The other day I was chatting with a friend of mine who’s in the middle of a separation. She asked me if I thought it was a good idea for her to take Viagra. I wasn’t sure what she meant by “good idea” so she clarified that she wanted to know if it was a good idea to pop the pills if she doesn’t have sex frequently enough with her husband. I assured her that, from my experience, it was a bad idea. Here’s why:
It Has No Research To Back It Up
I don’t know a ton about Viagra, but I do know a bit about its counterpart, Cialis. (I’ll get to the point where I’ll discuss Viagra below, but first let me explain what Cialis is.) Both medications work by helping to relax the muscles in the penis so that it can become more relaxed and pliable, which allows for deeper penetration by the partner (or partners). Now, I know what you’re thinking: If taking Viagra helps with penetrative sex, why not try it? Plenty of people need help with that! And you’d be right. But let’s put things in perspective. First of all, what is “traditional” sex? Is it really as good for you as you think it is? I’d venture to guess that most people’s idea of “traditional sex” involves penetration. But what about oral sex, which is often considered “kinky” or “alternative” sex? Is it really that good for you, or is it just something you’ve been programmed to think is “normal”?
While there’s no denying that oral sex is a great way to get off (if you’re into that sort of thing), it doesn’t seem to be doing your body any favors. There’s a reason why oral sex has always been considered “the gay man’s best friend.” It can be great for your orgasms, but it’s not exactly good for your health. According to sexual health experts, the routine practice of giving and receiving oral sex can lead to various health problems. Here are just a few:
- Reduced sperm count
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Early menopause
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
So if you’re not having “traditional” or “vanilla” sex with your partner, it’s probably a good idea to avoid taking Viagra or any other medication that can interfere with sexual function. Or at least be certain that your doctor knows of your particular situation and has given you the green light to try it.
It Can Have Some Unintended Consequences
Along with the above-listed health problems, there are also some side effects that you might not want to experience. One of the more common side effects is a sudden and rapid rise in blood pressure. This can cause headaches, stroke, or even death if left untreated. So if you do happen to experience this sort of side effect (and you’re not sure what caused it), it might be a good idea to lower your dosage or have a talk with your doctor. The point is: Just because a medication is effective in one particular situation doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for everyone. There are so many different factors to consider, so you might want to do a little bit of research before you make a decision.
Cost
You might be wondering whether or not it’s worth it to take a medication that can potentially do harm. You could end up spending a fortune if you’re not careful. After all, treatment for the above-listed conditions can be incredibly expensive. It’s no wonder that so many people avoid dealing with these issues head on. (Incidentally, if you do decide to go through with it, you’ll most likely be responsible for paying for all of the treatment yourself.)
There are medications that can be an effective alternative to Viagra, Cialis, and others. One of the best-known alternatives is Levitra, which is a treatment for ED and hypertension. (If you’re interested, you can learn more here.) A lot of insurance companies cover the cost of Levitra, so it’s completely affordable. (Make sure you tell your doctor that you’re on Medicare.)
Availability
If you decide to take a medication to enhance your sexual performance, there are a few options to choose from. First of all, you can find generic versions of the above-listed medications. These are often cheaper than their brand name counterparts and just as effective. However, keep in mind that generic versions don’t always provide the same degree of effectiveness as the branded versions. (There are exceptions, but you’ll have to check the pharmacy’s website to see what exact alternatives are available.)
Another great option is Eriacta, which is a combination of sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). This medication is taken orally and can be a little more effective than the individual compounds. (Sildenafil is more effective when taken orally, and Levitra is more effective when taken intravenously.)
If none of the above options sound like the perfect solution to you, there’s always Injectible Viagra, which is a medication that can be injected directly into the penis to give you a burst of erotic energy. Just bear in mind that this is a very invasive procedure and not for everyone. (FYI: You might want to ask your doctor if there are any alternatives to Injectible Viagra before you decide to go this route. A lot of people are allergic to penicillin and its derivatives.)
Consult A Physician First
If you decide to take a medication that can enhance your sexual performance, it’s essential to consult a physician first. Some patients have had bad experiences with medications and have warned others against trying them. It’s also wise to let your doctor know about all of your medical conditions and take-a-medication history. A physician can be the best judge of whether or not medication will be safe and effective for you, based on your specific situation. (They might also have some suggestions as to which medication is right for you.) Finally, don’t hesitate to ask questions. While a lot of information can be found online, it’s never a bad idea to talk to somebody directly about your concerns. They can provide you with an honest answer and help you make the right decision for yourself.