While the world is trying to come to terms with the current global pandemic, those seeking sexual wellness continue to seek out relief in the form of medication known as Viagra.
The drug was first produced and marketed in Europe in the 1980s and later introduced to North America in the following decade. Since then, it’s gained massive popularity across the world with many countries now being affected by the disease that the medication is intended to treat.
Viagra is a brand name of sildenafil citrate, a drug that treats erectile dysfunction and helps men achieve and maintain an erection that is sufficiently rigid to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Sildenafil citrate is chemically identical to the active ingredient found in the prescription drug, Viagra. However, while Viagra comes with a prescription and is relatively expensive, over-the-counter versions of sildenafil citrate are frequently available for purchase and are considerably less expensive.
Generic Vs Brand Viagra
To begin with, let’s discuss the very basics of generic and brand Viagra and how they differ. The major difference between the two is in the name itself: generic does not contain the same active ingredient as brand does.
The other major difference is the strength of the ingredient. Generics are generally considered to be of a weaker, less potent form than their branded counterparts. In order to compensate for their weaker nature, generic drug manufacturers often offer extremely low prices in an effort to entice those seeking cheaper medication. As a result, many people often wonder whether or not generic medication is really safe, especially during pregnancy. Some experts recommend a wait-and-see approach when it comes to generic medication, given the cheaper cost often associated with them. However, those with severe kidney disease should not take generic medications, as they may contain substances that are potentially dangerous to these patients.
So, if cost is a major consideration, it is generally recommended that those seeking sexual wellness look into brand medication options. However, it is still possible to find affordable generic versions of Viagra, which many people argue is perfectly safe and effective during pregnancy.
Additionally, those who cannot afford the cost of a brand medication but are concerned about the safety of its weaker generic equivalent should consider using a natural option instead. There are several different natural products that work in a similar manner to Viagra and have been known to safely assist in the achievement of an erection. Some of these products are discussed below.
First off, let’s discuss what is commonly referred to as the active ingredient in Viagra and how it works. This is what gives the pill its effect and what makes it able to treat erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, which is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production. Sildenafil citrate is what is commonly referred to as a PDE-5 inhibitor and it works by increasing the level of nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum, which in turn causes blood vessels in the penis to relax, allowing increased flow into and throughout the organ. This increased flow results in an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse. So, basically, the active ingredient in Viagra is what makes it work and it is a fairly simple molecule, readily available and legal for sale in most parts of the world. Its chemical structure is shown below.
You’ll often hear doctors and other health professionals speak of erectile dysfunction when discussing men who have diabetes. It is well known that diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction, which was the original intent of the medication. However, sildenafil citrate also works to treat pulmonary hypertension, which can be caused by heart disease or high blood pressure. So, in some cases, those who use Viagra might not even need to have erectile dysfunction to enjoy its benefits.
Viagra Dosage
One of the most important things to consider when using any kind of medication is how much of it you should take and when you should take it. With most medications, it is extremely important to follow the instructions that your doctor gives you regarding dosage, as this will determine how effective your medication will be and how likely you are to experience unwanted side effects.
Generally, the standard treatment for erectile dysfunction is one 20 mg tablet taken 15 to 20 minutes before sexual activity. However, this is only a general guideline and individuals should consult with their doctor or healthcare provider for individualized recommendations regarding the proper dosage for their needs. It is also important to understand that the medication becomes less effective the longer you wait to take it and in some instances, it might even be ineffective if you take it more than once per day. So, it is extremely important to try and time dosage accordingly so that you obtain the most effective results from your medication.
Side Effects & Safety
Anyone who takes medication must be aware of the risks associated with the substances found in the medications they take and they should also be aware of the possible side effects that these substances may cause. Unfortunately, despite the massive amounts of money that Viagra has earned over the years, no medications are without risk and side effects. Some of the more serious side effects that have been associated with Viagra are vision problems, headaches, and digestive issues. Additionally, there is also the risk of taking a medication that contains sildenafil citrate and being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you are HIV positive. However, as we’ve established, these substances are safe and effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction so it is unlikely that anyone who uses them for this purpose would experience serious side effects, at least not at first. Additionally, as a male who takes Viagra, there is also the small risk of developing retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that affects the retina and causes gradual vision loss. While this is a very rare side effect, it is one that everyone who uses Viagra should be aware of and keep in mind. If you experience any eye problems, discontinue use of the substance and consult with your doctor so that he can properly diagnose and treat you for this issue.
Why Use Viagra?
Many people use erectile dysfunction medications for the simple fact that they can, especially those who are unable to afford the cost of a high-quality medication. The stigma that comes with needing help with achieving or maintaining an erection often causes those who experience this issue to keep it a secret and be ashamed to talk about it. However, it is important to remember that this issue is nothing to be ashamed of and everyone deserves to live a happy and healthy life, regardless of whether or not they can perform sexually in the presence of a partner. So, if you’re looking for a cheap and effective way to improve your situation, you can try out Viagra and rest assured that you’re not risking your health in any way by doing so. Many people have found that using this medication has allowed them to comfortably deal with their erectile dysfunction issue, without the fear of compromising their health or that of their partner. This is largely due to the fact that sildenafil citrate is absorbed easily by the body and is known to be biochemically stable.
Additionally, due to the nature of the active substance, it is often the case that those who use this medication do not require a prescription to purchase it. This has made it easier for many people to acquire their daily dose of sildenafil citrate and allowed them to deal with their erectile dysfunction issue, without the fear of running out of the medication anytime soon. This is why many see Viagra as a sort of medication gold rush, as it is known to be both safe and effective, during a time when so many are ill-prepared to deal with the economic and personal health consequences of COVID-19.
However, beyond it being easy to acquire and effective, there is also the fact that using this medication allows men to better understand the root of the issue that they are facing. In many cases, those who use Viagra are often able to identify the specific causes of their erectile dysfunction, which in turn makes it easier for them to deal with the issue and move forward with their lives. In some instances, it has also been shown that using a nitric oxide donating supplement can help improve the results of sildenafil citrate treatments, further elucidating the process by which it works and increases the likelihood of satisfying sexual activity, for both patients and partners.
While the economic and personal health issues surrounding the current pandemic are truly immense, it is still possible to find cheap and effective solutions, such as Viagra. Due to its popularity and safety record, as well as its status as a readily available and affordable solution, many are likely to continue turning to this substance to help them through this challenging time. As a result, this will no doubt help many address the root causes of the issue and allow them to move forward with their lives, healthier and happier than ever before.