A lot has been said and written about Viagra. Known for its ability to enhance sexual performance, the blue pill has been hailed as a panacea for many sexual ailments. But what is really the secret to its success? We take a look at the scientific research to find out.
The History Of Viagra
It was first manufactured in the 1950s and was initially designed to treat angina, a condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart. Known by its original brand name Sildenafil, Viagra is now one of the most popular medications in the world. In fact, according to a 2014 report, the medicine was prescribed more than 270 million times and was consumed by more than 200 million people worldwide.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is a member of a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (or PDE-5 inhibitors for short). Working by increasing the amount of blood flowing to the penis and testicles, the medicine helps to relax some of the muscles in these areas, thus increasing desire and pleasure during sexual activity. In other words, Viagra is able to increase blood flow to the genitals, which in turn increases the “pleasure centers” in the brain.
Does It Work For Everyone?
While most people experience some improvement with Viagra, it isn’t a cure-all medication. In fact, as with other medications, side effects can occur. Although they are fairly uncommon, they can include stuffy or irritated nose, indigestion, and headaches. Sometimes, people experience short-term blackouts due to increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Like other medications, Viagra has a “therapeutic window,” which is the time period in which it is most effective. This window typically lasts for about an hour or two before it begins to lose its effectiveness. The exact time varies from person to person, but most people experience its effects within the first thirty minutes to one hour after taking the medication.
Is It Safe To Take With Other Medications?
Taking medications with other medications can be dangerous. Some medications can cause harmful interactions, especially when taken together. When this happens, the effects of both medications can be amplified or weakened, potentially leading to serious side effects or even death. To avoid these risks, people taking medications should consult with their doctor or pharmacist about what combinations are safe to take and which are not. In particular, because Viagra is a drug that is also used to treat high blood pressure, those already taking antihypertensives must be careful about combining the two medications.
The Difference In Practice
Although the science behind Viagra is interesting, understanding how the medication works can still be difficult for patients who have never taken it before. To begin with, doctors will often recommend trying a smaller dose at first, which some patients then have to gradually increase. In addition, people on Viagra sometimes experience side effects that are different from those of other medications. For example, while those on phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors commonly experience headaches, jaw tension, and visual disturbances, those on opioid medications (such as morphine) may experience respiratory depression.
Many people are also leery of medications that can temporarily improve their sexual performance. They may feel that the benefits do not outweigh the risks. However, just because something is considered “risky” or “adverse” does not mean that it isn’t beneficial. When taken in small doses and for short periods of time, most medications are safe. It is only when used in high doses and for long periods of time that these risks occur. The key is to understand what the risks are and how significant they are before you start taking a particular medication.
Some people have also accused Viagra of creating a “drug culture,” where individuals use the medication simply to boost their sex drive and engage in more sexual activity. Although this may be true for a small number of people, scientists say that it is not the case for most individuals who use the medicine. In fact, people who have taken Viagra for a sexually related condition say that it helps to relieve their anxiety and boredom as much as it enhances their sexual performance.
The Evidence
Many scientific studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of Viagra. Some of these studies were small, with only a few dozen participants, while others were large, with hundreds of participants. For the most part, these studies found that Viagra works as advertised and increases desire, arousal, and pleasure during sexual activity in the majority of people who took it.
As for safety, most large studies found no significant adverse effects from taking the medication. However, one study did find that those taking Viagra had more cardiovascular problems than those who took a placebo. Patients should consult their doctor about what combinations of medications are safe to take together and which ones are not before starting with this medication.