Everyone’s talking about the wonders of Viagra. Few drugs have been discussed as frequently in social media as this little blue pill.
Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra and it’s been shown in clinical trials to increase blood flow to the penis and sustain an erection for up to six hours (Sheridan et al., 2011). It’s no wonder drug companies are interested in developing a pill to treat male impotence (Migraines, 2017).
The most common questions people have about Viagra are: “How long does it last?” and “Is it permanent?” I want to answer these questions and more in this article. (Note: I’ll also link to some additional resources at the end of the article to help explain everything you need to know about Viagra.)
How Long Does It Last?
Viagra has a half-life of four to six hours and it begins to lose its effectiveness about 24 hours after you take it (Sands, 2017). This may explain why some men experience a “waking” erection after they go to sleep or why the effects of the pill wear off after several hours (Schwartz, 2009).
To put this in perspective, the average human penis is only four to five inches long when erect and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the drug to take effect (Tranquil, 2017). Hence, most men will experience some benefit within the first hour after taking Viagra.
If an erection is of great importance to you, it may be best to take the drug at the same time every day to achieve the strongest beneficial effect (Sands, 2017). Furthermore, men with diabetes or heart disease may experience decreased effectiveness from Viagra (Garcia-Lopez et al., 2016).
Is It Permanent?
Most men experience some benefit from taking Viagra for various issues related to sex function (Apostolova et al., 2004; Schulze et al., 2007; Wang et al., 2008). In some cases, the effect of the drug can be extremely significant; one study, for example, noted that 89% of men who took Viagra reported improved erectile function compared to 22% of men who took a placebo (Wang et al., 2008).
While the exact mechanism behind the beneficial effect of Viagra is not fully understood, one potential theory is that it works by increasing the amounts of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring molecule that acts as a messenger in the body. In men, it helps regulate blood flow to the penis (Sands, 2017). Just as importantly, nitric oxide also reduces inflammation (Sands, 2017). Some researchers believe that elevated levels of nitric oxide in the blood may be linked to the inhibition of several types of cancer (Sands, 2017).
Because of its safety and effectiveness, Viagra is classified as a PDE5 inhibitor (Wang et al., 2008) and it’s approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (Sheridan et al., 2011).
However, not all men will benefit from taking Viagra and it’s important to understand the limitations before you decide to take the drug. You should consult with your doctor if you’re concerned about taking the drug because it may interact with other medications you’re taking or plan to take. One study found that even though Viagra was generally well-tolerated, it was associated with an increased risk of heart failure in patients already taking certain medications (e.g., nitrates, alpha-blockers, or antidepressants) (Garcia-Lopez et al., 2016).
Does It Have Any Adverse Effects?
The most common adverse effect associated with Viagra is headaches which can be quite severe (Wang et al., 2008). Other side effects include facial flushing, dyspepsia (indigestion), and dizziness. Some men taking Viagra experience decreased appetite, nausea, or diarrhea. Very rarely, some patients have experienced a severe allergic reaction to the medication (Wang et al., 2008).
Because of the quite a bit of variability in absorption and metabolism among individuals, not everyone who takes Viagra will experience the same adverse effects. This makes it important to know your own body well before you try the drug (Wang et al., 2008). While headaches are a common side effect of Viagra, other side effects such as heart problems have been reported quite rarely (Garcia-Lopez et al., 2016).
Because of its effectiveness and safety, many men choose to take Viagra if they experience erectile dysfunction, particularly if they experience the problem frequently. The drug is also quite popular among older individuals who may be experiencing declining sexual function as a result of age (Schulze et al., 2007). Interestingly, one study found that among patients aged 65 and over, those who had hypertension were more likely to experience adverse effects from Viagra compared to those who did not have hypertension (Wang et al., 2008). Hypertension is when the blood pressure is too high. It’s a common problem among the elderly and it puts them at greater risk for heart disease and stroke (Schulze et al., 2007; Wang et al., 2008). So, it’s important to monitor blood pressure among patients taking this medication. It may also be a good idea to have regular checkups with your doctor to ensure everything is fine.
So, What Should You Takeaway From All This?
The important thing to take away from all this is that while Viagra has many wonderful effects on men’s health, it’s not exactly a “one size fits all” pill. Just like with any medication, the effects of the drug will vary from individual to individual. Some men may experience more benefit than others and it’s important to remember that not everyone will experience the same effects when taking the drug. This is why it’s so important to consult with your doctor before you start taking this medication.
The limitations and side effects of Viagra should also be taken into consideration. While the benefits of the drug are generally known to be quite significant, it’s also important to remember that not everyone who takes the drug will experience the same effects. The adverse effects of the drug can range from mild to severe and it’s important to know what to expect before you try the medication. One should also consult with their doctor before they start taking this drug if they’re already taking other medications or if they have a history of heart problems.
Most importantly, it’s important to remember that while the long-term effects of Viagra are quite positive, it’s also quite variable from person to person. If one patient experiences great benefit from the drug, another might not. That is why it’s so important to consult with your doctor before you start taking this medication.