alcohol or caffeine) prior to taking Viagra. In these cases, Viagra appears to be safe for patients with this condition as long as they do not consume alcohol or take other medications that can cause afib.
Potential Risks Of Taking Viagra
As impressive as Viagra’s track record of safety is, this medication is not without risks. A 2015 study from the University of British Columbia looked at the medication’s safety in more than 200,000 individuals and found a higher incidence of gastrointestinal disturbances, abnormal vision, and hearing loss in patients who were prescribed this drug. Although these side effects are relatively minor in comparison to the potential benefits of taking Viagra, the risk of suffering from any of them cannot be ignored. If you are concerned about any side effects while taking this medication, speak with your doctor about alternatives.
Whether Or Not To Consult A Physician
If you’re wondering about the safety of Viagra for men with hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes, you might be tempted to try this drug on your own or with minimal professional help. After all, isn’t getting a good erection a sign of vitality and well-being? Unfortunately, this is far from true. Though it is possible for some men to get a good erection without help, it is not guaranteed. In fact, some men have reported negative side effects after trying to treat their erectile dysfunction with natural remedies or home remedies. In these cases, it is advisable to consult with a physician about your erectile problems before attempting to treat them yourself.
If you’re still wondering whether or not to try Viagra, it’s important to keep in mind that:
- You might not get the results you’re looking for
- The side effects might not be worth it
- Thoughts about whether or not to try this medication should be taken with a grain of salt
In some cases, getting a good erection may be challenging for men with ED. If this is your situation, it is advisable to consult with a physician about your options. They can help you determine whether or not Viagra is the right medication for you and your condition. If you decide that it is, they can also help you find the right dosage for your body.