Viagra is one of the most popular ED medications currently available, with over 28 million prescriptions written in 2014 alone. Known for its immediate effective results and long duration of action, it is commonly taken by men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) and want to help their partner experience pleasure during intimacy. While ED is usually associated with age or chronic illness, it can arise from any number of issues that interfere with a man’s ability to sexually function, including stress, performance anxiety, poor self-image, or certain medications. Whatever the cause, when a man experiences ED he may feel ashamed, guilty, or even a little embarrassed. If this is you, you’re not alone: according to a 2015 U.S. survey, 70% of men reported that ED made them feel less of a man.
Of course, not all men suffer from ED and if you do, it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. There are several excellent treatments available that can help you to overcome your impotence problem and regain the ability to satisfy your partner once again. One of the most effective and popularly-researched treatments is Viagra, and although it can be effective on its own, it can also be combined with other ED treatments to see greater results.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which increases blood flow to the penis and facilitates an erection. PDE5 is an enzyme that metabolizes cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a substance found in the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Inhibiting the action of PDE5 increases the amount of cGMP in the endothelial lining, effectively stimulating nitric oxide production and improving blood flow. In other words, Viagra works by boosting blood flow to the penis, which in turn helps to induce and maintain an erection – even in the case of premature ejaculation where there is some evidence that it may also prevent ejaculation by relaxing the involuntary muscle that controls ejaculation.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra?
According to the FDA, Viagra is safe to take when used as directed. However, as with any other medication, one should never attempt to self-diagnose or treat a medication ailment with herbal remedies or home remedies, as adverse effects may occur.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
As with any other medication, there are risks associated with taking Viagra. The most significant side effect is usually mild headache, which can be alleviated by taking anti-inflammatory medication or vitamin C. Taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and stomach upset, so men should monitor their intake of this nutrient. Another possible side effect is a rise in blood pressure, which some individuals experience and which can be life-threatening if it’s severe. Some men have also reported experiencing mood changes and anxiety attacks when taking Viagra, which may be a sign that they’re not suited to this form of therapy.
A much more serious side effect is priapism, which is a painful erection that won’t go away on its own. This is also a sign that the individual is not responding to the medication and may require alternative treatment. In rare instances, a man has experienced a stroke or a heart attack while on this medication. In these cases, the erection was so severe that it caused permanent injury or death to the individual. However, given its risk-reward profile, these adverse effects are usually considered to be extremely unlikely.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Viagra has been shown to have an effect within 15 minutes of taking it, with the magnitude of the response depending on the dose. At least 45 minutes is needed for the medication to reach its peak effect, at which point it can be significantly more effective. If you’ve already had sexual activity when you take the medication, you may experience an increase in sexual desire, however, this varies from person to person. If you’ve not had sex in a while and you’re hoping to feel more desire, it may take a little bit longer for the effects of the medication to be felt. In either case, the response is quite immediate and gratifying for the individual utilizing it.
Is It Effective For Premature Ejaculation?
One of the more exciting aspects of Viagra is that it has been proven to be quite effective in treating premature ejaculation, sometimes even preventing it in men whose ejaculations are usually too quick. In clinical trials, Viagra has been shown to increase ejaculatory latency (the amount of time it takes to ejaculate) by an average of 1.5 minutes in men with premature ejaculation. Some men experience a decrease in ejaculatory speed (which is usually associated with an increase in ejaculatory latency) when taking the medication. Therefore, it is quite effective in treating this particular problem.
Does It Work On Women?
While clinical trials have not been done on women, on its website, the FDA cites a case report from 2009 in which a woman on medication for epilepsy experienced an adverse effect that was possibly related to Viagra. The woman had a seizure and cardiac arrest which were eventually attributed to the medication. However, the investigators stated that it was also possible that the medication and the cardiac arrest were a coincidence. Nevertheless, since the medication used in that case, lamotrigine, is also a PDE5 inhibitor, it is possible that it interacts with Viagra in a similar way, which may have caused the adverse reaction.
When Should You Take Viagra?
There is no set time for when you should take Viagra, as the medication has been shown to be effective whenever performed within a sexual encounter, however, it can also be taken as soon as 30 minutes before a planned sexual activity. The main thing is that you and your partner should take the medication at the same time, which will enhance the results of the treatment. It’s also advisable to take the medication at least 1 hour before mealtime, as this can help reduce the effects of the medication on the digestive system and potentially increase the efficacy of the treatment.
Is It Possibl To Take With Alcohol Or Other Drugs?
Alcohol inhibits PDE5 and therefore will increase the effects of Viagra by decreasing its metabolization. While in most cases this can be a good thing, in certain instances it may be a bad thing, as in the case of mixing alcohol with certain medications, especially other forms of ED medication. For this reason, it is advisable not to take Viagra with alcohol or other recreational drugs, as it may cause serious interactions and adverse effects. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, by all means mix up a drink and take Viagra! Just make sure that you don’t do so while using other forms of ED medication, as this can increase the chances of an interaction and adverse reaction. The bottom line is that experimentation is risky business and should be avoided, especially while taking other medications, as this may lead to severe side effects or even serious injury.
Combating Erectile Dysfunction With Plants
While most men prefer to use prescription medication to combat ED, there are alternatives that you can try. Many men have found success with natural herbal remedies and as a result, alternative treatment options have become extremely popular. If you’re looking for an effective yet organic way to improve your sex life with a partner, you can always try out some natural herbs or supplements to help you achieve firmer, longer-lasting erections. One of the best known herbs for boosting male sexuality is ginseng, which actually acts as a vasodilator and inhibitor of PDE5. It’s also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can help combat the effects of aging and certain chronic diseases that interfere with erectile function, such as diabetes and heart disease. Other herbs that have shown benefit in promoting sexual health include saw palmetto, tribulus terrestris, and Lycopus esculentus. While these plants won’t give you immediate gratification if you’re looking to boost your sex drive, they can all help to improve your odds of experiencing pleasurable sexual activity with a partner. At least when used in combination with Viagra, these herbs can increase the effectiveness of the treatment and give you a better chance at having enjoyable sex with the person you love.