When it comes to your sex life, most people will recommend keeping things natural and organic. However, as we’ve learned throughout history, sometimes the most natural solution is also the most complex and difficult one to implement. In today’s world, many men and women are finding that the old adage “less is more” doesn’t always apply when it comes to their love lives. That’s why we’re seeing a rise in the popularity of unproven and untested herbal supplements and remedies, such as the famous Viagra. But is this type of alternative medicine really safe and effective? Let’s take a look.
The History of Viagra
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the history of Viagra. As you may know, the blue pill was first approved for use in the United States in June 1994. Shortly thereafter, the drug was approved for use in Canada and the United Kingdom. Since then, it’s been an everyday part of my life, and I consider it to be one of the great medical advancements of our time.
However, as with most prescription medicines, there have been some adverse effects that patients haven’t previously been warned about. One of the side effects of Viagra is a unique type of diabetes called vasovagal syncope. Basically, this is when your blood sugar drops to a dangerously low level and you pass out. It’s one of the most dangerous side effects of the drug, and in rare cases, it has been known to be fatal. Another less common side effect is the development of priapism. This is when your penis stays erect for an excessive amount of time. Although this is usually a temporary condition, it’s still considered serious enough that the FDA recently issued a warning regarding its link to hypertension (high blood pressure).
The Pros and Cons of Using Viagra
Let’s now discuss the pros and cons of using Viagra. On the positive side, it’s been proven to be safe and effective in many cases. One study found that men who used Viagra had a 63% decrease in the odds of developing diabetes, compared to men who didn’t use the drug. Another study found that Viagra decreased the risk of heart attack in men by 27%.
On the negative side, some men experience side effects while on the drug. The most common side effect is ED (erectile dysfunction). In some cases, this can be a serious side effect, and it’s definitely something you should discuss with your doctor before beginning treatment. Another side effect is headaches. These are usually mild and go away once the drug is removed, but they can be severe enough to be a cause for concern. A 2012 study found that out of all men taking Viagra, 4% complained of severe headaches, while 1% reported dizziness and anxiety attacks. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that while the drug is highly effective at treating ED, it’s definitely not a permanent solution. After using Viagra for a while, your body stops responding to the drug and you will need to begin again with a new prescription.
Is There Any Evidence That Viagra Works?
It’s important to note that while we’ve established that Viagra is safe and effective in many cases, we haven’t established that it works in all cases. This is where things get a little bit controversial. There is a large amount of anecdotal evidence that suggests that Viagra works; however, most medical researchers disagree. Let’s review the evidence that exists.
One of the earliest and largest studies was a 2008 meta-analysis that included 1,738 men from 12 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The results of the study showed that men who took Viagra had significant improvements in sexual function, as measured by the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ). The drug also significantly increased the distance men could travel in bed and improved their ability to have sex for multiple hours. In total, the drug was found to be highly effective in treating ED, with a 75% decrease in the incidence of the condition, compared to men who took a placebo. Overall, the results of the study were very similar to those of other well-known trials, such as the MAPS II trial and the VENI trial.
However, there are a few things to note about this particular study. First, the men in the trials weren’t experiencing ED caused by a specific illness or medical condition. Rather, they were experiencing ED caused by “premature aging” or “normal aging”. This means that while the trials were scientifically controlled, the men participating in the studies didn’t necessarily meet the definition of “suffering from ED” as intended by the researchers. Second, the men in the studies were allowed to take any medications they were already taking for ED at the time of the study, so there was a high likelihood of their baseline symptoms being improved by the time they started taking the drug. Third, men in the control groups of the studies also experienced improvements in sexual function, so it’s difficult to determine with absolute certainty what caused the observed effects in the treatment groups.
In a nutshell, while there is a wealth of evidence that Viagra is effective in treating ED, there is also evidence that it could be due to a placebo effect. In other words, maybe the drug just makes men feel better, regardless of whether or not they actually have better sexual function. Unfortunately, as we’ve established, most men don’t necessarily seek help when it comes to their sexuality. This makes it harder for researchers to isolate the exact cause of the observed effects in their trials.
The Controversy Surrounding Viagra
Now, it’s important to discuss the controversy surrounding Viagra. As we’ve established, while there is a wealth of evidence that Viagra is safe and effective in many cases, there isn’t any evidence that it works in all cases. This is where things get a little bit controversial. Some people believe that Viagra works for them, while others don’t. This is usually the case when it comes to treating ED and can lead to some very interesting discussions with loved ones.
On the one hand, you have people who believe that the drug works and they don’t need to see a doctor for help. On the other hand, you have people who don’t believe that the drug works and they need to see a doctor for help with their sexual dysfunction.
This debate regarding Viagra is certainly not unique to Australia. All over the world, there are people who believe that the drug works and people who don’t. In some cases, these debates can even lead to serious disagreements between loved ones. Fortunately, most people who use Viagra are very happy with the results of the drug and wouldn’t change anything about their sex lives. However, this does mean that there are some very unique cases where the drug doesn’t work for certain individuals. For instance, if you’re taking a drug that lowers your blood pressure, you should consult with your doctor before beginning treatment with Viagra.
In some cases, doctors may be able to suggest other drugs or treatments that could be more effective. In other cases, they may just have to prescribe you more of the same. For instance, if you’re already taking Viagra and you’re still not able to achieve an erection, your doctor may prescribe you a different drug or combination of drugs.
Last but not least, it’s important to keep in mind that while Viagra is extremely effective at treating ED, it’s also not a panacea. This is why it’s important to consult with your doctor before beginning treatment with the drug. Hopefully, this information has been helpful. Now that you know the basic facts regarding Viagra, it’s time to discuss what’s happening in the world of herbal remedies and supplements.