Just because you’ve heard of a drug doesn’t mean you should automatically try it. There are many cases where drugs don’t work as well as we want, and it’s important to consider the alternatives before trying a new medication.
In the case of Viagra, the drug is extremely popular among men with erectile dysfunction, particularly younger men. It’s been around for over 20 years and was originally discovered to be safe and effective for use in cases of pulmonary hypertension and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Since then, the drug has been studied and found to be helpful in many cases, particularly when combined with other medications. Despite its popularity, not all men will be able to benefit from Viagra, and it’s important to be aware of its side effects before trying the medication.
Key Facts About Viagra
You may know that Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which is a chemical compound derived from the plant species Sildewisbread. It’s been approved by the FDA in June 1998 and is considered to be a prescription drug. It was originally developed as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
Viagra is the number one drug purchased by American men over the age of 55, which is interesting considering that pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) and BPH are both diseases more often associated with older men. But it’s important to keep in mind that not all men will experience the same results from Viagra, which can be a frustrating discovery if you’re not sure what causes your ED.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works in a similar way to other medications used to treat ED. When a man becomes sexually aroused or stimulated, the reflexes in the penis cause vascular dilation and increase blood flow into the erectile tissues (corpus cavernosum). This results in an erection that may last for several hours. Once this phase has passed, the dilation of the blood vessels causes the muscles to relax and the penis to return to it’s flaccid (unerect) state.
As already mentioned, not all men will experience the same results from ED medications like Viagra. This variety of effects can be a result of multiple factors. Among the more popular ones are:
- age
- genetics
- pharmacokinetics (the way a body metabolizes or processes medication)
- diet
- alcohol use
- illness
- how long the patient has had the condition
- other medications used to treat the condition
The Effects Of Aging On ED
Thanks to modern medicine, life expectancy has increased dramatically in the last century. This has resulted in the population of aging males, particularly in the developed world. With more men entering their later years, the medical community has started to pay more attention to the topic of erectile dysfunction (ED).
ED is one of the most common forms of sexual dysfunction in older men. Between the ages of 55 and 64, about 30% of men will experience some level of ED. This number increases to almost 70% among men aged 75 and older. In addition to the physical effects of aging, the hormonal changes that take place as men get older can contribute to the development of ED. Testosterone, which is the ‘man hormone’ that helps to establish male characteristics, has been known to cause ED. The relationship between testosterone and ED was definitively established in a 2009 study published in the British Journal of Urology. The study showed that of the 1,000 men aged between 55 and 64, 22% had ED. After adjustment for all the other factors (such as age, marital status, education, occupation, income, body mass index, and self-reported general health), the study found that higher levels of testosterone were each associated with a greater risk of ED. It is therefore possible that a man’s risk of developing ED will increase as he gets older.
The Effects Of Genetics On ED
It is well known that some men are more likely to develop ED than others. Men with a family history of the condition are at a greater risk of developing it, as are men with certain other genetic mutations. This is why it is important to do your research before trying a new medication. It is also important to keep in mind that there are many different types of ED, and not all of them will respond well to the same treatment. In the next few paragraphs, we will discuss some of the more popular genetic factors that contribute to the risk of ED. Your genetic testing can help determine your individual risk and help you to develop a treatment plan that will be most effective for you.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
The alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that can result in severe and irreversible lung damage. It is caused by a mutation in the *SERPINA1* gene, which is located on the short arm of chromosome 10. The condition is named after the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin, which is normally secreted by the liver into the blood stream. If you have this particular genetic mutation, you will produce less than the normal amount of alpha-1 antitrypsin, which can result in serious damage to the lungs. This is why it is important to know your genetic make-up before you start any treatment plan. Fortunately, there is a drug called alpha-1 antitrypsin that can help to prevent the development of this deficiency. It has been approved by the FDA for use in individuals with a *SERPINA1* gene mutation who are at high risk of developing lung disease. Men with this particular genetic mutation and no previous history of lung disease can also benefit from the drug. It is important to remember that not all men with ED have this specific genetic mutation. It is a rare disease, and only about 1 in 300 men have it.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the ability of the lungs to secrete mucus. This can lead to serious damage in later years. It is caused by a mutation in the *CFTR* gene, which is located on chromosome 7. The condition affects approximately 1 in 2000 live births, with approximately 10,000 CF patients currently living in the United States. There is no cure for CF, but there is medication that can help to treat the symptoms. It is imperative that patients with CF follow a correct therapy and routine to ensure that their lungs stay healthy.
Myeloperoxidase Deficiency
The myeloperoxidase deficiency is another genetic disease that can lead to severe and irreversible lung damage. It is caused by a mutation in the *MPO* gene, which is located on chromosome 4. It was first identified as a separate condition in 1922. In 1992, the MPO protein was found to be responsible for mediating the inflammatory response in the body. This gene mutation is associated with both adult and juvenile arthritis, as well as pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have this particular mutation, you will produce less MPO than normal, which can result in serious damage to the lungs. It is therefore important to know your genetic make-up before you start any treatment plan.
Polymorphisms Of The Vasopressin Receptor
Vasopressin is a hormone that helps to regulate the amount of water in the body. It is produced in the hypothalamus and acts on the kidneys to increase the urine flow rate. The vasopressin receptor is a ‘binding protein’ that helps to regulate the action of vasopressin in the body. There are multiple polymorphisms (mutations) in the *VASOPRS* gene that can affect the binding affinity of the receptor for vasopressin. Some of these mutations are rare and have only been identified in individuals from certain ethnicities. If you belong to an ethnicity that is known to be at high risk of developing ED, it is important to know your genetic make-up before you start any treatment plan. It is also important to note that while there is no certain cure for ED, there are medications that can help to treat the condition. It is imperative that patients follow their medication regimen carefully and consistently to ensure that their erections remain healthy.