Longtime fans of the popular impotence drug Viagra may have wondered how the generic equivalent drug has stood the test of time. Now, they can finally rest easy knowing that its popularity has not waned among older men. According to a recent report from Grand View Research, as of 2017 there were 265.9 million prescriptions written in the U.S. for Viagra and other PDE-5 inhibitors. That’s almost 80% of all prescriptions written for erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs overall.
Why Are Older Men Vaping Up?
It’s not just the passing of time that makes Viagra such a popular drug. Thanks to modern medicine, men can now live longer. That means they get to enjoy better health for longer and, in turn, have more time to get aroused and engage in sexual activity. It’s no surprise that more and more men are seeking medical help for ED as they get older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 29 million American men between the ages of 40 and 54 have ED. That’s more than one in four men in this country. It also means there’s a lot of room for drug sales.
How Is Viagra Different From Other ED Meds?
Like many other men, you may have tried a variety of treatments for ED, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and even self-help techniques. While most treatments for ED are effective in some way, they all have major drawbacks. Some of the more popular OTC and prescription remedies include:
- Vitamin E
- Stress management techniques
- Yohimbe
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Avodart (Avocor)
Each of these treatments has its benefits, but they all have major pitfalls. For instance, vitamin E isn’t recommended for people with hypertension or diabetes, and it has a nasty effect on the liver. Yohimbe can lead to dangerous hallucinations and there are no tests to determine whether you’re sensitive to it or not.
Other therapies for ED, such as stress management and herbal remedies, are not recommended for people with cardiovascular disease. Self-help techniques, such as exercises and watching porn, can also be harmful if not done correctly. It’s not just men that suffer from ED. Studies have shown that it can be incredibly difficult for women to achieve and maintain an erection if they haven’t had some kind of sexual experience in the previous four weeks. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor for help as soon as possible.
What Is PDE-5 Inhibitors And How Do They Work?
If you’re really curious about Viagra and the other PDE-5 inhibitors, it’s important to note what they are and how they work. Unlike most ED drugs, which affect serotonin receptors and are, therefore, categorized as ‘serotonin-reuptake inhibitors’ (or SRI’s), PDE-5 inhibitors don’t act on serotonin. Instead, they act on a specific receptor called PDE5, which is found in abundance in the erectile tissues of your penis. PDE5 breaks down cGMP, which is a hormone that helps relax your smooth muscle tissue and allows blood to flow into your erectile tissues more freely. When blood flows into your erectile tissues, it stimulates the nerve endings and causes you to become erect.
Other than Viagra and its competitors, there isn’t an SRI on the market that acts on PDE5. That’s why they’re often referred to as ‘PDE-5 inhibitors’.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effects of Viagra usually start showing within 15 minutes and last for approximately three hours. Although the effects of PDE-5 inhibitors are typically felt quickly, they can still take a while to fully kick in. That’s because there’s a period of time where the drug is breaking down in your bloodstream and accumulating in your tissues before it can start working. In general, the longer it takes for a drug to travel to its destination, the more effective it is. That’s why it’s best to wait a few minutes after taking it before having sexual intercourse. Otherwise, your body won’t have time to process the drug and it might not work as well as it could.
What Forms Do Viagra And Its Competitors Come In?
Just like many other health supplements and goods, Viagra and its competitors are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, gels, and liquids. You may have tried one or more of these forms if you’re among the many men who are bothered by ED and decide to self-prescribe (you’ll learn more about this phenomenon later on in this article). However, it’s important to keep in mind how each of these forms and dosage strengths of Viagra work. For instance, tablets are the most popular form of Viagra. However, depending on how much sexual activity you have, you might want to try a liquid form of the drug. It’s also worth noting that liquids are more effective when absorbed through the oral mucosa and therefore, require more careful attention to detail. Gels are another popular option for people with ED. However, they’re not for everyone. Some people have had negative experiences with gels and other PDE-5 inhibitors, so you need to be careful when selecting this form.
What Are The Side Effects Of Viagra And Its Competitors?
As with many other drugs, the side effects of Viagra and its competitors depend on the individual and their health. Some of the more common side effects include headache, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These are most often seen in people who take a large dose or who become over-sensitive to the drug. Individuals who experience these side effects should not take the drug and should consult their doctor as soon as possible. Other less common side effects include liver toxicity, heart attack, and stroke, which are all life-threatening.
Do Men With Heart Disease Or Diabetes Inveterately Have Poor Erections?
It’s well known that men with cardiovascular disease and diabetes have a harder time maintaining an erection, especially if they take certain medications (such as nitrates) or supplements (such as vitamin E). That’s why it’s important to have a regular doctor’s checkup and to make sure you’re not taking any unhealthy supplements or drugs. If you do have cardiovascular disease or diabetes, it’s also important to see your doctor regularly for blood sugar monitoring and to ensure you’re taking the proper medications.
How Is Viagra And Its Competitors Regarded By The FDA?
Just like most other prescription and over-the-counter medications, Viagra and its competitors are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although prescription drugs are required to undergo more trials and testing before they’re approved, over-the-counter drugs aren’t. That’s why you’ll often see multiple competing brands for the same product (e.g. Viagra, Cialis, and Avocor). Over-the-counter drugs are also approved based on the safety and effectiveness of their components, while prescription drugs are approved based on the overall effect the drug has on the patient. That means that, although all of these drugs may help men with ED, they’re not all created equal and it’s important to be mindful of which ones you choose based on your specific needs and concerns.
Is There Any Other Benefit To Taking Viagra Or Its Competitors?
Aside from helping men with ED, there are a few other advantages to taking Viagra or its competitors. For instance, people who take PDE-5 inhibitors regularly have been shown to have a higher level of satisfaction in their sex lives. Some men who take the drug also report experiencing an improvement in overall quality of life. However, these are rare cases and should not be over-generalized.
The bottom line is that, although Viagra and its competitors have been around for 20 years and have saved countless sexual encounters, they are still associated with a number of risks. Therefore, you should only take them under the proper circumstances and supervision of a medical professional. In this case, that may mean trying something different for men with ED or who are looking for an alternative.