A common side effect of Viagra is a painful, red eye that can make you feel like you’re back in high school. Some have also noticed a strange pattern in their sperm count after taking the drug. Does Viagra really kill sperm cells? We look at the facts and decide for you.
Red Eye From Taking Viagra
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. Sildenafil is known to inhibit an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5. When phosphodiesterase 5 is inhibited, it increases the amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the body. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate is a substance similar to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (a.k.a. cAMP). When cAMP increases, it can cause a relaxation of blood vessels throughout the body, resulting in a noticeable redness. In rare instances, patients have developed an allergy to Sildenafil and suffered severe damage to their eyesight. The good news is that this side effect is generally not severe and rarely leads to blindness.
Sperm Counts Aren’t Great After Taking Viagra
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 doesn’t just affect the redness of the eyes, it also has the ability to alter the production and function of sperm cells. Animal studies have shown that sildenafil can decrease the production of sperm cells. Even more worryingly, it has also been shown to make the sperm cells more reactive toward oxygen and less capable of surviving the incredibly harsh conditions of the female reproductive tract. To give you some perspective on how crucial it is for your sperm to be able to travel the full length of the female reproductive tract undisturbed, let’s take a quick journey through the female reproductive process.
The Fertile Cunt
The two primary goals of human reproduction are to have offspring and to keep the species going. After undergoing a brief period of abstinence, a woman’s body is flooded with hormones and nutrients that prepare it for childbirth. One of the key aspects of a woman’s reproductive strategy is to secure a good quality sperm supply. Sperm are produced in large quantities in a man’s testicles and are continuously being shipped to the egg retrieval stage. In the event that a man doesn’t produce enough quality sperm to fulfill his partner’s reproductive goals, they have the option of trying artificial insemination or finding a sperm donor. The reason why men need good quality sperm is because during fertilization, the head of the sperm fuses with the egg’s cell membrane and the tail (which is usually longer) dissolves into the core of the cell, where it functions as a vehicle for DNA transport.
The Crucial Role Of Sperm In Fertilization
The process of fertilization begins with the egg and sperm mixing in the female reproductive tract. After a man ejaculates into the vagina, the majority of his sperm die within a matter of minutes, leaving only the motile cells behind. This is called the sperm’s ‘use-by’ date. The motile sperm head for the egg to sweep away in its current quest for a home. However, if a man takes Viagra before engaging in sexual activity, the likelihood of his sperm being able to fertilize an egg is greatly decreased. The reason for this is that sildenafil decreases the sperm’s ability to swim and move around, prolonging their ‘use-by’ date. In some cases, this can lead to infertility and in others, it can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, especially in women with a history of heart disease.
Takeaway:
If you’re taking Viagra and experience any redness or dryness in your eyes, you should contact your doctor. He may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe you alternative medication. If your sperm count is already low and you’re worried about your reproductive health, you may want to consider artificial insemination or seeking a sperm donor. In either case, your doctor will be able to give you more information and help you make the right decision for your personal situation.