I cannot tell you how many emails I receive from readers who want to know about the “latest research” on Viagra and whether or not it works for men.
It’s a frequently asked question and, quite frankly, it’s a difficult one to answer. On the one hand, we have hundreds of thousands of people who have successfully used Viagra and, thanks to science, we have a good understanding of how and why it works.
On the other, we have a drug company that makes a fortune off of selling Viagra and another company that markets and sells complementary products. It’s a difficult balance when you’ve got competing interests. Nevertheless, let’s examine the evidence. Does Viagra work for men? More importantly, does it offer clinical benefits to men with erectile dysfunction?
What is Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). If you’re not sure what erectile dysfunction is, it’s time to learn!
If you think that your sex life is something to be ashamed of, you’re absolutely right! It’s a common issue for men, particularly older men who may not have even talked about it before. Learning about erectile dysfunction and the various treatments available is the first step toward improving your sex life and becoming more comfortable in the sack.
What exactly is erectile dysfunction?
Simply put, it’s the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that satisfies one’s sexual needs. While your grandpa may have had “one of those” problems back in the day, today we know there’s usually no one-size-fits-all approach to solving this issue. Thanks to modern science, we know that erectile dysfunction is a clinical problem that affects as many as 24 million men in the U.S alone. As a result, there are many possible causes of erectile dysfunction, including:
- arteriosclerosis
- hyperthyroidism
- gout
- diabetes
- heart disease
- alcoholism
- medication
It’s important to remember that not all cases of erectile dysfunction require treatment. In some instances, the issue may be psychological in nature and could be resolved with an adjustment to one’s attitude or state of mind. Still, for those who wish to improve their sex lives, there are options beyond casual sex or one-night stands. If you’re interested in trying Viagra, this is something you need to be aware of.
Over The Counter (OTC) And Prescription-Needed
For those who don’t want to invest in a pharmaceutical product, there are still options available for treatment. One of the most popular medications for treatment of erectile dysfunction is Viagra. While originally only available as a prescription, many drug stores now sell the drug over the counter (OTC).
Since the approval of sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) in 1998, there has been a 360-degree shift in how people with erectile dysfunction handle their medical condition. Prior to that time, the only option available was oral intercourse or a vasectomy. Thanks to research conducted in the years following, we now know that sildenafil is a powerful drug and one that works effectively for a large number of men with erectile dysfunction. In order to work its magic, simply take 25 mg of sildenafil no more than one hour before sexual activity.
While effective, if you do encounter side effects while taking Viagra, they are usually not serious and include:
- headache
- flushing
- dyspepsia (indigestion)
- nasal congestion
- photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- muscle pain
- stiffness
- indefectibility (lack of ability to discern shades of difference)
- back pain
Many men have found success with Viagra and continue to take the drug. If you’re among this group of people, congratulations! You’ve found a medication that has helped you perform in the bedroom and improved your sex life. Whether or not you’ve found the fountain of youth, you’ll certainly feel more comfortable in the sack thanks to Viagra. If you’re looking to experiment with pharmaceuticals for the first time, Viagra is a safe and effective choice. If, however, you’re already using a pharmaceutical and it’s been several years since your last visit to the doc, it may be time to have a chat with your primary care physician about changing your medication dosage or seeking a new medication. In some instances, it may be necessary to switch medications or cocktail therapy (combining drugs to treat a clinical condition) to enhance your sex life.
Is It Effective For All Cases Of Erectile Dysfunction?
While Viagra has been a monumental game changer for those who take it, it’s not suited for everyone. As with any new medication or treatment, there are various things you need to consider before you start popping pills or drinking potions. First off, make sure that you’re actually experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction. In some instances, the issues may be psychological in nature and could be resolved through a course of therapy or counseling. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, Viagra may not be available in a convenient form. In these cases, it’s important to try and identify the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction. Once you’ve done that, you can start working on fixing the problem. In some instances, surgery may be the answer and, in these cases, Viagra would be a last resort option. In some instances, it may be necessary to change your medication regimen (especially if you’re already taking medication for another condition) or try a different cocktail therapy to achieve the results you want. If you find that Viagra helps but you want more from your medication, talk to your doctor about trying a different drug or combination thereof. In some cases, it may be necessary to change medication or therapy altogether and explore other options such as counseling or a trial period with a testosterone patch. In any event, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about effective treatment for your specific situation. While medication may not be suitable for everyone, it’s important to remember that it’s also not the case that all forms of therapy are created equal. Just because a therapist advertises themselves as “Viagra-compatible” does not mean that the treatment is suited for everyone. In some cases, it may even be dangerous to try and self-diagnose and treat the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Only you and your doctor know for sure.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
If you’re wondering how long it takes for Viagra to work, the answer is almost immediately. That is, as long as you’ve taken the drug within one hour of sexual activity, you should begin to see results. As soon as thirty minutes to an hour have elapsed since the last dose, the medication will be cleared out of your system and you’ll have to wait until the next dose or sooner for results. This also means that you should begin to see results the very first day you try the medication. Not all men will experience the same results and, in some cases, it may take several weeks before you begin to see improvements. While frustrating, this is something that you should expect and not be surprised by. Remember, this is a medication that treats a clinical issue and is not a “quick fix” product. It takes time for your body to adjust to the medication and, in some instances, for the problem to resolve itself. In most cases, it is well worth the wait if you’re experiencing difficulties with erectile dysfunction. This is especially true if you’re trying to perform or have performed a sexual act and are anxious about maintaining an erection or experiencing a problem during intercourse. In some cases, it can also be the factor that discourages some men from even trying PDE-5 inhibitors (the other medication available to treat erectile dysfunction). In these instances, the lack of guaranteed results from the medication is a major turn-off. One hour spent waiting for a pill to take effect is better than an entire night of anxious fretting about whether or not your erection will last the duration of a sexual encounter. If you’re going to try medication, it’s important to remember how long it takes for the effects of the medication to be felt and, in some instances, it may take several weeks for the benefits to be fully realized.