Many men have difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection sufficiently for sexual intercourse. Learn more about treating erectile dysfunction with generic viagra below.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It is a common problem among men, especially those who are 40 years old or older. The exact cause of ED is not always clear, but many factors likely contribute to the condition. ED can range from total erectile failure (complete inability to achieve an erection) to partial ED (e. g., being able to achieve an erection but not maintaining it).
ED can be classified as psychogenic (occurs due to emotional stress) or organic (occurs due to a medical condition).
Treating ED With Viagra
Sildenafil (also known as Viagra) is a popular drug to treat ED. It is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. In other words, it increases the effectiveness of the neurotransmitters (chemicals that travel between nerve cells) that cause a natural erection. Sildenafil is available in a number of different brands and forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. It is often prescribed as a treatment for ED and sometimes as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs).
How Does Sildenafil Work to Treat ED?
Sildenafil is an oral drug; therefore it must be taken regularly in order to be effective. A single dose will usually provide about 24 hours of improved erectile function. However, it is important to remember that optimal blood flow to the penis can only be achieved through consistent use of the medication. It can take a while for sildenafil to take effect and for some patients it may never completely heal ED. Taking sildenafil every other day can help to improve erectile function but it really depends on the individual case.
Can Sildenafil Be Used to Treat Other Conditions?
Apart from treating ED, sildenafil is also known to be useful in the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and heart failure. It is not known whether or not sildenafil is beneficial in the treatment of coronary artery disease or strokes but there is no evidence to suggest that it increases the risk of taking a heart attack or a stroke. However, patients with these conditions should not take sildenafil unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Sildenafil?
Although sildenafil is relatively safe when used as directed, there are still side effects that men need to be aware of. These include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Some of these side effects are more common than others but they should all be taken seriously. More severe side effects include heart problems (especially when used in combination with other drugs such as nitrates), priapism (an erection that persists for more than 4 hours), and sensitivity to light.
Is It Possible to Overdose On Sildenafil?
It is not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of sildenafil because of the increased risk of side effects that come with repeated use. Individuals who overdose on sildenafil are usually very sick with underlying medical problems and unfortunately, the side effects of the drug usually do not go away with the exception of the primary problem that sildenafil was prescribed for in the first place.
Is There Anything Else To Know About Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a very popular drug and a lot is known about its use and side effects in comparison to other PDE inhibitors such as tadalafil. Sildenafil has a much longer half-life than tadalafil and it provides more potent blood pressure lowering effects. As such, it is often the drug of choice when treating ED. Patients who are already on blood pressure medication and take heart medications must take special caution when taking sildenafil as there is a chance of overdosing and serious interactions between the two medications. Physicians need to be aware of this potential for interaction and adverse effects. Patients with underlying heart disease or those who are at risk of sudden cardiac death should not take sildenafil unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor.
Treating ED With Tadalafil
Tadalafil is another effective phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is often prescribed for ED. It is a drug that is structurally similar to sildenafil and vardenafil. Like sildenafil, tadalafil is also known to be useful in treating various other conditions. In particular, it is considered effective in the treatment of asthma, COPD, and BPH. It is not known whether or not tadalafil is useful in treating heart disease or strokes but there is no evidence that it increases the risk of these problems. Much like sildenafil, tadalafil is usually taken orally and works in a similar way to increase blood flow to the penis and cure ED. The main difference is that tadalafil is reported to take effect more quickly than sildenafil.
How Does Tadalafil Work to Treat ED?
Tadalafil is a more potent drug than sildenafil and vardenafil and it has a longer half-life. This means that it provides more sustained blood flow to the penis and remains present in the body for a longer period of time. Like sildenafil and vardenafil, tadalafil is a PDE inhibitor and it works by increasing the effect of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO is a natural chemical that gives men the ability to have erections. By increasing the effect of NO in the body, tadalafil helps to improve erectile function.
Can Tadalafil Be Used to Treat Other Conditions?
Apart from treating ED, tadalafil is also known to be useful in the treatment of asthma, COPD, and BPH. It is not known whether or not tadalafil is beneficial in the treatment of coronary artery disease or strokes but there is no evidence that it increases the risk of these problems. Much like sildenafil and vardenafil, tadalafil is usually taken orally and works in a similar way to increase blood flow to the penis and cure ED. The main difference is that tadalafil is reported to take effect more quickly than sildenafil and vardenafil.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Tadalafil?
As mentioned above, tadalafil is not recommended to be taken more than the prescribed dose because of the increased risk of side effects that come with repeated use. These include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Some of these side effects are more common than others but they should all be taken seriously. More severe side effects include heart problems (especially when used in combination with other drugs such as nitrates), priapism (an erection that persists for more than 4 hours), and sensitivity to light.
Is It Possible to Overdose On Tadalafil?
It is possible to overdose on tadalafil but in most cases this will be due to inappropriate use or careless administering of the drug. The side effects associated with an overdose will usually be similar to those of sildenafil but they will be more severe. Patients who take tadalafil for an extended period of time are usually very sick with underlying medical problems and unfortunately, the side effects of the drug usually do not go away with the exception of the primary problem that tadalafil was prescribed for in the first place.