So you’ve been tasked with writing an article for your newspaper. Perhaps they’ve even asked you to write something on trending topics or the latest news stories. Whatever the case may be, you’ve got an assignment, and you want to do your best to impress your editor.
The most logical place to start your research would be the web, reviewing the latest studies and talking to people who’ve used the medication (known clinically as sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra). But did you know there’s also a world of misinformation about Viagra on the web?
If you’re looking for reliable information, check out these reputable resources:
- The National Institute for Health Care Management (NICM) – Healthcare Management
- Urology Care UK – Urology Information
- Urology Boutique – Urological Products and Procedures
- Urology Today – Current Events and Research
- Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand – Practice Guidelines, Reviews, and Videos
- Canadian Urological Association – Clinical Practice Guidelines
Even more confusing is the lack of consensus among experts about the proper use of Viagra in the first place. It’s prescribed frequently, and for good reason, but a lot of the time, it’s being used inappropriately. According to the experts at the National Institute for Health Care Management (NICM), as much as 30% of all prescriptions written for Viagra are unlikely to provide any benefit to the patient at all.
“While the use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction is well accepted, there is still a lack of clarity about who should and should not be using this medication.”
(NICM is a leading think tank in healthcare, providing impartial information to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers who need it to help treat their patients. The institute is committed to advancing best practice in healthcare, particularly as it relates to management and governance, pharmacy and therapeutics, and healthcare finance. It publishes the Healthcare Management Journal and hosts events throughout the year, including an annual symposium and an annual audit of hospital pharmacies.)
What Is Pre-Ejaculation?
For those of you who are curious about pre-ejaculation, also known as pre-cum or pre-cumming, it’s the seminal fluid that builds up in the penis before an orgasm.
Often, this fluid is just a harmless precursor to an ejaculatory orgasm, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. In fact, if you experience pre-ejaculation frequently, it might be a sign that you have a problem. You can ask your doctor about getting tested for any STIs, as pre-ejaculation is typically associated with risky behavior. Plus, if it’s a problem, there’s usually a reason it’s happening and not just a coincidence. It can also be a sign that you are using medication that interacts with your nervous system and potentially causes you to have more frequent or intense orgasms. In some cases, it’s an indication that you have a sexual dysfunction and should be evaluated by a sex therapist or urologist.
Is There Anything I Should Avoid While Taking Viagra?
According to the experts at the National Institute for Health Care Management (NICM), there are several things you should avoid while taking Viagra.
- Do not take Viagra if you’ve eaten a heavy meal or eaten heavily before going for a meal. This is because certain foods affect how your body processes medications, and you might experience an adverse effect from the drug. Examples of such foods are spicy foods, certain tomatoes, and grapes. So if you’re taking a substance that interacts with food, it’s best to take it at least 2 hours before eating or drinking. Otherwise, you might end up with an interaction between the two. Taking it with food can also irritate your stomach, causing indigestion.
- Do not take Viagra with alcohol. Doing so can cause a dangerous or at least unpleasant interaction between the two. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to avoid drinking altogether if you’re taking Viagra. It just means that you should do so before going for a meal or afterward. Doing so can also help prevent alcohol-related problems, such as liver damage and hangovers.
- Do not take Viagra if you’re already taking another medication for erectile dysfunction or if you’re taking an herbal treatment for the same purpose. The case is the same with dietary supplements, as they can interfere with the action of medications in unpredictable ways. For instance, ginger has been known to interact with sildenafil citrate and destroy its therapeutic effect entirely. So if you’re taking a medication or planning to try an herbal treatment, you should notify your doctor beforehand.
- Do not take Viagra if you’re currently being treated for a psychiatric illness. If you’re depressed or have a phobia, you’ll likely experience an adverse effect from the medication. In some cases, the symptoms of a panic attack or a severe anxiety attack have even been known to be alleviated by Viagra. However, if you do experience adverse effects from the medication, don’t hesitate to notify your doctor so that they can discontinue your use of it and find a different treatment for you. Often, the cause of these complications can be traced back to preexisting medical conditions or recent use of certain medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
- Do not take Viagra if you have heart disease or hypertension. These are among the most serious potential side effects of the drug, as it can damage your heart in severe cases. People with these conditions are usually advised to avoid taking the medication altogether. In some cases, the condition can be quite severe, and in such cases, it’s best to seek medical help as soon as possible. Often, the damage to the heart can be quite irreversible, and in some cases, it’s even fatal. So if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, you’re better off avoiding Viagra altogether. On the other hand, if you experience these issues rarely, it might be okay to try the medication, but you should be monitoring your condition closely and seeking medical help if it gets worse. Additionally, many of these conditions are also risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. So if you have one of these conditions, you should be extra careful when taking any medication, including Viagra.
- Do not take Viagra if you have a history of severe stomach problems or bleeding disorders. The same goes for kidney problems, as it can potentially damage your kidneys in severe cases. People with these conditions are usually advised to avoid taking the medication altogether, as it’s not meant for long-term use and can be quite toxic in large doses.
- Do not take Viagra if you’re planning to have surgery, as it can make you more susceptible to infection. The same goes for dental work or other types of invasive medical procedures. The medication is not recommended in these cases, as it can inhibit the body’s natural healing processes. Plus, if you do experience an adverse effect from the medication, you can’t be sure if it’s going to disappear after the surgery or procedure. In these cases, it’s best to avoid taking the medication altogether. However, if you do experience any side effects from the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about them. They might be able to advise you on whether or not you should continue taking it.
- Last but not least, do not take Viagra if you’re a woman or if you’re planning to become pregnant. The risk of serious injury, such as fetal deformities and miscarriage, is too great. Even in cases where the pregnancy is not intentional, it’s still not recommended that you take the medication while you’re pregnant. Plus, there’s the risk of birth defects if you take it while you’re in the process of giving birth. This is why it’s best to keep away from Viagra until you’re no longer pregnant.
These are just a few of the things you should avoid while on Viagra. To be extra careful, you might want to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication. They can help you determine if you’re at risk of experiencing any adverse effects and help you find the right treatment for you.