Viagra, short for the trademarked drug known as sildenafil citrate, is one of the most popularly consumed erectile dysfunction medications today. Sold under the slogan “The Pill That Changed Sex Medicine,” Viagra is a pill that men with erectile dysfunction, commonly known as impotence, take to help them attain or maintain an erection for the purpose of having sexual relationships with their partners. In 2019, Viagra was the subject of more than 190 million prescriptions and was available in more than 250 countries. It was initially approved for use in the United States in 1998.
Why Is It So Popular?
The primary reason why Viagra is so popular is because it is a very effective drug for treating erectile dysfunction. Between 10% and 30% of men experience some form of erectile dysfunction, which makes it one of the most common problems that men face. In fact, erectile dysfunction affects more than just men’s relationships—it also has a negative impact on their mental health, resulting in lower self-esteem and often causing depression or anxiety. Many men also feel that having erectile dysfunction puts them at a greater risk for heart disease.
How Does It Work?
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate, is a medication that boosts nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide is a substance that signals the body to relax and widen the blood vessels in the penis. As a result, more blood is allowed into the organ, which results in an erection. When blood flows into the penis, the colour of the penile tissue changes from blue to pink due to increased blood flow and oxygenation.
Besides acting as an aphrodisiac, Viagra is also known to help men who suffer from impotence attain and maintain an erection. The safety of this medication has been thoroughly researched and it has been shown to be extremely safe. Common side effects from taking Viagra include headaches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. In rare cases, men have reported developing ulcers and liver toxicity.
What Forms Do They Come In?
Viagra is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, softgels, and liquid drops, and can be taken orally or via injection. It also comes in a form known as “sildenafil citrate extended-release tablets” (the “extended-release tablets” or “extended-release tablets of sildenafil citrate”), which are designed to be taken once per day.
Injections of Viagra are available in prefilled syringes and pens. Doctors usually prescribe a dose of injection Viagra based on a patient’s weight, with the initial dose being about 1 mg and subsequent doses being about 0.25 mg. Many men with erectile dysfunction prefer to inject the medication into the thigh or buttocks because of the effectiveness and convenience of this method.
When Should You Take It?
Although Viagra is generally taken at the same time each day, it is advised by medical professionals that patients with sleep apnea or those who experienced a nocturnal erection should take the drug at night. Those who are on medication that causes high blood pressure should also wait to take the drug until they have taken their medication, as the effect of the drug may be delayed or worsened if taken while on high blood pressure medication. The medical community also advises that anyone who takes psychiatric medication should consult their doctor before taking Viagra so that they do not have adverse reactions to the drug.
Men who are experiencing an acute heart attack should not take Viagra unless they have sought medical advice and been advised to do so by a doctor. The same goes for men who are allergic to sildenafil citrate or who develop a rash at the site of an injection. Finally, elderly men who are taking nitrate medication should not take the drug without consulting their doctor, as the combination of these two medications can cause a rare but deadly allergic reaction known as an “anaphylactic shock.”
How Long Does It Last?
The maximum duration of an erection that can be achieved after taking Viagra is about an hour before the effect of the drug begins to wane. In some men, this effect can be quite profound, but in others, it may be short-lived. The effect of the drug also varies from patient to patient and can be either prolonged or temporary. The safest and most effective way of determining how long the effect of the drug will last is by taking a pill or spraying onto the tongue or inside the cheek. Once the medicine has been swallowed, the patient will begin to feel the effect of the drug within 15 to 30 minutes and the erection will continue for about another hour before the drug begins to wear off. In rare instances, individuals have had a penile tumour removed after having taken the drug. In this case, the erection was likely to be caused by an enlargement of the tumour rather than by the drug.
Where Can I Buy It?
Viagra can be purchased online from countless verified pharmacies worldwide. Patients can also visit their local pharmacy and buy the medication directly from a pharmacist. Some major pharmacy chains, such as Shopbx.com, also provide customers with home delivery service if they live in an area where online pharmacy is not available. Due to its popularity, it is relatively easy for patients to get their hands on a bottle of Viagra. The drug is also available from a host of different retailers and online marketplaces, including Amazon.com and Ebay.com.
Although there are numerous places to buy Viagra, it is important to remember that some countries place restrictions on the sale of the medication, due to its popularity as an ED drug. For instance, in Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, it is illegal to sell or provide the drug without a prescription.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Although the side effects of Viagra are relatively mild, they can still occur. The most common side effect is a headache, which is experienced by about 20% of users. Other side effects include flushing (more than 10 million people experience this reaction), heartburn, stuffy nose, and vivid hallucinations. In some instances, men have reported having to wait two to three weeks for the side effects of the drug to subside before they can engage in sexual activity again. If you experience any serious side effects while taking Viagra, you should consult your doctor right away.
Due to its widespread popularity, it is virtually impossible to avoid hearing about the risks and benefits of Viagra. Still, many people are unaware of the risks and benefits associated with the drug and its effect on their health. In particular, younger men should be aware that taking Viagra can have serious consequences for their long-term health and wellbeing. If you are reading this because you are concerned about the risks and benefits of Viagra, then be sure to consult your doctor for more information.