It is well known that men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) more than women. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 80 million American men have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. Luckily, there are solutions like Viagra that can help with this issue. Although commonly prescribed for the treatment of ED, does Viagra really work? Does it have any side effects? Let’s take a look.
Can Viagra Solve My Erectile Dysfunction?
Viagra was first approved for use in the United States in the year 1998. Since then, it has become one of the most popular drugs for treatment of ED, due to its success in treating this condition. In fact, The American Association of Advertising Agencies reported in 2016 that Viagra was the top-selling drug in the U.S., generating $27 billion in annual retail sales.
The good news is that Viagra is highly effective in treating ED. According to the the European Association for Sexual Medicine, in the case of an unfordable or unavailable healthcare plan, it is important to bear in mind that’medicines such as Viagra may not be suitable for all men due to the presence of certain contraindications or incompatibilities’. But for the majority of men, it is a safe and effective way to restore self-confidence and enjoy a higher quality of life.
How Does Viagra Work?
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, which is a PDE5 inhibitor. This chemical class of drugs inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is what causes the smooth muscle in your penis to relax and expands, allowing blood to flow into and maintain an erection. In addition to helping with erectile function, recent studies suggest that PDE5 inhibitors also help prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
To be more precise, sildenafil citrate is a pro-drug that is converted into sildenafil by the enzymatic action of the body. To fully understand how Viagra works, it is important to know that only about 10% of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration. The majority (>90%) of the dose is excreted unchanged in the feces. This means that the remaining dose has the potential to be effective for another patient. In light of this, the prescribing information for Viagra cautions against using the drug if the patient has gastrointestinal problems, such as poor appetite, nausea, or diarrhea. These could be signs of an underlying medical condition, and in some cases, it could be dangerous to try and self-treat with a medication like this without proper medical supervision.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
Although highly effective in treating Erectile Dysfunction, Viagra is not without its risks. Like any other drug, there are potential side effects associated with taking it. The most common side effects include headache and upset stomach. Less frequently reported side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor should be aware of them. Additionally, if you are taking any other depressant medications, you should consult your doctor about potential interactions. It is also advisable to consult with your doctor before taking Viagra if you recently had a heart attack or stroke.
Another potential danger associated with taking Viagra is that it can cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, especially if you exceed a dose or take the drug with certain other medications. This is why it is always recommended to consult your doctor before taking any type of medication, including Viagra, which could potentially cause a drop in blood pressure.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effectiveness of Viagra is not instant, and it can take about 30 minutes to an hour for the drug to start working. In many cases, it takes a bit longer for the drug to produce its full effects, so be sure to plan on taking it after your meal or at least 10 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. After your first dose, you will need to wait for at least half an hour before having intercourse, as the drug will take time to fully disperse throughout your body. If you miss a dose, you should wait for the drug to clear your system before administering the next dose. Never, ever, exceed the recommended dose of this medication, as it can cause serious side effects, some of which are even fatal.
In conclusion, Viagra can be a powerful medication with amazing potential. However, it is not for everyone, especially those with medical issues or taking medications that interact with it. If you are thinking about trying out this medication, be sure to consult with your doctor so that he can advise you on whether or not it is safe for you to do so. Additionally, do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience any side effects to ensure that they are taken care of as soon as possible.