A lot has changed in the last year. While we still have a long way to go before reaching gender equality, we are now seeing more and more changes for the better.
One such development is in the area of sexual health. Thanks to the discovery of Viagra, many men are now experiencing sexual enhancement, which in turn has opened the doors to further sexual health developments and alternatives for women as well.
Viagra for women is now available, and with it comes a new era of sexual freedom and adventure.
However, before we begin celebrating, it is important to note that Viagra is a prescription drug and as such, should be used responsibly. In addition, the drug was originally developed for use in men only, and despite its positive effects in increasing sexual desire and improving erectile function, it may not be the best solution for everyone. We will discuss some of these risks and benefits in more detail below.
How Does Viagra Work In Exchanging Semen For Oxygen?
In most cases, men with erectile dysfunction suffer from insufficient blood flow to the penis, which results in the inability to attain or maintain an erection for the purpose of sexual activity. The good news is that Viagra is directly responsible for altering this process and enabling men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction to achieve and maintain an erection. How exactly does Viagra work, though, to enable this change in physiology?
As stated by its manufacturers, Viagra is a medication that “aggressively improves the blood flow to the penis” and “works by increasing nitric oxide production in the corpus cavernosum [the chambers where veins and arteries are contained] of the penis.”
More specifically, Viagra is a parenteral drug that is administered directly into the blood stream. This, in turn, allows the compound to quickly reach all of the tissues in the body, including those in the penis. Once there, it enhances the effectiveness of various hormones, such as testosterone and progesterone, which are vital for male sexual function. In other words, Viagra works by increasing the body’s natural production of hormones, such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which in turn increase the flow of blood to the penis and, ultimately, result in an erection.
What Are The Clinical Therapeutic Indications For Viagra?
In a 2017 press release, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated Viagra as approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, noting that it “is indicated to improve erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction.” In addition to this, the agency approved Viagra for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of vasopressin-releasable hypertension. It is also approved to treat acute pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is temporary and potentially reversible. Last but not least, the agency approved the drug for the treatment of premature ejaculation.
While these are all important clinical indicators, it is important to keep in mind that as a medication, Viagra is far from perfect. It is not without side effects, and it may not be suitable for everyone. That being said, for those who are able to utilize it, it can be a life-changing drug and a great alternative to other treatments.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Viagra?
Like any other medication, there are potential side effects associated with Viagra. According to the FDA, these side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, indigestion, sexual dysfunction and priapism. However, in general these side effects are mild and transient. Furthermore, the benefits of Viagra far outweigh the risks in most cases. Nevertheless, as with any new medication, it is important to be aware of and take precautions against the possible side effects. Some tips from the FDA include:
- Always take the recommended dose
- Make sure your doctor understands how you are using the medication
- Never take prescription drugs without discussing it first with your doctor
- Never give your doctor a drug that you have not tried before
- Check the ingredients of any foods you consume, as some supplements may contain prescription drugs
- If you experience any adverse effects, contact your doctor immediately
Is It Suitable For Everyone?
The short answer is no. Like all other medications, Viagra is not without its limitations. Specifically, the FDA indicates that people with severe kidney disease, liver disease, or who are taking blood pressure medication should not take Viagra. They should instead seek alternative treatments. In addition, because Viagra is a parenteral drug, people who are highly allergic to peanuts, latex or other types of allergies should also avoid it.
Furthermore, people who have taken nitrates within the last 15 minutes should not take Viagra either, as this could lead to a serious complication known as angina. If you experience any of these adverse effects or if you are not sure whether or not the medication is suitable for you, then it is best to consult your physician.
Is It A Safe Alternative To Other Treatments?
The short answer is yes. Like other medications, there are certain groups of patients for whom Viagra is a safer alternative to other treatments. Specifically, for men who take nitrates (such as isosorbide mononitrate or isometric dinitrate), they should avoid using Viagra. Why is this the case? Because while Viagra may be able to increase blood flow to the penis and in some cases, even produce an erection, it cannot resolve the underlying cause of the disorder. As a result, the erection typically goes away once the medication is stopped. This is why, in most cases, it is not considered a long-term treatment.
On the other hand, for men who have hypertension, it may be a suitable alternative or supplement to other treatments. Specifically, because of its ability to improve blood flow to the penis, Viagra may be able to help men who have hypertension and experience erectile dysfunction. In these cases, it may be able to improve their sexual function and in some cases, even enable them to attain an erection. In short, for certain men with hypertension and erectile dysfunction, Viagra may be the answer to their prayers.
Why Are More And More Men Choosing To Take Viagra?
Thanks to the proliferation of information online and the rise of social media, finding answers to questions about sex and sexuality has never been easier. More and more men are discovering the benefits of Viagra, and for good reason. First off, Viagra is quite affordable, which makes it more accessible to a large number of men. More importantly, the internet has made it possible to discover a wide range of information on virtually any subject. As a result, men who may have been embarrassed or hesitant to discuss their sexual health may now have the confidence to do so. Furthermore, there are many different types of erectile dysfunction, and Viagra may be able to help with some, but not others. This undoubtedly makes it more useful and less frustrating than many other medications.
The Rise Of “Sexually Active” Ageing
For many men, age is just a number. Once you reach a certain age (typically around 50), you are expected to start “perking” along with your libido. Sadly, for many, this is simply not the case. Thanks to technology and the proliferation of the internet, many men are now doing things they have never done before in their lives. Thanks to Viagra, which enables them to attain and maintain an erection, many men are now experiencing and embracing a new era of “sexually active” ageing. This is a good thing!
It is important to remember, though, that while Viagra may enable men to have more sex and feel better about it, this does not mean that every sexual encounter will be beautiful or amazing. As with any other type of medication, there are risks associated with taking Viagra, which men need to be aware of.
How Can You Tell If Viagra Is Working For You?
If you are experiencing any changes as a result of taking Viagra, then this drug is definitely working. However, much like any other medication, the effects will take time to be fully felt. In most cases, this will mean that you need to try and continue trying various medications until you find one that works best for you. In other words, just because you are experiencing changes does not mean that they will happen overnight. Always be sure to discuss your results with your doctor so that he can determine whether or not this is a good thing.