You may have heard about the drug Viagra. If you’re not familiar, the medication helps men with erectile dysfunction (or poor blood flow to the penis, which can lead to erectile dysfunction). It does this by increasing nitric oxide in the body. What is nitric oxide? It’s a chemical that helps the body’s vessels relax, which can lead to reduced blood pressure and a relaxed state of mind.
It’s no secret that sex can be a challenging aspect of life for men and women. Whether you’re struggling with infertility, struggling with erectile dysfunction yourself or just want to provide your partner with greater sexual pleasure, there are solutions. For some men, Viagra offers help. However, what happens if a woman takes Viagra? Can she experience the same benefits as men?
Fortunately, yes. Although nitric oxide is a chemical produced mostly in the male body, it can also be produced by women. In fact, women’s bodies produce more nitric oxide than men’s bodies. What does this mean for your wife, girlfriend or others who might try Viagra? It means that even if they don’t have erectile dysfunction, they might still experience improved sexual function due to higher nitric oxide production! It’s important to note here that while higher nitric oxide production might lead to an improvement in sexual function, it does not necessarily mean that the individual will experience an orgasm during sex. In other words, they might still require outside help to have an orgasm (if that’s something they’re looking for).
Here’s a list of the benefits women can experience from taking Viagra:
Faster Heart Rate Reduction
If you’re looking for a way to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, you might want to try Viagra. Nitric oxide production increases blood flow to the genitals, which can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in men and women alike. In a study conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, men and women who took Viagra experienced reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The same study also documented that a fast heart rate was experienced more frequently among those who took Viagra.
Cholesterols, known as “the bad cholesterol,” accumulate in the walls of blood vessels. Once they reach a certain level, they start to accumulate on the walls of vital organs, including the heart. The good news is that there are medications available that reduce cholesterol, which you might want to try if you’re looking to lower your risk of heart disease.
Increased Libido (Sexual Desire)
It’s no secret that men and women experience less desire as they get older. In fact, a 2014 study from the United Kingdom’s University of Nottingham found that as people age, their sexual desire decreased by 41%. This is mostly because human bodies produce less testosterone as they get older. Testosterone is a hormone that gives men their sex drive. However, men and women are capable of producing it. In addition, some sex therapists believe that many older men and women have trouble expressing their desires, which can stop them from having satisfying sexual relationships. This can lead to frustration and poor health outcomes.
Fortunately, Viagra can help with this issue. As we discussed above, nitric oxide is a chemical that not only reduces blood pressure, but also helps with increasing libido. What does this mean? It means that people who take Viagra might feel a boost of libido or sexual desire, which in some cases might lead to an improvement in their wellbeing. In other words, you might find that your aging body produces more of the substance that gives you energy and pleasure.
Greater Erection Hardness
Getting an erection requires blood flow into the penis, which is controlled by nerve endings in the walls of the large blood vessels in the penis. It’s important to note here that not all penile tumors are cancerous, and that many benign tumors can lead to sexual problems in men. In fact, excessive deposits of iron in the brain, which is caused by multiple sclerosis, can lead to problems with arousal and erection. This is why it’s important to rule out organic causes before you assume that an erection problem is due to anxiety or other psychological issues.
Again, the good news is that there are medications available that can increase erection hardness. For example, Viagra can help some men with poor circulation in the penis, which can lead to erection problems. It does this by increasing nitric oxide in the penis, which causes the large blood vessels there to relax and widen, allowing for better blood flow and greater erection hardness.
Improved Sense of Smell
Do you get a buzz from freshly cut grass, wood chips or automobile exhaust? Nitric oxide is important for our bodies because it helps our brains “detect” smells. In other words, the produce of nitric oxide helps us “taste” smells. Does this mean that people who take Viagra will experience improved sense of smell? Perhaps, especially those who have poor sense of smell due to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Nitric oxide-related health improvements have been shown to benefit those with neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, patients with Alzheimer’s disease have demonstrated significant improvements in cognition and daily functioning due to treatment with drugs that boost nitric oxide.
Fewer Medical Complications
Men and women who take Viagra have been shown to have lower rates of certain medical complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, kidney disease and diabetes. These are all prevalent amongst the elderly. The same UK study also found that people who took Viagra had fewer strokes, fewer cases of heart disease, fewer kidney stones and fewer deaths from any cause. It’s not clear exactly why taking Viagra is beneficial for these conditions. However, it’s likely that this is because nitric oxide production increases blood flow, which in turn, helps flush toxins out of the body and prevents disease.
Greater Sense of Wellbeing
We mentioned above that testosterone is a hormone that gives men their “libido” or sexual desire. However, it’s important to note here that not all men with low testosterone experience low libido. In fact, it’s possible that some might even experience increased sexual desire due to medications or other forms of treatment. Testosterone production can also be increased with the use of certain herbs or supplements. Similarly, some people with low testosterone experience anxiety or depression, which can further decrease their libido. This is why it’s important to always consider the psychosocial factors that can influence sexual desire, as well as any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your poor sex life.
If you’re interested in trying Viagra, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor. You might be a candidate for the drug if you experience any of the conditions discussed above. Your doctor might also be able to suggest other treatments that can further increase your libido or erectile function, should Viagra not be the solution for you.