Viagra is a medication that has redefined the treatment of impotence, or the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse. Its effectiveness in treating this common condition has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way that men with erectile dysfunction, or ED, are viewed and treated by their doctors and healthcare providers. The reason for this is that prior to the introduction of Viagra, impotence was often viewed as a sign of psychopathy or a character flaw that was beyond the medical treatment of most doctors.
The Evolution Of Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction
In the 1960s, the treatment of choice for ED was bilateral orchiectomy, the surgical removal of both testicles. This was a radical procedure back then, but it was considered the ‘gold standard’ of treatment, because it was the only way of ensuring that your manhood would be sustained for the rest of your life.
It’s not all that shocking that, up until the 1970s, ED was viewed as an unfortunate side effect of aging and an inevitable part of getting older. As a result, older men were often denied the treatment because of their age. This was simply unacceptable and prompted further inquiry into the subject.
In the 1980s, it was determined that a combination of psychological counseling and pharmacotherapy could be successfully utilized to treat ED. This was a significant breakthrough, because it meant that men with ED no longer had to face social stigma and could even be successfully treated. Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, there are still many men who are ashamed to admit that they have ED, and this often leads them to self-medicate with alcohol or even illegal drugs. This is why it’s still considered a problem, despite all the progress made in the last three decades.
How Viagra Changed Everything
Once Viagra came on the market, it was determined that this oral medication could be an effective treatment for ED. The reason for this is that it directly affects the neurological system which results in the relaxation and dilation of the veins in the penis. As a result, it promotes the flow of blood to the penis, which in turn, sustains an erection for a sufficiently long period of time. It was a groundbreaking medication that changed the game for men with ED, because it not only helped them sustain an erection, but it also allowed them to have pleasurable intercourse. This is why there are reports of men with ED having sex for the first time with their spouses after many years of frustration, thanks to Viagra.
Classifications Of Viagra
Viagra comes in many different forms and dosages, and because of this, it needs to be categorized and classified according to how it will be administered and what effects it will have. This is especially important when dealing with physicians and health care providers, because they usually have very specific instructions about how and when to administer certain medications, and they may also be unfamiliar with generic medications or medications which are available over the counter (O.C.).
There are three classifications of Viagra, and they are as follows:
- Fixed-dose combination product
- Modified-release product
- Filled-length product
Fixed-dose Combination Product
This is the original form of Viagra and it is a combination of sildenafil citrate (for oral intake) and vardenafil (for topical application). Sildenafil is a substance which is found in the fruit of the shrub, *Sildenafil citrate, and vardenafil is a medication which is derived from the plant *vardenafil hydrochloride. This product is typically taken orally and it is utilized in the treatment of ED. After being taken, it typically takes about 30 minutes for the medication to achieve effective concentration in the blood.
Modified-release Product
This is a type of Viagra which is designed to be absorbed more gradually. It is typically administered to men who have suffered from heart disease or those who have high blood pressure. It also works well in combination with antidepressants, because it helps reduce the side effects associated with these medications. This is one reason why it’s usually prescribed for men who are already on psychiatric medication. The modified-release form of Viagra does not contain sildenafil, but it does contain vardenafil.
Filled-length Product
These are thick, white, cylindrical tablets which are designed to be swallowed whole. The filled-length product of Viagra is indicated for use in men who have trouble swallowing pills, or in those who want an alternative route of administration. It also provides for better absorption and distribution when compared to the modified-release product. The filled-length product of Viagra does not contain sildenafil, but it does contain vardenafil.
It’s important to keep in mind that, although these three classifications of Viagra are very different, they are all effective in treating ED. However, you should consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine which one is most suitable for your situation, because each of these medications has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Some men may also want to try a combination of two or more of these medications, if they are effective for treating their ED. This is usually done in a trial setting, so that the patient does not get sick or injured because of the medication accidentally. The point is that you should not hesitate to try different medications, because there is typically more than one solution to every problem.