Most guys can’t wait to get their hands on Viagra. But is it the right drug for your son? More and more parents are asking themselves this question as they see their young men struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (commonly known as impotence) that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for men age 18 and older. It is classified as a PDE5 inhibitor, which promotes relaxation of the blood vessels throughout the body and increases blood flow to certain parts of the body, particularly the penis.]
Although it was originally intended for use in treating erectile dysfunction in men, recent studies show that Viagra may also be beneficial for women in the right doses.
Whether or not you agree that Viagra is the right choice for your son, you have to admit that it’s becoming a controversial topic. It wasn’t long ago that impotence was considered a “man problem.” These days, it is far more common to see discussions about impotence online, in media, and even at school. Kids are especially vulnerable to cyber bullying when it comes to their sex lives, so it is essential that they have the support of their parents and educators when dealing with this issue. When it comes to our sons’ impotence, many parents don’t know where to turn. The stigma that still surrounds this issue means that there aren’t many support groups that parents can join to find the answer to their question. Thanks to social media, though, many parents now have a place to turn toward when seeking advice about their impotent sons.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at what is known about Viagra and its potential side effects, as well as what parents and youth experts have to say about whether or not it’s the right choice for your son.
Key Facts About Viagra
Viagra is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is currently sold as a generic drug. Its brand name, Sildenafil (formerly Viagra), is a common abbreviation for its full pharmaceutical name, Sildenafil Citrate. Sildenafil helps relax blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into it and maintain an erection. When blood flow is restricted, the brain doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen, resulting in a lowered level of consciousness and sometimes even death (for example, when diving into water). In order to avoid these potential side effects, you must check the package insert carefully before prescribing this medication to any of your patients. One very important point to make is that although Viagra is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men, it probably wasn’t developed with that use in mind (at least, not primarily).
The main issue that doctors and scientists are currently facing is that early clinical trials suggesting that Viagra was effective in treating women with the condition didn’t prove out to be true. After spending a fortune on trials and developing a new drug, pharmaceutical companies that make Viagra don’t want to see it go to waste, especially since it offers significant market potential. This is why they are trying to find a use for it in women. At this point, though, there isn’t enough data to really know what the long-term effects of taking Viagra in women might be. For this reason, the FDA has classified it as an “orphan drug,” i.e., a medication that has been approved for use but has few or no competitors in the market. As a result, when a pharmaceutical company decides to stop making it, it can become extremely difficult to find a prescription. In 2012, Pfizer, the company that makes Viagra, stopped producing it, forcing many doctors to take a break from prescribing it. This is especially problematic for doctors who specialize in geriatric medicine, as they have to turn to other doctors to get their prescriptions renewed. Fortunately, this issue was addressed when the FDA approved a generic version of Viagra (known as Revatio) for use in August 2014. Now, if you want to find a prescription for Viagra, you can probably get it pretty easily. Unfortunately, the price of this medication has more than doubled since it was approved for use in female patients. It now costs $48 for a 30-day supply, compared to $24 for the same amount before it was approved for use in women. (The good news is that it is now available at a decent price from most major pharmacy chains. Many insurance companies also cover the cost of this medication.)
Is It the Right Choice For My Son?
The issue of whether or not to prescribe Viagra to your son is a difficult one. When it comes to impotence in men, most doctors agree that it’s a condition that needs to be treated, and they are usually quick to recommend a medication. The problem is that not all guys will appreciate or accept the offer, especially since impotence in men is still somewhat of a “man-of-the-woods” issue. It is still commonly referred to as “the male gazooka,” which is a play on the phrase “the woman’s gazelle” (used to describe the sporty and attractive young woman). Many people still think that impotence is just a way for a man to avoid dealing with his issues or that it’s a character flaw rather than a medical condition.
Your son will be more receptive to the idea if you show him how it can be a beneficial part of his treatment. You can tell him that while it was originally developed to treat erectile dysfunction, recent studies have shown that it can also help improve orgasms in women and treat medical conditions such as pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). These are just some of the issues that your son might be facing, and if you show that it can be a helpful medication, he will appreciate the offer. It may take some convincing, but it is worth it.
Potential Side Effects Of Viagra
One of the most significant issues that you need to consider is whether or not Viagra is going to cause any side effects in your son. As mentioned above, there is a significant risk of taking this medication, particularly if you are or were treated for heart disease. To put it bluntly, Viagra can cause strokes and heart attacks in some people. This is why you need to have a firm grasp of your son’s medical history before deciding to give him this medication. If you notice any changes in his mental or physical state, you need to have it checked out by a doctor. (These days, you can purchase a drug test from most pharmacies with no prescription required. Just make sure that you know what the implications are before you do so.)
When it comes to the nervous system, Viagra can have both desirable and undesirable effects. While it can increase blood flow to certain parts of the body and reduce blood pressure (good), it can also cause some people to experience headaches (bad). At this point, there isn’t enough data to know for sure, but it is something to consider.
Key Points To Remember
When you’re deciding whether or not to give your son Viagra, there are several key points that you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that he is old enough to handle these medications. While it is generally accepted that men can start taking them at age 18, some doctors recommend waiting until a person is at least 21 years old. Keep in mind that the dosages will be different when it comes to children. It is also advisable to have blood tests done before starting him on any type of medication, particularly if it is a new and different medication. (This way, you can be sure that you’re not giving your son any drugs that could potentially interact with each other.)
As for whether or not to prescribe Viagra to your son, that is a personal choice and depends entirely on your situation. The good news is that with the right advice and education, more and more parents are choosing to give this medication to their sons. Thanks to social media, where people can now easily find the support they need, this is no longer an issue. Finally, be sure to have your son’s consent before giving him any drug tests. (It is generally accepted that a parent has the right to test their child for drugs. However, it is still a touchy subject since a lot of parents fear that their kids will grow up thinking that drugs are okay. Having a conversation with your son about his drug use may be difficult, but it will be worth it in the long run.)