Viagra has been around for more than 30 years and has changed the face of medicine. First designed for men, it was a game-changer when it came to treating impotence. Since then, it has been repurposed for a variety of uses, from treating high blood pressure to helping men get an erection. Now, scientists are developing a similar drug for women. While details are still emerging, it seems that this new drug may be able to do for women what Viagra does for men. Let’s take a closer look.
Widely Available
As with any new drug, it is important to consider the barriers to access that the medication faces. Simply put, how easy is it to get your hands on this medication? In most cases, the answer is “very easy.”
First off, there is no generic form of the drug. It is a branded product that is widely available, and the manufacturer offers a generous patient assistance program. Moreover, researchers have been funded by the drug company to further study the effects of the medication. So, in short, it is very easy to get your hands on this medication.
Long-Lasting Erection
One of the primary uses for Viagra is to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection. If you happen to be taking the medication and you bedmates eventually tire of the blue pills, there are other options. Most men prefer to keep taking Viagra because it gives them better erections than they get from other drugs. Plus, it is a natural substance, so there aren’t any apparent side effects with prolonged use.
Unfortunately, Viagra’s effectiveness varies, so it is impossible to know how long it will really last. Some men have reported that the medication stops working after just a few years of use. Moreover, the side effects can be pretty severe. In rare cases, people have reported interactions with other medications that increased the risks of serious injury or death. Even if you are just taking the medication for erectile dysfunction, it is still a good idea to get blood tests to check for drug interaction and other contraindications. (More on contraindications in a bit.)
Smoking
Another thing you have to consider about Viagra is that there is strong evidence that it is more effective when taken in combination with smoking. To be more specific, there is strong evidence that suggests that men who smoke have lower blood levels of serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter. When they are given Viagra, the medication seems to do its job better. To be clear, this is not an assurance of safety for anyone who might smoke. However, it is an important factor to consider since most medications have some sort of interaction with alcohol. (More on this in a bit.)
The combination of Viagra and smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of liver damage. While there have not been any reported deaths associated with this particular combination, there are serious risks that you should be aware of. (More on this in a bit as well.) For now, just know that this combination may be harmful to your health, especially if you are over the age of 65.
Helpful in Other Ways
In the grand scheme of things, Viagra is a very helpful medication. It has changed the face of medicine and has made a profound difference in the lives of men everywhere. However, it is not only helpful for erectile dysfunction. In fact, there are several other uses for this medication that may be of interest to women as well.
One of the more obscure, yet potentially helpful uses for this medication is in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. If you have hyperhidrosis, it is extremely difficult to stay cool and calm. Your palms may become sweaty, and you may even find that your feet are cold. The good news is that Viagra may be able to help with this as well. Specifically, research has shown that this medication can help to reduce excessive sweating in people with the condition. While it does not cure the underlying cause of the hyperhidrosis, it can at least help to reduce the symptoms. If you are interested in trying this medication, be sure to consult with your physician since there are other complications that you should know about. (More on this in a bit as well.)
As you may imagine, Viagra has made quite the impression throughout American history. For decades, it was primarily prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction. However, in this day and age, it is becoming more commonplace for women to be prescribed the medication as well. It seems that as society continues to evolve and become more accepting of differences, especially in regards to gender, the drug’s use is increasing among women as well.