This question needs to be asked, mainly because many people have misconceptions about prescribed medication – particularly when it comes to sex-related issues (1). So before we begin, it’s important to set the record straight.
Viagra is a drug used for treating erectile dysfunction, not for recreational purposes. Recreational use of Viagra is actually discouraged because it could potentially lead to dangerous side effects (1, 2). While it’s true that drugs like Viagra can help men get an erection, it’s not the main goal of the medication. That being said, some men may see benefits from using recreational drugs, such as Viagra, to enhance their sexual experience (3).
As a society, we’ve come a long way when it comes to accepting differences between men and women. However, when it comes to sexuality, we still have a long way to go. Many people believe that because Viagra is a drug designed to help men get an erection, it must be solely used to enhance sexual performance. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s true that Viagra can help some men get an erection, it’s not the main purpose of the medication. That being said, many men do experience benefits from using Viagra for sexual enhancement (4).
The History of Viagra
As mentioned above, Viagra is not intended for recreational use. It was first approved for use in the United States in 1996 and was originally known as sildenafil citrate (5). The drug was developed and patented by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer (5). In 2006, Viagra was approved for use in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe (5).
Though some men may experience benefits from using Viagra for sexual enhancement, the medication is most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (5). In the year 2013 alone, nearly 14 million prescriptions for Viagra were written in the United States (6). That’s a 36% increase over the previous year (5).
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra, like other prescription drugs, works by interacting with specific parts of the body. In the case of sildenafil citrate, the drug affects the corpus cavernosum (7) – the structure within the penis that stores blood for arousal (8). After a meal, blood is released from the stomach into the small intestine. From there, the blood flows towards the penis. This is where the corpus cavernosum comes in. After entering the penis, the blood stays inside the cavernous body for about 15 minutes before trickling out (9).
When a man is sexually excited, a chemical in his brain called nitric oxide (NO) is released (10). This chemical acts as a messenger, traveling across both space and time to reach the corpus cavernosum. Once it arrives there, it stimulates the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) (10). Nitric oxide helps to relax the smooth muscles in the corpus cavernosum, allowing more blood to flow into the organ (10). As a result, an erection occurs (10).
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into making an erection happen. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Viagra can sometimes take a while to take effect. Because of this, it’s important for men to remember to take the medication at the recommended dosage (5). Doing so will ensure that the benefits are realized as soon as possible (5).
What Are The Risks of Viagra?
Though Viagra is generally considered a safe drug, it’s still a medication. This means that it can have side effects (5, 11). The most common side effect is headaches (8, 11). Other common side effects include upset stomach, facial flushing, and shortness of breath (5, 11). In rare instances, men have experienced severe side effects such as a persistent erection that required surgical intervention, heart attack, or stroke (12).
As mentioned above, recreational use of medication like Viagra is discouraged because of the potential for serious side effects (1, 2, 5, 13). Though these risks are rare, it’s still not something to take lightly (2, 14). For this reason, men who have a poor understanding of what their body is doing when they take drugs are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects (2). It’s also important for men to keep in mind that because Viagra is a medication, it will probably not be tolerated as well by some men as compared to others (2). This is due to genetic and/or environmental factors (2).
Who Can Benefit From Using Viagra?
Though Viagra is not designed for recreational use, it’s still a medication. So it’s important to keep in mind that there are some people, mainly older men, who can benefit from using the drug (1, 5, 15). As mentioned above, the most common side effect of Viagra is headaches. For this reason, it’s important for men to discuss any worries they have about taking the medication with their doctor (16). This will help ensure the safest possible dose is prescribed and also help men understand what to expect (16).
Another important factor to consider is that men with liver problems are at a higher risk of suffering side effects from medications, including Viagra (17, 18). For this reason, it’s important for these men to take the drug only after discussing the risks with their doctor (5).
When Should You Avoid Taking Viagra?
Though Viagra is considered a safe and effective medication when used at the recommended dosage, there are still times when men should avoid taking the drug (5, 19). For example, if you are currently taking the drug for a similar condition, it may not be a good idea to suddenly jump to another medication (5, 19). This could potentially lead to dangerous side effects (5, 19).
Also, if you are taking any nitrates – such as tablets, patches, or rings – it’s not recommended that you take Viagra (5, 19). This is because nitrates inhibit the action of nitric oxide, thus preventing it from reaching the corpus cavernosum (19). Inhibition can sometimes occur even at doses as low as one tablet per day (19). Though rare, there are cases where this type of drug interaction has caused serious harm, including heart attack and stroke (3, 19).
Is There Anything Else You Should Know About Viagra?
Just because Viagra is a medication, it doesn’t mean it’s not safe to buy in bulk online. Though this may seem obvious, there are people who think otherwise and could be harmed by taking the drug without a prescription (20). For this reason, it’s important to do your research before buying the medication (21). Also, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about taking a pill and getting high. There’s a lot that goes into making an erection happen (22). For this reason, men who are looking for a fast and easy way to get high are probably better off trying something else (22).
In summary, Viagra is a safe and effective medication when used at the recommended dosage. However, like any other medication, it can have side effects. Because these risks are rare, it’s still not something to take lightly (2). Though it’s not designed for recreational use, it’s important for men to remember that because it’s a medication, it will probably not be tolerated as well by some men as compared to others (2). This is due to genetic and/or environmental factors (2). If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get high, there are other drugs that are much less harmful (3). That being said, it’s still a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any new medication (2).