What is topical Viagra?
Topical Viagra is medication that is applied directly to the skin – in this case, the penis. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. If you’re unfamiliar, ED is the inability to get and maintain an erection which results in anxiety and frustration for men and their partners. It’s a real pain in the butt and can have serious psychological and even physical effects. While there are various causes of ED, frequent and persistent alcohol consumption can cause significant damage and hinder treatment.
How Does It Work?
Like all medications, topical Viagra works by restoring the balance in the body. However, it does this by modulating different molecular targets such as phosphodiesterase and guanylate cyclase, as well as acting on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. As a result of this variety of action, there is a high chance of significant benefits for men with ED. In case you’re curious, the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors include sildenafil (trade name: Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), while the guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitors include tirasaam (trade name: Reliver). The aim of this combination of drugs is to increase the availability of nitric oxide (NO) in the penis, hence producing an erection. This article will discuss the science behind topical Viagra and how it can be used to treat and possibly cure ED.
How Serious Is It?
Although topical Viagra is usually a medication that is prescribed to men with ED, those who suffer from acute stress or anxiety, as well as those who are at risk of suicide, should not take this drug. If you have any of these conditions, consult your doctor about safer alternatives. To be on the safe side, do not take this medication if you’re also taking other ED medications such as Viagra, or any other prescription drug that contains apremilox or any other form of serotonin.
Who Should Consider It?
Due to its safety when used with other medications and its promising results, topical Viagra has gained a lot of popularity among both doctors and patients. It has been shown to increase the probability of an erection in men between the ages of 45 and 65 years who are currently not able to engage in sexual activity because of ED. As a result of its positive effect on erectile function, topical Viagra is approved by the FDA for men with ED who are unable to achieve or maintain an erection which is at least partly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the #1 cause of erectile dysfunction in men. It also occurs in 12% of women. While there isn’t any approved topical medication for women with ED, there is anecdotal evidence that estrogen therapy, particularly when combined with a PDE inhibitor, can help women with their sex drive and the ability to get an erection (ED).
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Like all medications, topical Viagra works by restoring the balance in the body. However, it can take several weeks to months before you notice the effects. The speed of this recovery is different for everyone, but it is usually rather quick. To start with, you may have to try different products and dosages to find the right one for you. For some men, it may take as little as one week to notice improvements while for others it may take a little longer. It is always important to remember that the longer it takes for your body to adjust to the medication, the greater the risk of side effects.
In case you’re curious, the medication was originally approved for men with ED who are also taking medications for hypertension (high blood pressure) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). It is also used to treat chronic prostatitis in males. However, it is not recommended for use in those with a history of priapism (an erection that persists for more than four hours).
Are There Any Side Effects?
As with any medication, there are always risks associated with topical Viagra. The side effects most often reported include headache, flushing, heartburn, diarrhea, and stuffy or runny nose. While these are all common and expected side effects for many medications, it is still important to be aware of them especially if you’re a first-time user of this type of medication. Additionally, if you experience any unusual or severe side effects, speak to your doctor immediately as this may be an indication of a more serious health problem.
How Long Does It Last?
Just like all medications, topical Viagra has a duration of action that one must remember when taking it. In most cases, the effect of this medication will last for up to four hours. In case you experience an adverse reaction, discontinue use and contact your doctor. In the event of a recurrent episode, it may be necessary to increase the dosage or try a different product.
How Much Does It Cost?
Although topical Viagra is a medication that is very well-tolerated by patients, it is critical to bear in mind the cost implications. In the U.S., this medication is usually prescribed by doctors as part of a combination therapy for men with ED. Due to its significant cost, it is usually only covered by insurance in cases where the medication is indicated for a secondary purpose (i.e., in addition to treating ED). In case you have insurance coverage, your pharmacist will be able to provide advice on how to submit a claim for reimbursement.
More Information
If you have any other questions regarding topical Viagra, feel free to contact us at (888) 543-5680. We’re here to help.