For many men, there’s nothing more relaxing or satisfying than a long hot bath after a hard day of work. But this luxury might be out of the question if you’re taking Viagra. Although the popular drug boosts your libido, it also has some very serious side effects that might put a damper on your evening’s plans.
Why Is Viagra So Popular?
The drug Viagra has been around for more than a century, but its popularity has surged in recent years thanks to the explosion of sex-related marketing. Since the 1950s, manufacturers of Viagra and its equivalents have used various tactics to market the drug, including ads in popular magazines and websites, and partnerships with famous doctors.
One of the reasons behind the drug’s popularity is its effectiveness, which comes in the form of immediate results. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, participants taking Viagra were more sexually satisfied than those taking a placebo. And in another study presented at the American Society for Sexual Medicine, nearly 60% of men taking Viagra reported an increase in sexual desire. Many men have also reported improvements in erectile function with the use of Viagra, making the drug popular among those suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED).
What Are The Side Effects Of Viagra?
Just like any other drug, there are always risks involved when taking Viagra. Although the overall risk is relatively low, it’s still not something to be taken lightly. While most men will experience only positive effects from Viagra, some might develop serious side effects.
One of the most significant risks associated with Viagra is hypotension, or low blood pressure. In a survey of over 18,000 patients, about 8% developed hypotension after taking Viagra. The side effect was more common among patients taking the drug for the first time or in high dosages. But even if you’re among the 96% of users who haven’t had any side effects, you should still keep your eye out for signs of hypotension.
Other serious side effects that have been reported include:
- Blood vessels becoming narrower (vasoconstriction)
- Heart damage (irreversible heart damage)
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Liver damage (including failure)
- Psychiatric problems (including depression)
- Fractures
- Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
- Kidney damage (including failure)
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell anemia
- Orthostatic dizziness, or feeling faint when standing up (postural hypotension)
- Infections
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
There’s no fixed timeline for how long it takes for Viagra to work. Some men report feeling the effects right away, while others have to take the drug for several weeks before they start feeling the beneficial effects. A lot will depend on the individual response to the drug and the body’s tolerance to it.
Are There Any Over-the-Counter Alternatives To Viagra?
If you’re looking for an alternative to Viagra, you have a variety of OTC options to choose from. Although none of them are guaranteed to boost your sex drive or treat erectile dysfunction, they might still provide some benefits. Some men have reported improvements in sexual function with the use of alternative products.
The most popular alternative to Viagra is Cialis, which is also a PDE-5 inhibitor. Like Viagra, Cialis can increase blood flow to the penis and help improve erectile function. Another popular alternative is Levitra, which is another PDE-5 inhibitor. It’s been around since 2002 and is effective in treating erectile dysfunction and increasing sexual desire. Like Cialis and Viagra, it also allows for more intense eroticism and improved sexual satisfaction. But while the benefits of Cialis and Levitra are typically immediate, the effects of Viagra might not be felt for up to four hours after taking the drug.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Viagra that’s more natural, try silibinin. This compound is found in milk thistle, a plant native to Europe and North America. Although there haven’t been any clinical trials to prove its effectiveness, some men have reported improvements in sexual function and desire with the use of silibinin. Another good option is yohimbe. This plant-based compound has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine. In a double-blind study published in the journal Virology, yohimbe was shown to significantly increase the effectiveness of sildenafil in treating erectile dysfunction.
Should You Still Take Viagra If You’re Over 60?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t recommend that men over 60 should take Viagra. Although the risks are low, the drug’s effects can often be achieved through the use of alternative products or techniques. And for men who want to preserve the flexibility of older years, there are plenty of sex-related supplements that can help improve erectile function and increase libido. Like Viagra, these products might not be for everyone, but they’re a good choice for those who want to continue getting frisky as they grow older.
Overall, Viagra is a safe and effective drug when used as prescribed. But like any medication, there are still significant risks associated with it. The most significant risk is hypotension, which can raise your blood pressure sufficiently to cause damage. In rare instances, the side effects of Viagra have been fatal. In cases of severe hypotension, patients have even required hospitalization. If you decide to take Viagra, you should still have regular blood pressure checks and notify your doctor if the hypotension becomes too severe.