Viagra (Sildenafil) is the world’s #1 selling drug, and it continues to be a blockbuster over 20 years later. The pill has been shown to help with a variety of ailments, from treating pulmonary hypertension to enhancing athletic performance. While it’s been around for more than a century, recent research is shedding new light on how Viagra works and how it may be able to help with some medical conditions. Let’s take a quick look at what we know and don’t know about Viagra and erectile dysfunction (ED).
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is a medication that helps to relax the muscles in the blood vessels of the penis, allowing for increased blood flow into the organ and resulting in an erection. The drug was first approved for use in the United Kingdom in 1993 and in the United States in 1998. Since then, it’s become one of the most popular and well-known medications in the world. Viagra is also available as a generic alternative for less expensive treatment.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Although Viagra acts quickly, it still takes a few minutes to start working and to produce the maximum effect. The drug is also more effective when taken in conjunction with food or certain medications, so make sure you take it at a time when your body is at its most prepared and hungry for performance.
Does Viagra Have Any Side Effects?
The most common side effect of Viagra is headache, which can be severe in some cases. Other side effects include backache, upset stomach, flushing, and nosebleeds. While most of these symptoms are mild to moderate in nature, they can be concerning if they’re a new or recurrent side effect for you. Remember that food or drink should be avoided if you experience any sort of side effect while taking Viagra since this could potentially interfere with the drug’s efficacy. In addition, some medications, such as MAO inhibitors and antihistamines, interact with Viagra, so make sure you tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these medications before you begin treatment with the drug.
Can I Take Other Medications With Viagra?
Certain medications, such as alpha-blockers and antidepressants, can interact negatively with Viagra. Therefore, you should not take these medications while you’re taking the drug. Additionally, some medications, such as warfarin and terfenadine, can affect the effectiveness of the drug by delaying its clearance from the blood. In these cases, it would be wise to speak to your doctor about altering the medication regime before starting treatment with Viagra.
Taking certain medications or supplements with Viagra can also interfere with its effectiveness. For instance, taking nitrates or eating food containing high levels of nitrates (such as green peppers) can cause hypertension (high blood pressure). If you already have hypertension, taking nitrates may increase your risk of having a serious medical condition called angina pectoris. Similarly, taking vitamin C during therapy with Viagra can cause a dangerous increase in the drug’s dose, so make sure you consult with your doctor before doing so.
Is There Any Age Limit For The Use Of Viagra?
While Viagra is generally considered safe for use in any age group, the drug is less effective in individuals older than 75 years of age. In fact, the medication may even aggravate existing erectile dysfunction in older men. As a result, it’s generally not recommended for use in individuals older than 75 years of age.
Is There Any Effective Alternative Treatment For Viagra?
Although many men are extremely grateful for the role that Viagra plays in their lives, there are various alternative treatments that can be used instead of the drug. One of the most popular methods involves the use of a penis pump to increase blood flow into the organ and cause an erection. Often, this involves an initial consultation with a physician so that the right size and type of pump can be determined for the individual. In some cases, an intra-urethral (balloon) device may be considered as an acceptable alternative to Viagra, especially if it’s been shown to improve symptoms in some men with ED. In either case, avoid using pumps and other similar devices if you’re not experienced with them since there’s a risk of bruising or damage to the penis.
Just remember that while there are alternatives to Viagra for treating erection problems, it still remains the gold standard for the treatment of ED. And don’t be afraid to try it if your doctor prescribes it for you. Like any other new medication or treatment protocol, there may be some side effects associated with using Viagra for ED. But, as with any new medication or treatment, these can be easily dealt with or explained away.