In the 1950s, doctors started prescribing Viagra to treat what was then called “organic impotence.” Since then, the drug, known generically as sildenafil citrate, has become tremendously popular — and for good reason. While it definitely doesn’t cure erectile dysfunction, it can help many men with the condition experience greater satisfaction in their sex life.
If you’re unfamiliar, Viagra is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. PDE inhibitors work by increasing the bloodflow to the penis and allowing increased amounts of blood to fill the chambers of the penis. That, in turn, results in an erectile response. Essentially, Viagra helps relax certain muscles in the penis so that it becomes more elastic and capable of producing a harder erection.
Here, we’ll discuss the science behind why Viagra works and how you can benefit from taking the drug.
Why Does Viagra Work?
As we mentioned, Viagra works by increasing bloodflow to the penis. In addition to the obvious physical benefits that increased bloodflow offers, there are several psychological benefits as well. In one study, participants reported that taking Viagra prior to a romantic date improved their self-confidence and helped them become more assertive in their approach to the opposite sex. It also improved their sexual performance and allowed them to climax more frequently.
However, you should consult with your doctor before taking Viagra if you’re experiencing heart problems or have liver disease. (The former is exacerbated by the latter, so it’s important to keep an eye on your overall health before taking the drug.)
How Does Viagra Work?
As mentioned, Viagra works by inhibiting the action of certain PDE enzymes. PDE enzymes break down certain molecules that help control the blood pressure in the body. Specifically, PDE5 is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a biochemical compound that’s responsible for controlling the relaxing of smooth muscles in the body. Inhibiting the action of PDE5 results in an accumulation of cGMP and, therefore, a heightened physiological response to nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a gas that provides numerous health benefits, the most prominent of which are cardiovascular benefits. In the cardiovascular system, nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow. It also relaxes certain muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which decreases blood vessel constriction and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. As a result of these and other cardiovascular benefits, nitric oxide has been referred to as “the happy hormone.”
What Are The Side Effects Of Viagra?
While the most common side effect of Viagra is an erection that persists for more than 4 hours (known as “super-ejaculation”), there are several other side effects as well. These include headache, flushing, facial flushing, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
The most serious side effect of Viagra is an erection that persists for more than 4 hours (super-ejaculation). If you experience this side effect, you should consult with your doctor. In these cases, there’s also a chance that the patient will develop an uncomfortable sensitivity to the light. In rare instances, this side effect can become permanent, resulting in a serious medical condition known as priapism. (For a more detailed explanation of this condition, check out our page on erectile dysfunction.)
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effects of Viagra typically last for around 2 hours before you need to take another dose. However, if you experience the side effect of super-ejaculation, the effects may last for several hours or even until the next day. This is mostly due to the fact that nitric oxide is a substance that’s quickly broken down in the body. If your body does not produce enough nitric oxide on its own, the effects of the drug will be diminished. Keep in mind that if you experience any side effects from taking Viagra, you should consult with your doctor.
Is There Anything Else That I Should Know About Viagra?
Yes, there’s a lot more that you need to know about Viagra. For instance, if you’re taking the drug and experience any side effects, you should let your doctor know. This way, he can adjust your medication as needed. In addition, if you’re planning on taking Viagra with a partner who’s also taking medication, your doctor may want to consult with her pharmacist to discuss possible drug interactions.
When To Take Viagra?
Since nitric oxide is quickly broken down in the body, you should take Viagra several hours before you plan to have sex. However, if you experience the side effect of priapism, an abnormally prolonged erection that’s more than 4 hours in duration, you should consult with your doctor. In these cases, it’s important to take the drug as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.
In terms of timing, you should also allow enough time for the drug to produce its maximum physical and psychological effects. In one study, researchers asked men to take Viagra 20 minutes before planned sexual activity and found that the drug worked best when taken at this time.
In some cases, a man may experience a “slight delay” in the onset of action of Viagra. This means that the drug won’t manifest all of its physical effects right away. Instead, it’ll take some time for the body to produce and accumulate the necessary amounts of nitric oxide. If you do happen to experience a delay, it’s usually within the first hour after you take the drug. In this case, it’s advisable to wait a few minutes before having sex. If you take the drug more than once within the same day, you may experience some additional delays in the onset of action. These are mostly due to the fact that nitric oxide is rapidly broken down in the body and, therefore, more is needed to produce the same effects.
Overall, Viagra is a safe and effective drug. However, just as with any medication, there are risks associated with taking it. For instance, if you’re taking the drug for heart disease and have a history of heart attacks, there’s a chance that you may suffer a heart attack or stroke due to the increased bloodflow to the penis that the drug produces. In these cases, it’s usually best to consult with your doctor before taking the medication. If you’re not sure whether or not you should take the drug, then the safest option is to stay away.