Viagra. The pill that changed lives. Or perhaps more accurately, the pill that changed the perceptions of many men who took it. Few drugs have done so much for so many at such little cost. Its effects can be felt in all walks of life. It has been hailed as the greatest medical breakthrough of the 21st century so far, and with good reason.
But what is it actually doing? Does it work? How does it work? Is it safe? These are all questions men and women who are considering the drug for medical reasons may have. Fortunately, we have the answers they’re looking for. And perhaps more importantly, we have the full story of how this little blue pill came to be.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug that was first approved by the FDA in 1998 for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Since then, it has morphed into so much more. Though originally designed to treat erectile dysfunction, it was first approved for use in people with heart disease. Since then, it’s been used in multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, and even asthma. It is available in both oral and injection forms, and it’s also been produced as a film for use with a camera. It’s truly an amazing compound.
Why is it so versatile? Its active ingredient, sildenafil, is a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDEI). It is one of the main ingredients of Viagra®, and it is what makes the pill so effective. The chemical structure of sildenafil is very similar to the chemical structure of the female sex hormone, estrogen. This in turn makes it very similar to the male sex hormone, testosterone.
Sildenafil is a very effective PDEI because it can stay in the body for a very long time before being broken down by the body. This means that it can have an effect on a man’s body for a very long time. This is important because many men experience the unpleasant effects of erectile dysfunction after a certain period of time. This is why it’s so important that doctors are able to pinpoint the right treatment for a man with ED, especially if they want him to continue to enjoy his sex life.
How Does Viagra Work?
Like many other medicines, Viagra works by altering the behavior of living cells. In the case of sildenafil, though, these are cells that line the walls of blood vessels. These vessels are found in the corpora cavernosa of the penis. If you’ll remember from your high school biology, the corpora cavernosa are two spongy sponge-like tissue that fill up with blood during arousal. This is what makes it possible for a man to get an erection. In the case of Viagra, the drug interacts with these cells, preventing them from breaking down a chemical that encourages blood vessel dilation and keeps their structure intact. The net result is a man is less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
This way of thinking about how drugs work is known as pharmacodynamics. It is a way of thinking about how a drug interacts with the body and how that interaction contributes to a desired change. When a man takes Viagra, it primarily works in the following ways:
- It relaxes the corpora cavernosa, increasing the flow of blood into the penis. This in turn, increases the ability of the penis to become erect.
- It prevents the ejaculation of semen, thus prolonging intercourse. This can be particularly useful for men with premature ejaculation, who may also benefit from the reduced anxiety when having sexual intercourse with a partner.
- It allows men with heart disease to have erections that last longer than usual. This helps them have better sexual experiences and may even increase their desire for sex.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra?
Though all medications come with some risk, it is safe to say that Viagra is very safe. The only significant side effect is a head-ache which is usually mild and goes away after a short while. Other side effects include upset stomach, facial flushing, and a few very rare but serious cases of vision problems and even hearing loss. The vast majority of men who take the pill experience none of these side effects. And for those who do experience them, they are usually very mild and temporary. Though this is not a common side effect, it is one that doctors and drug manufacturers are very familiar with because it is so common that men experience it after taking Viagra.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effects of Viagra typically take place within 15 to 20 minutes after consumption. In some people, it can take a little longer for the effects to be felt completely. In others, the effects are felt almost immediately. This is highly dependent on the individual and their body weight. Young males tend to experience the effects of the pill more quickly than older males and those who are overweight. Those who are obese may also require higher doses to see the same effects.
Is There Any Substitute For Viagra?
Though it would be nice if there were a drug out there that worked just like Viagra, there isn’t one that currently does. The closest alternative is Cialis, which is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. However, it is not recommended to take Cialis if you are already taking Viagra. The two chemically are quite similar and could potentially have some serious interactions if taken together. It is best to consult your physician or pharmacists before taking any additional medications when already taking a PDEI like Viagra.
Where Can I Buy Viagra?
Though the FDA has approved Viagra for use in the United States, it is not available for purchase at most pharmacies. This is because the drug is considered a prescription medication and only physicians can legally prescribe it. In most cases, the pharmacy will have a physician phone number on hand so that you can speak to someone immediately to see if your drug is covered or not. In some instances, the cost of the medication can be covered under insurance policies. However, the majority of the time the drug will not be covered due to its high cost. In these cases, you may have to pay for the cost of the medication yourself or ask your insurance company for a special exception for that particular medication.
When Does Viagra Become Less Effective?
The exact period during which a man will experience the effects of Viagra is dependent on a number of factors. The first and most obvious is that the older the man gets, the less effective the pill will be. Besides age, many other factors can prevent a man from fully benefiting from the drug. These include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity. All of these factors can cause ED and prevent the drug from working effectively.
Overall Review: Is VIAGRA Worth It?
It is clear that even the most basic questions about Viagra have an answer. Does it work? Is it safe? These are all things that men and women who are taking the drug for medical reasons should ask themselves. It would be easy for this review to become a full-blown pharmacological analysis of the compound. However, that isn’t the purpose of this article. Though it is important to have an understanding of how a drug works and what its side effects are, it is just as important to understand if it is truly effective for the individual. For those who are considering the drug for medical reasons, the answer is a resounding yes! Though it would be great to have a magic pill that could cure all infections and infertility, there isn’t such a pill. However, there is a medication that can help men and women who are suffering from these conditions have better sexual experiences and even increased their desire for sex. This medication is called Viagra and it is a safe and effective drug that can be used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and female sexual dysfunction in women. Though it would be great to finally have a medication that could fix everything, for the time being, Viagra is still the best choice for those who are seeking a natural alternative.