Viagra and its relatives are a group of medications frequently prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). If you’re wondering what ED is or what these medications are used for, this article will tell you more about them.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
ED is the medical term used when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance. There are many possible causes of ED, ranging from psychological to physical factors. In any case, ED can be a very frustrating condition for the sufferer and those close to him. It’s not just a condition of having poor performance, but it can affect a person’s self-image and confidence.
An erection is the medical term used when blood rushes into the penis and makes it stiff and large enough for sexual performance. In a perfectly healthy male, an erection should last for about five minutes and can be controlled by mental or physical stimulation. Erectile dysfunction is a broad term that includes everything from minor difficulties with potency to total loss of erection. Some men may experience both conditions. ED is considered a serious medical condition, and it requires immediate medical attention if it’s not treated properly.
The Pharmacological Family Of Viagra.
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. The PDE enzyme family controls the amount of biochemical messengers (known as cGMP) in the body. When the PDE-5 enzyme is inhibited, more cGMP remains in the blood vessels and in the tissues, which results in a more sustained and powerful erection. Inhibitory serine residues at the base of the T-shaped structure of Sildenafil (Viagra) are responsible for this inhibition. In addition to Viagra, there are a number of closely related medications in the PDE-5 inhibitor class, including Revatio, Levitra, and Cialis. All of these drugs work in a very similar manner and can be used to treat ED. As mentioned before, Viagra is currently the best-selling medication in the world, with more than 125 million prescriptions written each year.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The usual treatment time for ED is between one and three hours, although it may take longer for some medications to take effect. The sooner you start the treatment, the better, because it takes time for the drug to travel to its destination and start working. However, once the drug starts working, it will have a more potent effect and could produce a faster improvement in your erectile function. In general, ED medications are not recommended for individuals taking nitrates, as they may cause an injury to the heart.
Are There Any Side Effects From Being On Viagra?
Although Viagra will help to improve your erection, it’s not a totally risk-free medication. There are a number of adverse reactions that men should be aware of before, during, and after treatment with this drug. Some of the more serious side effects that have been reported include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Stiffness
- Mental confusion
- Tingling in the extremities
- Heart attack
- Trouble breathing
- Rash
- Fever
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help right away. You should also tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have, as there is a chance that some of these side effects are caused by underlying medical problems that need to be treated as well.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra While Pregnant?
The Food and Drug Administration does not classify Viagra as a safe medication for use during pregnancy. However, studies have shown that the drug is not likely to be harmful to the fetus. Some obstetricians believe that if labor is induced early, before the baby is fully developed, the complication rate is lower. Nevertheless, there is a chance that the medication may cause serious adverse effects to the developing baby. If you are in doubt, it is advisable to avoid pregnancy or take the medication only when absolutely necessary. Never take a medication without first consulting your doctor.
When Should You Take Viagra?
It’s not always easy for a man to determine when he should take Viagra, as ED is a very common condition and there is always the possibility of it occurring at any time. However, for the best chance of improved erectile function, Viagra should be taken as soon as possible after waking up. The medication can also be taken before or during sexual activity, although it’s preferable to take it before. It’s been clinically proven that the earlier you start the treatment, the better, as it takes time for the drug to travel to its destination and start working. In any case, late or missed doses of Viagra may cause a severe detriment to your overall treatment outcome. If you’re not sure when the best time to take the medication is, ask your doctor. He may be able to recommend a dosing schedule that will work best for you.
How Effective Is It In Treating ED?
The effectiveness of Viagra in treating ED has been clinically proven, and it’s currently considered one of the best medications for the condition. According to studies, about 70% of men who are treated with Viagra experience significant improvement in their erectile function. For complete recovery, about 15% of the men will need repeated treatments, while the remaining 15% will need to take the drug on a regular basis to curb potential relapses. The main reason why so many men are unable to satisfactorily perform sexual intercourse is related to the inability of the vasculature to adapt to the sustained erection. If blood vessels are not adaptive, it will be difficult for any substance, be it a medication or sexual stimulation, to reach the corpora cavernosa and trigger an erection. ED can be very frustrating for the sufferer and those close to him. It’s not just a condition of having poor performance, but it can affect a person’s self-image and confidence. It’s important to remember that not all men who experience ED can benefit from treatment with this drug. Some have found that their erectile function has improved with alternative treatment methods.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Wear Off?
Once you stop taking the medication, it will take several days to a week for the effect to wear off. During this time, you may experience a slight decrease in erectile function, which can be attributed to the body’s natural attempt at healing. This is why it’s important to remember that the sooner you start the treatment, the better, because it takes time for the drug to travel to its destination and start working. Once you begin to see improvement, you should be able to discontinue the medication and experience normal erectile function. If your ED is related to psychological factors, it may take longer for the body to adjust to the new mental state and resume normal erectile function. In any case, it’s important to try and keep your body active throughout the recovery process, because inactivity may lead to further complications. Regular exercise will also boost your overall mood, which can help to improve your confidence and help to promote successful treatment. Remember to consult your doctor regarding exercise routines that are safe for your specific situation.
Should You Try To Taper Off Viagra?
Some doctors believe it’s beneficial for individuals who are successfully treated with Viagra to taper off the medication slowly and carefully. It’s been clinically proven that the sooner you start the treatment and the more you take, the better, because it takes time for the drug to travel to its destination and start working. It may be possible to reduce the amount of Viagra you need by skipping a dose every other day or even once a week. It’s vital to note that this should only be done under medical supervision, and you should never attempt to wean yourself off of a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Missing doses of Viagra can cause severe adverse effects, including low blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Regular medical supervision is also advised during the taper process, just to make sure that everything is alright.