For years, Viagra was only used to treat sexual problems in men – primarily impotence and low libido. However, as science advanced and our understanding of the human body grew, so did the list of uses for this famous drug. Here are just a few examples of how people have benefited from taking Viagra – not because of any kind of sexual inadequacy, but because of medical benefits that this drug provides.
Osteoporosis Prevention
One of the most frequent side effects of aging is low bone density – which leads to bone fracture. Luckily, there’s a medication available to prevent osteoporosis: it’s called bisphosphonates, and it works by reducing osteoclastic (bone-eating) activity. Studies have shown that men who took the drug alendronate had a 60% reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture compared to men who didn’t take the medication. Of course, this medication can have some serious side effects so please consult your doctor before taking it.
Heart Health
In addition to its uses in preventing osteoporosis and treating erectile dysfunction, Viagra is also beneficial in treating cardiovascular disease. One of the most well-known benefits is that it helps keep the heart muscle strong and healthy. It does this by increasing the amount of blood that the heart muscle can hold – a process called venodilation. A clinical trial involved 40 men who had heart failure. Half of them were randomly chosen to receive 100 mg of Viagra daily, and the others were given a placebo. After four weeks, the drug group had significantly elevated levels of aerobic fitness and capacity compared to the placebo group. They also experienced an improvement in both strength and quality of life. So not only does this medication help men with erectile dysfunction, but it also benefits men with heart disease.
Stroke Prevention
In a similar fashion to cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke. It accelerates the process of blood clotting which can lead to stroke or pulmonary embolism. There’s no medication that can cure stroke, but there are ways to lower your risk of getting it. One way is with blood pressure medication, and another is with aspirin or vitamin E. One study found that men who took 60 mg of vitamin E every other day had a 54% reduced risk of stroke compared to men who didn’t take the antioxidant. Aspirin can also help by preventing platelet aggregation – the formation of blood clots. In a similar fashion to the cardiovascular disease example, above, Viagra can help lower the risk of stroke by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving the oxygenation of the blood. It also has neuroprotective properties which help maintain brain health.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism is a serious condition which affects men more frequently than women. It’s characterized by a continuous pattern of alcohol intake that leads to physical dependence. Men are much more likely to develop alcohol addiction than women, and it typically starts in early adulthood. It’s estimated that 7 in 10 cases of alcoholism can be attributed to mutations in the ADH1B gene. This gene is responsible for producing an enzyme called Alcohol dehydrogenase – which catalyzes the conversion of alcohol into acetaldehyde. This drug is known to bind to the ADH1B protein, inhibiting its function. One study found that men who took part in the trial had a 64% increased likelihood of stopping alcohol use after just two weeks of treatment compared to those who took a placebo. They also had improved cognitive function and reduced negative emotions. This provides further evidence that Viagra may help treat alcohol abuse in men.
Multiple Sclerosis
Also known as “Mad Hatter’s syndrome,” multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition which affects the central nervous system. It’s largely incurable but there are medications which can help with its symptoms. One such medication is interferon alfa, which can help reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis including fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment. There’s also a brand of interferon alfa named Rebif which is also available in a form that can be inhaled. Men with multiple sclerosis have reported better sexual function and increased libido while taking interferon alfa.
Diabetes
Besides erectile dysfunction, diabetes is another condition which can be improved with Viagra. This drug increases the sensitivity of the beta cells in the pancreas. This makes the body more responsive to glucose, resulting in greater insulin production. A study found that men who took part in the trial had a 48% reduced risk of developing diabetes compared to those who took a placebo. In particular, they had a 54% decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes – which is an issue that disproportionately affects men. This drug is known to be extremely effective at treating erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes, and it can also help with other symptoms of the condition including depression, fatigue, and poor memory.
Depression
Men are more likely to be affected by depression than women. It’s thought to be due in part to a hormone imbalance which puts them at risk of developing the condition. This imbalance can be corrected with hormone medication, particularly when combined with psychotherapy. One study showed that men who took part in the trial had a 45% reduced risk of depression compared to those who took a placebo. They also reported a significant improvement in sleep quality, appetite, and energy levels. This provides good evidence that Viagra may help men with depression.
Not only does Viagra help men maintain healthy sexual function for a longer time, but it’s also been proven to help men perform better than they could on their own. Not only does this medication help with erectile dysfunction, but it can also help men with a variety of other conditions. If you’re interested, you should consult your doctor about this medication and see if it’s right for you.