The stigma that surrounds erectile dysfunction (ED) has been slowly diminishing, as more and more men are speaking up and seeking help. According to the American Society of Andrology, one in four men between the ages of 40 and 69 will be affected by ED. That’s a lot of people.
In the past, men with ED were often considered to be weak or inadequate, but today, understanding and acknowledging your sexual potency is more acceptable.
Often, the condition follows a clear and identifiable cause, such as diabetes or heart disease; however, for others, the problem seems to come out of nowhere, which makes it even more frustrating. Regardless of the origin of the problem, once a man is diagnosed with ED, it’s time for medication. Since 1999, when sildenafil was first approved by the FDA as a treatment for ED, there have been numerous studies that have proven its effectiveness in helping men with ED achieve and maintain an erection that is adequate for sexual activity. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, among other medications, and its ability to enhance erectile function makes it a popular choice for men with ED. It’s not a cure by any means, but it does help in the quest for a satisfactory erection.
How Does Sildenafil Work?
In healthy individuals, the endothelium, which is a layer of tissue that lines the inside of blood vessels, produces nitric oxide (NO) when stimulated. Nitric oxide is a chemical compound that serves as a signal to the nervous system and the muscles that blood is available for circulation. When blood vessels are relaxed and dilated, enabling easy blood flow, the endothelium produces more nitric oxide. The opposite occurs in cases of cardiovascular disease, where the endothelium has become weakened and damaged due to lack of oxygen.
When blood vessels are contracted and blood flow is restricted, as in cases of ED, the endothelium does not produce as much nitric oxide. This leads to insufficient relaxation of the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, resulting in fewer and smaller inflow of blood. Sildenafil, by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing nitric oxide production, enables more blood to flow in and out of the affected area, thus increasing the size and scope of the erection, as much as needed for sexual activity. In this way, sildenafil is able to improve erectile function and allow men who suffer from ED to live life as they please, safely and comfortably. This medication is a viable option for anyone who wants to avoid frequent painful erections or, in cases of cancer, wants to maintain erections until the end.
Is Sildenafil Safe?
Sildenafil is usually well-tolerated, with the primary side effects being headaches, upset stomach and facial flushing. These are all mild and of short duration. In fact, in many cases, men experience these effects as complementary to the medication’s effects and thus do not see them as negative side effects at all. There have also been rare reports of people having a reaction to sildenafil that is more severe, including a few cases of men who have died due to an enlarged heart caused by the drug. However, since the medication was FDA approved in 1999, there has not been a single reported death caused by sildenafil. Given its relatively benign side effects and demonstrated effectiveness, it’s not hard to see why so many men with ED choose to try sildenafil.
The key to ensuring that sildenafil is administered safely is in following the manufacturer’s instructions and ensuring that the right dose is used. This medication should not be used by anyone who is allergic to it or any of its components. It should also not be used by anyone who has a history of heart disease, as sildenafil can cause the vessels in the walls of the heart to become dilated and enlarged, leading to heart attacks and strokes. It is extremely important, too, that men with ED who are taking this medication inform their doctor of any changes in their health, including if they experience any effects while on sildenafil. In some cases, men have found that their heart rates increase while on sildenafil, so their cardiologists may want to adjust their medication or dose. Finally, individuals who are taking sildenafil should be mindful of how much alcohol they consume, as alcohol has been known to interact with sildenafil, potentially causing adverse effects. So, if you are considering this medication, make sure you’re not also drinking alcohol, as this could complicate matters.
How Effective Is Sildenafil For ED?
Studies have shown that sildenafil is extremely effective in treating ED, with some finding it to be as effective as, or even more effective than, the commonly prescribed drug, Viagra. In some cases, men who are taking sildenafil have found it to be more effective than Viagra for treatment of ED, even in cases where the men have previously had satisfactory erections. Sildenafil has also been proven to be more effective than Viagra in cases of mild to moderate ED. In more severe cases of erectile dysfunction, additional medications, such as yohimbine and avanafil, may be required to fully achieve and maintain an erection that is adequate for sexual activity. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all men will be able to benefit from sildenafil, as it can take time for this medication to work effectively.
There have been a number of studies that have proven the safety and effectiveness of sildenafil for treating ED. These studies, which have been performed across North America and Europe, have shown that sildenafil is a safe and viable option for any man who wants to avoid painful erections or, in cases of cancer, wants to maintain erections until the end.
Sildenafil is available at a fraction of the cost of other erectile dysfunction medications, and for some men, it may even be the only option for treatment. Due to its ability to enhance erectile function, relieve pain and increase the frequency of erections, many men with ED have found sildenafil to be a worthwhile medication for improving their quality of life.
Even if you don’t think that you have ED, it’s never to early to start considering treatment. Many men experience brief, frustrating erections that affect their self-confidence, which may then lead to other problems, such as depression and low self-esteem. By getting treatment for ED when you are first experiencing problems, you have the chance to regain control of your life, your health and your erections.