The blue pill is more popular than ever before. According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 15.6 million Americans reported taking the drug in 2017 alone. That’s more than any other drug, including methadone and Oxycodone. The sky is the limit for the potential uses of Viagra. You may have heard of Viagra’s legendary ability to increase a man’s libido, or its ability to treat erectile dysfunction. But did you know that there are actually a number of medical uses for Viagra? Let’s explore together.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either a man or a woman. If not, why are you wasting my precious time? Erectile dysfunction is the medical term for the condition where a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It’s common knowledge that Viagra is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. Do you have erectile dysfunction? Does your partner have it? Is your mother concerned about it? Do you find yourself frequently frustrated when attempting to have sex? If so, you should probably speak with your doctor about trying a different medication. However, if you don’t want to try any sort of medication, there are still options available to you. You can also learn a lot from reading about other people’s experiences. Let’s take a look at some of the more common causes of erectile dysfunction and how to treat them.
Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction:
There are a number of different causes for erectile dysfunction, ranging from health conditions to issues with the nerves. However, the two most common causes are psychological and physical. The most common psychological cause of erectile dysfunction is a decreased testosterone level. Testosterone is a hormone that promotes arousal and growth of the male sex organ. Many men with erectile dysfunction also have low levels of sexual desire, which is commonly referred to as hypoandrogenism. There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause a decrease in testosterone production, including pituitary gland disorders, thyroid disorders, and liver diseases. If you think that you may have an underlying medical condition that is causing your erectile dysfunction, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor so that they can diagnose you correctly and help you to find a treatment that will get you back on track. In some cases, your doctor may want you to try a different medication or treatment plan than the one suggested for ED. There are also some natural supplements that have been known to restore testosterone levels and increase sexual desire, so you might want to consider taking those as well. The physical causes of erectile dysfunction can be quite varied, ranging from injuries to the spinal cord to Peyronie’s disease. The most common physical cause of erectile dysfunction is a problem with blood circulation in the penis. If you think that there is something physically wrong with your penis (e.g., it is too small), you should consult with a urologist so that they can diagnose the issue accurately and give you some suggestions for how to fix it. In some cases, surgical procedures can also be used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, in most situations, medication and/or therapy are the preferred courses of treatment. Either one can help to restore your partner’s sexual desire and performance so that you can enjoy your time together again.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
Once you have a proper diagnosis, the next step is to try and find the proper treatment for your condition. In most cases, erectile dysfunction can be treated successfully with medication and/or therapy. Therapy for ED involves psychoeducation and lifestyle changes, such as trying to increase physical activity and exposure to sunlight. In some cases, medication is also required. The main classes of ED medication include:
- Antidepressants
- Analgesics
- Antihistamines
- Dopamine Agonists (Atypical)
- Serotonin Agonists (Typical)
- Pituitary Axis Dysfunction (PAD)
- CYP17A1 Inhibitors (C17A1I)
As you can see above, there are a variety of different medications that can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. Remember: not all of these medications will be available in all countries or at all times. So, if you’re traveling abroad, make sure that your prescription is valid in the country that you’re visiting.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
One of the most common side effects associated with Viagra is fainting or passing out. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can arise from a sudden drop in blood pressure (i.e., a faint). Other side effects include headache, nausea, blurred vision, diarrhea, and skin rash. If you experience any of these side effects, either seek medical help immediately or discontinue use of Viagra and contact your doctor.
It’s also important to understand the interactions that you might have with other medications or supplements that you are taking. Some medications that interact with Viagra include:
- Astemizole
- Azilslorzitomide
- Bisoprolol
- Cimetidine
- Dofetilide
- Erythromycin
- Fluoxetine
- Lorazepam
- Metyrapone
- Nicotinamide
- Phenytoin
- Propafenone
- Rifampicin
- Ritonavir
- Sertraline
- Tadalafil
- Teriparatide
As you can see, there are a variety of medications that interact with Viagra, so it’s important to be aware of this when taking or ordering the drug. In some cases, the interactions are extremely significant and can lead to potentially fatal consequences. In other cases, the interactions are relatively minor and might not be considered a risk by themselves but could potentially affect how your body processes Viagra. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor about potentially problematic drug interactions so that they can advise you on the safest course of action.
Is There A Recurrence Risk With Taking Viagra?
As with any drug, there is always a possibility of experiencing a relapse after coming off of it. This is particularly relevant with regard to Viagra, as many of its common uses are associated with impotence or erectile dysfunction, both of which are conditions where a man’s ability to have sex is impaired. With that in mind, there is always an increased chance of you experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction if you stop taking or miss a dose of Viagra. In general, this risk is relatively small and is most significant when you have just started taking the medication or if you are stopping it after long-term use. If this is your situation and you want to be sure that your ability to have sex is not affected, it’s recommended that you slowly wean off of the drug to avoid the risk of experiencing a relapse. In some cases, this can be done by decreasing the dose by roughly half each week until you reach cessation. Alternatively, you can also try taking the drug for less time each day or intermittently throughout the day. In most situations, this risk is fairly minimal and can be effectively managed by a trial-and-error method or by closely monitoring your symptoms.
When Is Viagra Not Recommended For Use?
As mentioned above, due to the risks associated with using Viagra, it is not recommended for use by women or by anyone with a history of liver disease. Furthermore, it’s not recommended during or after surgery, if you’re taking other medications that contain the same active ingredient (Sildenafil), or if you’re taking nitrates, such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide mononitrate (ISMO). If you have any of these conditions or are taking any medications or supplements that contain Sildenafil, you should consult with your doctor before using Viagra.
Final Takeaway:
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, there are a variety of different medications that can be used. Remember: not all of these medications will be available in all countries or at all times. So, if you’re traveling abroad, make sure that your prescription is valid in the country that you’re visiting.