We all want to be comfortable in our own skin, and sometimes that means trying new things. For some, that might mean trying Viagra, the popular drug that can help men get and keep an erection. But is it safe for women? Is it a good idea for a woman to try Viagra? Let’s take a quick look at the facts.
Does Viagra Actually Work For Women?
The short answer is yes. While it was originally developed for use in males, recent studies have shown that it can also be effective for women. In fact, the drug can sometimes even be more effective for women than for men. Why? It’s all down to the way your body reacts to the medication. Some people have a more difficult time responding to Viagra than others do, which means it might take more of the drug for them to get the same effect. For some, it also takes a bit of trial and error to figure out the right dose for their body type and personal preferences.
How Does Viagra Work In Women?
Just like with many medications, the way Viagra works in women is not exactly known. However, there are a few known factors that impact how it will work for your unique body. For starters, women metabolize the drug differently than men do. It will also interact with your sex hormones, which is another factor that can determine how well it will work for you.
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate, works by relaxing the blood vessels in your brain and allowing more blood to flow into your penis. As a result, it helps promote bigger, firmer erections. Of course, this only works if you’re actually taking the drug—if you’re just taking its name, it might not do much at all.
Is Viagra Always Safe For Men?
While we’re on the subject of safety, let’s not forget about the more than 150,000 American men who take Viagra every day. Does this mean that it’s always going to be safe for them? Not necessarily. Just like with any medication, there are some adverse effects associated with taking Viagra. Some of the most common ones include:
- headache
- dizziness
- skin reactions that range from rashes and hives to more severe allergic reactions such as erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis
- severe liver damage
If you experience any of these side effects, it’s best to stop taking the drug and consult with your doctor. However, in some cases these side effects are outweighed by the benefits, especially if you’re not used to taking medications regularly (which many are not).
What About Women Who Are Pregnant Or Expecting To Get Pregnant?
Another potentially dangerous situation when it comes to Viagra is for women who are pregnant or those who plan to get pregnant. Just like any other drug, there are risks associated with taking Viagra while pregnant. Since sildenafil citrate is a derivative of vitamin E, it’s known as a vitamin E supplement. This means it could possibly interfere with the formation of maternal tissues in the womb, which may result in birth defects. For this reason, it’s recommended by FDA that pregnant women (and those who plan to get pregnant) avoid using this drug.
Is There Any Evidence That Viagra Is Safe For Men With Liver Problems?
Another group of people who should not take Viagra are those with severe liver problems. While the potential for serious side effects is low, it’s still not advisable to take the drug if you have severe liver disease. Because your liver filters out drugs before your body can use them, if you have bad liver health it’s better to avoid taking it. In some cases, the drug can interfere with the way certain medications work, which in turn can cause serious side effects. For this reason, it’s also recommended by the FDA that those with severe liver disease avoid using Viagra.
Is There Any Research About Viagra And Its Effects In The Elderly?
Last but not least, we have the issue of the elderly. Does this mean that everyone over the age of 65 should avoid taking Viagra? Definitely not. There are many instances where it can be very beneficial for the elderly. For instance, studies have shown that the drug can improve the quality of life for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, it is known that Viagra can help reduce the mental and physical trauma associated with these diseases.
Many people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have problems forming memories and keeping track of things, which can make daily living quite challenging. For this reason, many doctors recommend giving the drug to patients with Alzheimer’s and related diseases to improve their condition. As long as you’re not abusing it, there is no reason to believe that Viagra is harmful to the elderly. But, please, do your research before taking the drug.
In summary, is Viagra safe for women? Like any other drug, the answer is yes, but it depends on the woman and what she’s used to taking. If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to try a lower dose and see how you react. If you have a history of heart disease or blood pressure issues, then you should consult with your doctor before taking this medication.