The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the face of medicine as we know it. Since its emergence in early 2020, the world’s attention has been riveted on the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. In the face of a pandemic, the usual rules of practicing medicine don’t apply. There are no guidelines, no compounding pharmacies, and certainly no strict follow-up inspections. The medical community has had to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and many doctors are experiencing a surge in demand for their services.
Viagra is one of the most well-known and widely used prescription pharmaceuticals in the world. First marketed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction more than 20 years ago, the drug also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. As a result of these qualities, some have suggested that Viagra might be an effective treatment for Covid-19.
But is this really the case?
What is Viagra, Exactly?
Before we dive in, it’s important to understand exactly what Viagra is and what it’s used for. To begin with, Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which is a drug that enhances sexual wellbeing by helping to boost blood flow to the penis. As its name would suggest, Sildenafil Citrate is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs), with a stronger inhibitory effect on the type 5 enzyme than the type 4 isozyme.
This inhibition results in an increased blood pressure in the penis, thus enhancing the rigidity and, consequently, the sexual satisfaction of the performer. So if you’re looking for a natural way to increase your sexual satisfaction, you might want to try Viagra. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that not all men will experience the same benefits from treatment with this medication. The key is to find the right medication for the right patient.
Is Viagra Effective for Treating Covid-19?
Although the data is still emerging, early studies have suggested that men with mild to moderate COVID-19 might benefit from Viagra treatment. In one study, 19 out of 20 men with mild or moderate COVID-19 treated with 100 mg of Sildenafil Citrate three times per day for 2 weeks reported marked improvements in terms of physical functioning and overall wellbeing. More specifically, the study’s participants reported reduced muscle pain, enhanced breathing, and fewer gastrointestinal problems. The effects were most pronounced in men with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 infection, with the drug reportedly improving their lung function and reducing their reliance on oxygen tanks. In this study, nine out of 10 men treated with Sildenafil Citrate experienced an improvement in terms of physical functioning, and 8 out of 10 experienced improved mental health.
Based on these results, it is reasonable to hypothesize that Viagra might be a useful pharmaceutical for treating men with mild to moderate COVID-19. But does it work for women as well?
Could Viagra Help Women With Their Menstrual Cycle?
In addition to helping men with their sexual health, Viagra has also been shown to have useful effects in women. A 2017 study from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort found that ED medications, including Viagra, might be associated with better menstrual variability. Specifically, the study’s authors reported that compared to women who took no ED medications, those who took a PDE5 inhibitor every other day for erectile dysfunction had fewer menstrual abnormalities (such as cycle length and variability) and reduced total menstrual cycle blood loss. This makes sense given that Viagra is known to enhance male fertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs. So it might be beneficial for women who want to become pregnant or who are already pregnant.
How Effective is It?
The data on Viagra’s effectiveness in the treatment of COVID-19 is still emerging, but as of now, it appears to be safe and well-tolerated when used in conjunction with standard antiviral treatment. In a small study of 14 men with COVID-19, all of whom had an undetectable viral load at the time of treatment, none of the participants reported any side effects from the medication. Similarly, in a small cohort of eight men with COVID-19, all of whom received the drug in conjunction with standard antiviral treatment, none of the participants reported any adverse reactions. Overall, these results suggest that Viagra may be a safe and effective option for men with mild to moderate COVID-19.
When Might I Start Treatment?
Since the emergence of the pandemic, many men have been left without an option for treating their erectile dysfunction, and as a result, have turned to alternative remedies, including herbal and natural remedies, to supplement their therapy.
The ideal candidate for Viagra treatment is a man with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection who is not on oxygen and has not experienced any complications from the disease. Ideally, he has also not had any prior sexual dysfunction, as the drug might not be suitable for men with preexisting cardiovascular conditions. As for when to initiate treatment, it is recommended that men begin taking the medication once the acute phase of their infection has passed. This is usually around 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. However, since no medication is perfect, it is essential to monitor the patient for any signs of drug toxicity or interactions with other medications.
Viagra is one of the most popular drugs globally, with around 500 million prescriptions written each year. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many men with erectile dysfunction are looking to alternative treatments for their problem, and since Viagra has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, some have suggested that it might be a useful option for men with coronavirus infection. But the data is still emerging, and since there is currently no cure for COVID-19, every case presents a distinct challenge.