Viagra has been a popular choice for men with erectile dysfunction since its arrival on the market in the 1990s. But despite its fame, many people don’t really know what it is or why they should care. Here are 5 things you need to know about Viagra.
1. It Is a Brand Name For Sildenafil Citrate, A Drug
Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which is a drug that helps improve the quality and duration of your erection. Sildenafil citrate is a drug developed by Pfizer, and it’s been around since 1994. Let’s dive into what each part of the name means:
- Sil-denafil
- Citrater
- Ain’t It Cool News?
- Improved
- Grade
Sildenafil citrate is a type of drug known as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (or PDEI for short). Just like its counterpart Viagra, sildenafil citrate is used to treat erectile dysfunction. This drug works by increasing the blood flow into the penis, thus increasing the size of the erection you get after you ejaculate. In addition, sildenafil citrate is also known to help increase sperm motility. So not only does it increase the size of your penis, but it also helps your sperm travel farther down the female tract. This drug is definitely a safer choice compared to many of the supplements and herbal remedies often recommended to men with ED. It also has the advantage of being easier to obtain in some places, since it’s already prescribed by your doctor. So don’t be shy about asking for it!
2. It Is Effective In Treating Erectile Dysfunction
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), up to 76 million American men suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction (ED). Not only is it a significant number, but it’s also a number that’s likely to keep rising as life expectancy continues to increase. So if you’re one of the millions of men who struggle with ED, you’re in luck, because you can try Viagra to help improve your sexual performance.
A series of clinical trials conducted by the AUA proved that sildenafil citrate is effective in treating ED. In these trials, 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses of sildenafil citrate were shown to increase the size of the erectile tissue in the penis as much as 30%. The results of these trials were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. So not only does Viagra increase the size of your penis, but it also helps make it harder so that you can please your partner more thoroughly during sex.
It’s also important to note here that none of these clinical trials proved whether or not Viagra increases the odds of getting pregnant. So while it does help with sexual performance, it doesn’t necessarily increase the chances of conception. However, data from animal studies suggest that it could. For now, it’s still fairly safe to assume that using Viagra won’t hurt your chances of getting pregnant. But it’s something you need to be aware of and discuss with your doctor before you start using this drug.
3. It Has Been Used To Treat Penis Issues In Men With Peyronie’s Disease
Men with Peyronie’s disease experience problems with the curvature of the penis due to a congenital defect. This condition leads to a permanent erection that isn’t always easy to manage. As you may know, the only approved treatment for this disease is surgery called plication, which involves surgically tying off the redundant nerve endings in the penis. However, many people find that this drug is a godsend and that it improves their quality of life by allowing them to maintain an erection for longer periods of time. This holds particularly true for men with Peyronie’s disease who also happen to suffer from ED. So if you’re one of these men, you may want to try Viagra in order to have better sex life and to reduce the psychological distress that comes with this disease. While surgery is an effective treatment for this disease, it’s far from a routine procedure. And it’s certainly not something you want to rush into without talking to your doctor first.
4. It Has Many Potentially Harmful Side Effects
Just like any other drug, Viagra has its share of side effects. But while most drugs have beneficial effects and only very few side effects, that isn’t true with Viagra. The list of side effects associated with the drug is actually quite long, and it includes things like headaches, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. And let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware that Viagra can have harmful effects. So it would be best to consult with your doctor before you start taking this drug so that he can advise you on how to prevent or deal with these side effects.
Unfortunately, not all side effects were known when sildenafil citrate was first approved for medical use in 1994. The medicine itself wasn’t approved for treating any specific disease, meaning that many of its uses were off-label. That means that people assumed it would have certain effects, but researchers didn’t prove that these effects occurred because the FDA hadn’t approved the use of the drug for that particular purpose. So while side effects can be serious, they’re still mostly assumed to be harmless. That’s why it’s often considered to be a “generics” drug, since it is highly unlikely that the effects will be all that different from the original Viagra. And if you’re curious, you can read about the side effects of Viagra here.
5. It Is More Expensive Than Most People Realize
Anyone who has purchased medicine in the past knows that generics are usually much more affordable. But that isn’t necessarily the case with Viagra, especially if you want a prescription. According to a 2012 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the list price of a typical prescription of Viagra is around $600. Not including any potential discounts you may be entitled to, that is an expensive drug. Especially since many insurance providers don’t cover the cost of prescription drugs. So if you’re uninsured or on a tight budget, you may want to skip out on purchasing Viagra unless you’re sure that you need it.
As you may have guessed, there are a number of places where you can purchase Viagra without a prescription. You may ask your doctor for a referral to one of themany local pharmacies that sell the drug. There you will find all the information you need, including the price. Most pharmacies offer a large range of medications, so if you don’t see what you need in the first place, ask the pharmacist for help. They are usually happy to provide assistance and advice. Just make sure you follow the advice they give you, as they know what they are talking about. Especially if you’re trying to treat erectile dysfunction, you may want to consult with a physician who has experience in sexual medicine. They can help you choose the right treatment for your specific needs and goals. In the end, though, if you are worried about the price, you may want to consider looking for a cheaper alternative. After all, if it’s good enough for the doctors, it may be good enough for you.