The New York Times recently reported that sales of the male sexual enhancement drug Viagra were up 13% in 2015 because more and more men are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). That makes sense: According to the American Urological Association, approximately 70 million American men have some level of ED, which is the case for 86% of men between the ages of 40 and 70. It’s now common knowledge that exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent and manage ED. But what about drug therapy? Could a pill help with ED?
If you’re experiencing ED and you’re looking for help, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll discuss the various options available to you and how drug therapy for ED can benefit your health.
Viagra: What Is It?
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription drug that’s been around for a while now. It’s been approved by the FDA to treat ED and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).
The drug was originally developed to treat angina, a disease that causes chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart. Today, Viagra can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including ED and pulmonary hypertension. It’s also been known to help men who experience erectile dysfunction due to spinal cord injury, a stroke or a heart attack.
Why Is Viagra Used To Treat ED?
It’s been established that sildenafil helps increase blood flow to particular areas of the body, including the male genital tract. Because blood flow is restored to these areas, which in turn results in improved erectile function, sildenafil can be considered an ED drug. It’s also been shown to increase testosterone levels, resulting in a heightened sense of well-being and sexual desire.
Viagra is typically taken approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity and is absorbed relatively quickly by the body. It can be taken with or without food and remains effective for up to 24 hours. If you’d like to learn more, simply visit the drug’s official website.
What Is The Best Way To Take Viagra?
The FDA recommends that Viagra be taken as soon as possible in the morning, but it can be taken right before sexual activity or up to four hours after. While some men find it effective when taken orally, others find it works better when inserted into the urethra (the tube that urinates from).
As with any drug or supplement, mixing it up with other medications or supplements can improve effectiveness. Some men find that taking Viagra with a half glass of wine increases its absorption by at least 10%.
How Does It Work?
Viagra works by specifically inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5), which is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). CGM is a form of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMPO), which is an important type of biochemical messenger molecule. CGM and cAMPO work together to relax and dilate the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow throughout the body. When blood flow is increased to the penis, it results in an improved capacity for erectile function. So, in a nut shell, Viagra enhances blood flow to the penis, which in turn results in improved erectile function.
According to the American Urological Association, one of the basic principles of good medicine is to try and treat the cause of a disease, rather than just its symptoms. The same is true for ED. If you have ED, it’s important to look for the underlying cause. Poor diet, lack of exercise and certain hereditary factors can all contribute to the development of ED. Seeking treatment for ED should be considered a sign of good medical praxis.
What Are The Risks Involved?
The most common side effect of Viagra is a headache, which occurs in approximately 12% of users. Some men have also complained of dizziness or vision problems. If these side effects are bothersome, then alternative medications for ED should be considered. Some men have also complained of increased sensitivity to light, which can be troublesome if it persists. There’s also the relatively common problem of priapism (painful and persistent erection), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you experience any significant side effects, then you should consult your physician.
Are There Any Longer-Term Side Effects?
While there are no significant long-term side effects reported for Viagra, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a prescription medication. Thus, it should be kept out of reach of children and pets, as well as men who are already taking nitrates (nitroglycerin) for cardiac disease. It’s also not recommended to take the medication if you’re already taking other ED agents, as combining therapies may result in better outcomes than with either treatment alone. If you’re thinking about trying out this or any other medication for ED, it’s important to do your research first and make sure that you pick a safe and effective option.
Can It Be Taken With Other Medications?
If you’re taking other medications, it’s important to remember that Viagra interacts with a variety of drugs. So, if you’re taking blood thinners (anticoagulants), then you should avoid using Viagra, as it can cause serious bleeding. If you’re taking a prescription drug for depression, then you should not use or take Viagra, as it can enhance the effect of the antidepressant you’re on. The same goes for other CNS stimulants (nerve pills), antihistamines and some antibiotics. While this may not be a risk for everyone, it’s good to know what drugs you’re taking and what drugs you should avoid while on this or any other medication for ED. If you’re not sure whether or not a medication is safe to take with Viagra, then you should consult with your physician or a local pharmacist. Some men have even reported that taking Viagra with an antibiotic resulted in significant improvements in their erectile function.
Are There Any Over-The-Counter Options?
If you’re looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) alternative, then you should consider taking a look at Elagil (sildenafil citrate). While it has been established that Viagra is more effective when taken orally, Elagil is often preferred when inserted into the urethra. Like Viagra, Elagil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension and ED, so it has the advantage of being studied and approved by the FDA. It’s also effective when taken as a sublingual spray or a tablet, which some men prefer to take before sexual activity. Elagil is a natural alternative to Viagra and is considered safer and more effective by many users. It’s commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction in both men and women, as well as to enhance orgasm in women. In many cases, it’s effective in both women and men, even when taken alongside other ED medications. In the event of an adverse reaction, Elagil has a similar side effect profile to Viagra.
Can It Be Taken With Alcohol?
Alcohol has been shown to increase the effect of some medications, including Viagra. If you want to combine the effects of alcohol and Viagra, then there are a variety of options, including Trimox (triamcinolone acetonide), which is a corticosteroid and Viagra, or Exparel (dexketoprofen), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). If you want to try out a new medication for ED while drinking, then you should consult with your physician or a pharmacist first.
How Is It Regarded By The Medical Community?
While Viagra is an effective medication for ED that’s been around for several decades, it’s still considered experimental and is not widely used, especially given its high cost. It’s been established that there are better alternatives, which is why many men are seeking out and using complementary and alternative therapies to treat ED. The fact that men are realizing that they can treat their dysfunction more effectively with natural and organic products points to a paradigm shift in men’s health.