It’s no secret that sex-related problems are on the rise, especially as we get older. Many people are struggling with ED, or erectile dysfunction—the inability to get or keep an erection sufficiently high enough for satisfactory sexual performance. If you’re living with ED, it’s important to find what works best for you and your partner to remain satisfied and enjoy intimate moments together.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is the treatment of choice for ED. It’s been shown to boost the ability to get an erection, increase the duration of an erection, and improve the ability of an erection to remain firm while under stress. In 2016 alone, the sales of Viagra exceed $13 billion worldwide, and the World Health Organization has classified it as a ‘pre-exposure prophylaxis’—or PrEP—medication for HIV/AIDS prevention.
While there’s no denying the effectiveness of Viagra in treating or preventing ED, it’s important to remember that the drug can have some uncomfortable effects. It’s not uncommon for men taking Viagra to experience headaches, skin rashes, or other side effects. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible so that harmful effects can be prevented or treated. Some men have even complained of heart failure after taking Viagra.
Once-in-a-While Or More Frequent Use?
The main difference between those who use Viagra once in a while and those who use it more frequently is how long it takes to work and how soon you need to take another dose. Those who use the medication once or twice a month may need to try for several months before experiencing a noticeable improvement in their sex life. However, patients who use it more frequently may need to make repeated visits to get the same effect. It’s also worth noting that some men have had better results when using a lower dose, so if you’re new to the medication you may want to start out with a lower dose to determine how effective it is for you.
How Does Viagra Work?
Just what is seratonin, and how does it affect our bodies? Seratonin is an indoleamine that’s naturally produced by the brain. It’s been found to play a major role in the body’s circadian rhythms—that is, the body’s internal clock. In other words, seratonin helps your body to regulate sleep cycles and wakefulness, among other things.
For those who use Viagra, the drug binds to specific seratonin receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This action ultimately causes blood vessels in the penis to dilate, increasing blood flow into the penile tissue and resulting in an erection. The binding of Viagra to these specific receptors also inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)—which breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) into guanosine monophosphate (GMP). cGMP is a common substrate for both nitric oxide (NO) and its related compound, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which are also enzymes. Nitric oxide is a naturally-occurring substance that functions as a neurotransmitter and has been implicated in a variety of bodily processes, from helping the body regulate blood pressure to promoting relaxation and feelings of wellbeing.
The result of Viagra’s action on nitric oxide is twofold. First, it helps to increase blood flow to the penis and second, it inhibits the breakdown of cGMP, resulting in an increased rate of synthesis. Essentially, Viagra helps to keep the penis erect for an extended period of time.
Who Should Avoid Using Viagra?
Men who should avoid using Viagra are those who are already taking nitrates or nitrites—which are compounds similar to nitric oxide—or drugs that operate via similar mechanisms (e.g., amyl nitrates, butyl nitrates, etc.). Taking these medications alongside Viagra can cause severe—even fatal—liver toxicity, as well as other adverse effects. In cases of extreme toxicity, death has been reported. It’s also worth noting that some men have experienced headaches, flushing, and lethargy after using Viagra with other medications.
In addition to those already taking these medications, those who shouldn’t use Viagra are also men with hepatic disease, a history of hepatic disease, or those who are overweight. While the risk of liver toxicity is present, it’s currently unknown whether or not Viagra interacts with other medications in a harmful way. However, it’s always best to be safe than sorry, especially when taking medications that affect the liver—which we all do, eventually.
Are There Other Treatments For ED?
If you and your partner are unable to resolve your sexual issues via therapy or medications, there are alternatives. One of the most popular treatments is vacuum erection devices (VEDs). These are medical devices that are attached to the penis with a vacuum that draws blood into the organ. The vacuum is then locked, and the rapid expansion of tissue within the penis results in an erection. While the results of VED therapy are quite effective, the treatment is quite invasive and often times uncomfortable. In some cases, patients have had to have the device surgically implanted in order to find relief. In other cases, patients have had to try multiple, sometimes uncomfortable treatments before experiencing relief from ED.
If you’re still reading, you might be wondering if there’s an answer to your question. As was the case with most questions when it comes to medicine in the 20th century, the answer is yes and no. No, there aren’t any known negative side effects from using Viagra, but yes, there are other options available that may work better for you. It depends on what’s causing your ED and what you’re comfortable with trying. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as ‘try different positions’. Sometimes, the answer is medical help. Sometimes, the answer is both. You need to try different things to see what works best for you and your partner.