Although they are both popularly known for their ability to treat erectile dysfunction (aka ‘impotence’) and Type 2 diabetes respectively, it turns out that metformin and Viagra work together quite well when it comes to boosting your sex life! In fact, it’s the perfect drug cocktail for those who want to experiment with new sex positions or who want to spice up their routines…just a little bit. So if you’re looking to try a new medication combination, check out these two powerful drugs and how they can help you get in the mood for love.
What Is Metformin?
Metformin, or the methyl group analogue, is an antidiabetic drug that’s been around since the 1950s. It helps to regulate blood sugar by reducing the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, therefore delaying or preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes. It’s a big molecule, and since it’s not meant to be absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s also quite good for the liver, which is a bonus!
By taking metformin, you’re increasing the amounts of insulin in your body, which promotes glucose uptake and storage. This, in turn, improves your blood sugar levels and, as mentioned by the Diabetes Research Team at Johns Hopkins, may even “promptly reverse the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes”.1
How Does Viagra Work?
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), commonly known as ‘polyuria’ or ‘excessive thirst’, is a rare hereditary condition that prevents the body from producing adequate amounts of the hormone vasopressin (ADH). As a result of this hormone deficiency, the kidneys are unable to regulate urinary water and, in some cases, excrete large amounts of urine. The only approved treatment for NDI is oral administration of vasopressin (AVP) hormone. While the drug is highly efficient in reducing urine output, it has some really scary side effects. For instance, it can cause liver toxicity and, in extreme cases, even hepatic encephalopathy – an inability to process neurological information that can lead to coma and, in some situations, death.2
Even though Viagra is typically known for its positive effect on erectile dysfunction, it also has the potential to be an ‘adjuvant’ in the treatment of NDI. It was initially developed to treat hypertension and was soon discovered to dramatically increase the blood pressure-reducing effect of the vasopressin in those with NDI. In fact, in clinical trials, those who received both drugs had benefits similar to those who were treated with vasopressin alone!3 Some doctors even advise against combining medications that treat the same condition, but in this case, it appears that the risk/benefit ratio is in favor of a combination therapy.
The Combination Treatment For You
In some patients with Type 2 diabetes, sexual dysfunction and ED are present concomitantly, and for these individuals, the combination of metformin and Viagra can offer some real benefits. To quote a research paper published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation: “Treatment with the fixed-dose combination of metformin and viagra…improved both erectile function and sexual activity in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who had complaints of impotence or sexual dysfunction. This effect was most prominent in those with co-existing erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction.”4 In addition to the beneficial effects on both ED and sexual dysfunction, the combination therapy has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
So, if you’re looking to experiment with new medications or want to try a treatment that’s less invasive and has fewer side effects, then this is the combination for you! Remember, though – always be sure to consult with your physician or pharmacist before doing anything that might affect your health.