In the early 2000s, Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) was discovered to effectively treat erectile dysfunction. Since then, it has become one of the most popular and well-known male enhancement supplements, available both over the counter and by prescription. However, before we begin exploring the history and current uses of Viagra, it is important to understand its original intended use.
First Developed For Pulmonary Hypertension
Viagra was originally designed to treat pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure is raised in the arteries connecting the lung to the heart. Raising the blood pressure in these vessels can cause them to stiffen and restrict the flow of blood in and out of the lungs. This, in turn, can lead to severe complications. The only effective treatment for pulmonary hypertension is lung surgery, but even then, the condition can return.
Fortunately, Viagra can dramatically reduce the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. In fact, in some cases, it has proved to be an effective alternative to open-heart surgery. In 2007 alone, more than a million prescriptions were written for Viagra in the U.S. alone. This makes it the most prescribed drug in America – despite the fact that it was first developed for an entirely different purpose.
While some doctors prescribe Viagra for erectile dysfunction, many more use it to treat pulmonary hypertension.
The key to its success is that Viagra increases the blood flow into the penis while reducing the blood pressure within the same vessels. This improves the overall pumping action of the penis, resulting in greater erectile pleasure for the male and greater ease of childbirth for the female. In short, it is an all-around natural solution for treating pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction – two very common and significant problems for men and women alike.
Originally Intended to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
At the start of the 21st century, Viagra was found to be particularly effective for treating erectile dysfunction, a condition in which the male penis does not become erect, or unable to maintain an erection, regularly enough for sexual activity. In a 2010 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that out of the 108 men who participated in the trial, 87% were able to achieve an erection adequate for vaginal intercourse after taking Viagra. This is in comparison to only 27% of the men who took a placebo drug.
However, this is not the case for all men. In fact, erectile dysfunction can be a significant problem for some men, especially those with certain underlying conditions. For example, those who are taking certain medications or those who have poor blood circulation, as well as diabetes and heart disease. If you are one of these men, alternative treatments may be a better option for you.
In terms of its success rate, Viagra is one of the most effective drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction currently available. Since its discovery, more than a million prescriptions have been written annually in the U.S. alone. This makes it one of the most prescribed medicines in America – but only if your definition of “effective” is limited to only how well it treats erectile dysfunction.
Most Popular Male Enhancement Supplement
Taking into consideration all of its documented uses, it is not that surprising that Viagra is one of the most popular male enhancement supplements available today. A quick look on any reputable supplement retailer’s website will confirm this. In fact, in the U.S. alone, more than a million prescriptions were written for Viagra in 2007, making it the most prescribed drug in America at the time. Its popularity cannot be denied.
One factor that likely contributes to its popularity is that it is easily available. Most large city pharmacies will have a supply of Viagra on hand, as will most big-box retailers. In addition, there are also dozens of online retailers that offer it at very affordable prices. Finally, prescription pills allow for greater flexibility in terms of when and where you use it. If you are unable to find a pharmacy that carries the specific brand of Viagra you need, you can instead order it online and have it delivered to you.
While there are certainly positive aspects to Viagra’s popularity, there are also some significant drawbacks. One major issue is that many men and women believe that all pills are created equal. This is far from true, especially when it comes to supplements and natural products. For example, many women take a Vitamin C supplement to boost their immune system. However, this is not the same as taking an antibiotic to treat a cold. Different medications have different effects on the human body, and this can be both good and bad. While most drugs are designed to fix one specific problem, sometimes they can create another.
Dangers Associated With Its Use
Although many people swear by Viagra’s effectiveness, there are also some significant risks associated with its use. The first and most obvious danger is that you can overdose on Viagra and suffer serious side effects. To put it bluntly, too much of a good thing usually does not constitute as a good thing. If you are taking Viagra and suspect that you may have ingested too much of the medication, you should seek emergency medical help.
A related and more troubling problem is that Viagra is a prescription drug that is not meant to be taken by individuals without a prescription. This makes it potentially dangerous to those who may be experiencing adverse effects or who have overdosed on the drug. In fact, some of the more serious side effects of overdose include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Changes in vision
- Allergic reactions
While these are not pleasant side effects to experience, they are certainly not pleasant to experience after having taken an excessive dose of the drug. For this reason, it is imperative to be careful when taking Viagra and to only take the amount that you need for the recommended amount of time. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have taken too much of the drug, you should contact your personal physician or the nearest emergency medical services in case you have overdosed.
In addition to these risks, there are also some more subtle health concerns that you should be aware of. For example, prolonged use of Viagra may lead to liver damage. In some cases, this has proven to be fatal. In addition, while Viagra may be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, it has also been known to cause eye problems for some users. For these reasons, it is not recommended that you take the medication for longer than three months – or if you have previously experienced eye problems, that you begin using the medication at all.
In summary, while there are no negative side effects that are absolutely guaranteed with Viagra, there are also some significant risks that you should be aware of. Many people take the drug for the wrong reason and without a prescription. For this reason, it is not meant to be taken by anyone without a prescription. In addition, those who use the drug frequently and for prolonged periods of time may experience certain health problems. These problems range from mild to severe and can be potentially fatal. For these reasons, it is imperative that you speak to your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding Viagra. If you are already taking the medication and experience any doubts regarding its efficacy or safety, you should certainly contact your personal physician before continuing treatment. Otherwise, you may experience some rather unpleasant side effects that are completely out of your control.