Here we are again, with another article about erectile dysfunction (ED). You may be wondering, “What is Viagra? Is it safe to take? Should I try it? How does it work?” Let’s explore.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is the registered trademark for sildenafil citrate, which is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil citrate is a drug that allows blood to flow into the penis, which in turn allows the penis to get hard and erect. It is typically taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity.
Since Viagra is a drug, it must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it can be sold legally in the U.S. The FDA has approved sildenafil citrate for use in treating males with erectile dysfunction. You can learn more about Viagra by visiting the FDA website here.
Does It Work?
Sildenafil citrate has proven to be a highly effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, particularly in cases where other drug treatments have failed or been counterproductive. According to clinical trials, approximately 70% of the men who took part in the studies were able to achieve an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration or oral sex. The studies also showed that the more men who used sildenafil citrate, the greater the likelihood that they would be able to maintain an erection throughout the duration of a sexual interaction. Keep in mind: not all men will experience the same results from using Viagra.
How Does It Work?
We know now that sildenafil citrate works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5. PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a substance that is essential for healthy semen production and an erection. When exposed to sildenafil citrate, PDE5 will become inhibited and thus unable to break down cGMP and participate in the reaction that causes ED.
Inhibited PDE5 will also prevent the breakdown of another important substance called cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which is why sildenafil citrate is sometimes also known as a “cAMP-PDE5 inhibitor.” cAMP is an enzyme that is involved in the regulation of many important body functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, and sexual arousal. Inhibition of PDE5 will therefore have a positive effect on many areas of a man’s health, including his sexual health. This makes sildenafil citrate a useful drug for the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with ED, such as low testosterone, anxiety, and depression. It may also help to combat the negative effects of aging, particularly as it relates to sexual function. As men get older, they often experience diminished levels of testosterone, which in turn affects sexual desire and function. However, sildenafil citrate has been shown to boost testosterone levels and therefore increase a man’s sexual desire and function. Finally, sildenafil citrate has also been shown to have a positive effect on men’s health in general and has been shown to help prevent or treat cardiovascular disorders, liver disorders, and digestive problems. This is why many doctors and urologists worldwide sometimes prescribe sildenafil citrate to treat these kinds of disorders in their patients.
So, as you can see, there are many reasons why Viagra might be a useful drug for your health. We know now that it is safe for use in humans, but how was it determined to be safe for use? Let’s explore.
How Was It Determined To Be Safe For Use?
As mentioned above, sildenafil citrate has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in human clinical trials. Before it was approved by the FDA, sildenafil citrate was investigated in animals for its potential to cause harm. To determine its safety, sildenafil citrate was given to rats and mice at doses ranging from 1 mg to 100 mg per kg of body weight. The substances were then tracked in the animals’ blood and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The results of these studies showed that exposure to sildenafil citrate at these doses for 15 days caused no adverse effects in the animals. In fact, the substances were well-tolerated and did not cause any signs of toxicity. The researchers concluded that sildenafil citrate was safe for use in animals at these doses for the designated time period.
This initial research provided the initial basis for sildenafil citrate’s approval by the FDA as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is important to note that these studies looked only at acute, sub-chronic, and chronic effects of sildenafil citrate at these doses in rats and mice. They did not investigate any long-term risks associated with the chronic use of sildenafil citrate at these doses or the risks associated with overdoses.
However, other research is needed to fully assess the safety of sildenafil citrate. The most reliable information currently available from studies with clinical trial numbers (the studies that provide evidence that sildenafil citrate is effective in treating ED) can be found here:
ClinicalTrials.gov
In these studies, researchers tracked the effects of sildenafil citrate on the cardiac rhythm of patients with erectile dysfunction. They also observed the effects of this drug on the retina and lens of the eye, as well as its effect on the kidneys. In these studies, which were designed to last for a year and are registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov database, participants took either 50 mg or 100 mg of sildenafil citrate once a day or 50 mg of sildenafil citrate twice a day. The results of these studies showed that there were no serious adverse effects associated with the use of this drug, as it had been demonstrated to be safe for use in animal studies. The overall results of the studies also supported the use of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. You can find more information about these studies here:
ClinicalTrials.gov Study
These studies also assessed the effect of sildenafil citrate in treating hypertension (high blood pressure). Participants in these studies had ED or high blood pressure and took either 100 mg of sildenafil citrate or placebo once a day for 12 weeks. The results of these studies showed that there was no significant difference in blood pressure at the end of the study in participants who took 100 mg of sildenafil citrate compared to those who took placebo. The study also demonstrated that sildenafil citrate was well-tolerated and had no significant adverse effects. You can find more information about these studies here:
ClinicalTrials.gov Study Results
In summary, the overall results of these studies with clinical trial numbers (the studies that show sildenafil citrate to be medically useful) support the use of this drug in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, more research is needed to fully assess the safety of sildenafil citrate. This includes further study of long-term effects and adverse effects associated with the repeated use of sildenafil citrate, as well as studies that examine the risk of overdose.
Despite the fact that sildenafil citrate has proven effective in treating ED and that it is relatively safe for use in humans, it is still a drug that is not for everyone. Before you start taking it, you should consult with your doctor so that he can advise you on whether or not this drug might be right for you. There are different causes of ED in every man, and your doctor should be able to help you find the right treatment for you personally. He should also be able to advise you on whether or not sildenafil citrate is right for you.