Since its introduction in the 60s, Viagra has become one of the world’s most popular and well-known sex-enhancement medications. But do you really need it and is it the answer for you? Let’s explore.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is short for the drug known as “sildenafil citrate.” It was originally developed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. However, it has since become a treatment option for many sexual problems in both men and women. In the US alone, the drug has been prescribed to more than four million men and one million women.
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body, particularly to the genitalia. This, in turn, results in increased sexual desire and performance. While the drug was initially approved for use in men with ED, it has since been found to be effective for a number of sexual disorders. Some of these include:
- Infection (such as herpes simplex virus [HSV])
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Menopause
- Bothersome dyspareunia (painful sex or intercourse caused by vulva irritation due to a buildup of dead cells)
- Osteoporosis (weak bones)
- And more
How Effective is Viagra?
The effectiveness of any drug, including Viagra, can be judged by looking at the number of side effects it causes and the classes of people for whom it works. In that regard, Viagra is a fairly mild drug—it has a relatively low toxicity compared to many other medications. This makes it a viable option for a wide range of people. However, its effectiveness for treating certain sexual problems is well-documented. In particular, it has been shown to be particularly effective for men with ED. In fact, a number of clinical trials have shown that when used in combination with either a psychophysiological or a psychosexual therapy, Viagra is highly effective in treating this problem.
The truth is, while Viagra can be a useful addition to your medications for other conditions, it is usually not a solution to be found in a pharmacy. If you are looking for solutions for sexual problems, including ED, then you need to look elsewhere. There are various other medications that can be used to treat ED, with varying results. In some cases, the side effects of these medications can be less favorable than those of Viagra—particularly in the long term.
Is Viagra the Right Answer for You?
Because of its popularity and effectiveness for treating certain sexual problems, you might be under the impression that Viagra is the “Gold Standard” when it comes to treating sexual dysfunctions. However, this assumption could be considered wrong. While the drug can be effective for many people, it might not be the right solution for everyone. Factors such as your age and history of side effects should be considered before making a decision.
As with most medications, the use of Viagra is not without risks. These include but are not limited to:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Photosensitivity (this occurs in about 10% of patients and can be dangerous, especially in the presence of ultraviolet light—such as from sunlight or a tanning bed)
- Allergic reaction (in which case, the patient would have a rash, hives, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction)
- Vasodilation (which is a fancy word for “vasoconstriction”—in other words, blood vessel dilation—leading to an increased chance of a stroke or heart attack)
- Gastrointestinal reactions (such as ulcers and bleeding)
Given these risks, it is not always the best option to go around medicated. Sometimes it is better to try and adopt a more natural approach to sex and intimacy. In cases where medical intervention is necessary, then Viagra is a good option, but only if used appropriately and in low doses. When taken in high doses or for prolonged periods of time, as in the cases of “super-strength” or “whole-pack” ED treatments, then it quickly becomes clear that Viagra is not the solution but, rather, the problem.
How Long Does It Last?
Another consideration when choosing medication is how long it will last. Unfortunately, this is not always a reliable factor to consider when choosing a medication. Some medications, such as Viagra, have a relatively short half-life—in other words, they disappear from your body quickly once you stop taking them. Others, such as Viagra Soft and Cialis, have a longer half-life and, as a result, stay in your body for a greater amount of time.
The issue is that not all medications last for the same amount of time. Some can be taken once or twice a day, while others need to be taken once or twice a week. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or pharmacist to find out how long your medication will stay in your body.
Is It Safe to Take Viagra with Other Medications?
Another important issue to consider when choosing a medication is whether or not it is safe to take it with other medications. The answer to this question is usually “yes.” However, when a drug interacts with another medication or substance, the effects can be unpredictable. This often leads to adverse drug reactions and, in some cases, to deadly consequences. Even in cases where the interaction is not dangerous, it can still have unwanted side effects.
In terms of whether or not Viagra is safe to take with other medications, the short answer is “yes,” but only in limited circumstances. When taken with other medications that cause dilation of the blood vessels, then the interaction can be dangerous. One of the most common causes of blood vessel dilation is alcohol. Another is certain types of nutritional supplements, such as vitamin A and the herbal blends commonly found in health-food stores. In these cases, it is best to avoid taking both medications at once.
Is It Difficult to Get Viagra?
A question that frequently comes up when considering medications is how difficult it is to get them. This is especially relevant regarding Viagra, which is usually not a walk in the park to get. When it comes to most medications, including Viagra, there is generally no issue in getting them as long as you follow the instructions properly. However, there are numerous cases where people have had difficulty getting their hands on Viagra. This can be due to a number of factors—ranging from unavailability to financial restrictions.
Whether or not it’s difficult to get Viagra depends on your situation. If you are in a country where the medication is approved and available, then you will have no issues in getting it. Additionally, you might not even need a prescription as long as you have a valid one. Sometimes the doctor’s or the pharmacy’s staff may not understand your situation or they may not want to help due to lack of reimbursement. In these cases, getting the medication can be a hassle and oftentimes it’s easier to just do without it.
If you are outside of the U.S. and Canada and have financial restrictions, then it might be difficult to get Viagra. In some cases, patients have had to pay for their own prescriptions or out-of-pocket expenses, which can add up to a lot of money. This is one of the reasons why the cost of a single dose of the medication ranges from $60 to $90 or more, depending on the pharmacy. It’s not cheap.
What About the Sex Side Effects?
Another important factor to consider when choosing a medication is whether or not it has any adverse effects on your sex life. In general, most medications, including Viagra, have very little or no effect on your sex drive or performance. There are some notable exceptions to this rule—such as antidepressants, which, in high doses can cause a significant reduction in libido. It is also important to keep in mind that some medications, such as blood pressure medications, can cause ejaculatory dysfunction (EJD) in men.