Many men have gotten a lot of mileage out of the infamous ‘little blue pill’, better known as Viagra. Since 1995, when the drug was first approved by the FDA, it has been around for a good reason. If you’re looking to try out Viagra for yourself, or if you’re just curious about the drug, this article is for you.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra (which is short for ‘vardenafil hydrochloride’ in Latin) is a drug that acts on the human nervous system by improving blood flow to particular areas of the body. It is classified as a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which is the same family of drugs as Cialis and Levitra, but with a significantly better side effect profile. It was originally developed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), but has since been found to be effective for a variety of problems.
Is It Right for You?
Like all medications, the effects of Viagra vary from person to person. However, in general, it works well for men with moderate to severe ED, and for men who have tried, and failed, to get an erection through traditional methods. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, the answer is a resounding yes!
If you’re hesitant to try out Viagra because you’re not sure how you’ll react, you can always ask your doctor for a trial sample, which is a commonly provided option. Many physicians will also prescribe an ED medication as a ‘stepping stone’ to help you prepare for the effects of Viagra, as it can take a bit of time for the medication to begin working. Even then, the side effects associated with ED medications can be worse than those of Viagra, especially if you stack them on top of each other. If you’re looking for a shorter-term alternative, there are other ED medications available that have been shown to work similarly to Viagra, but with fewer side effects.
How Does It Work?
The science behind Viagra is quite simple. When an individual encounters an erotic stimulus, the neurochemical responses that are stimulated include the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is an organic compound that acts as a messenger molecule in the human body. One of the main jobs of the endothelium, which is the layer of cells that lines the blood vessels, is to allow blood to flow through them. When blood flow is restricted due to poor relaxation of the vessels (as in the cases of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis), the body’s natural reaction is to attempt to boost blood flow by promoting the production of nitric oxide. This is where Viagra comes in. It helps prevent the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is an essential ingredient in the process of relaxing the blood vessels and allowing blood flow to the areas of the body that require it.
According to the FDA, as of 2018 there were 14.1 million prescriptions written for Viagra worldwide. That is a lot of people finding relief from the detrimental effects of ED. While the drug itself is relatively inexpensive, the costs associated with ED are staggering. They include missed work hours, marital problems, and even suicide. The good news is that Viagra can be an effective treatment for ED, which is why it remains one of the most popular medications among men, especially older men who are more likely to suffer from the disorder.
How Is It Different From Other ED Medications?
Other ED medications, including Cialis and Levitra, work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. This is why they are typically referred to as ‘serotonin-boosting’ medications. The main difference between these drugs and Viagra is in the way that they enhance blood flow to the penis. While other medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, Viagra works directly on the blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the penis when administered.
The effects of Viagra begin to appear within 15 minutes, and last for approximately 4 hours. It is metabolized primarily by the liver and its components are primarily eliminated in urine. The drug is an effective therapy for erectile dysfunction, and has been proven to improve vascular endothelial function (the ability of the blood vessels to relax and accommodate increased blood flow). When blood vessels are healthier, they will accommodate increased blood flow for a longer duration, and will have less of a tendency to constrict (clog up) from the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on their walls. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In fact, many men who take Viagra at least once a day report that their sexual performance has improved, even in later years, when compared to men who have not taken the drug.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Viagra are similar to those of other PDE5 inhibitors. The most common side effects include nasal congestion, headache, and swelling. Though uncommon, men who take the drug have a higher chance of developing an autoimmune disease called ‘pemphigus vulgaris’, which is a type of dermatitis that develops in the skin. There is also the very rare possibility of experiencing angioedema, which is a sudden and potentially dangerous swelling of the face or tongue that can be caused by an allergic reaction to something.
Other side effects, which are rather unpleasant, include stomach pain, diarrhea, and painful ejaculation. Many men who take Viagra experience these side effects, but they are rare. Some individuals have also reported experiencing visual disturbances, which may include dizziness, blurred vision, and tingling in the extremities. Though extremely unpleasant, these symptoms are rather rare and should not deter men from trying out this life-changing drug.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effects of Viagra are rather rapid in onset, with most men reporting that their penis begins to swell within 15 minutes of taking the drug. The drug has been known to bring relief for up to 4 hours, though this is not common. In some men, the effects of the drug can last for several days, but this too is rather rare.
It is a common occurrence for men who take Viagra to require a rest period of a few days to a week before they can enjoy satisfactory sexual performance again. During this period, the body’s natural production of nitric oxide is temporarily inhibited, meaning that the drug works like a ‘catalyst’, or trigger, to get things moving again. As a result of this temporary shutdown of nitric oxide production, men taking Viagra may temporarily experience some side effects, including a dry mouth and a flushed face. Though these side effects are very minor, it is still something to consider before going on an extended vacation or a business trip. Especially since you can’t always rely on others to fill in for you, or to give you a good excuse to stay home.
Does It Work For Women?
Though there are some exceptional individual cases where women have benefited from Viagra (usually those who have tried it on their own rather than in conjunction with a medical professional), it should be noted that in most cases, it will only work for men. The drug is not approved for use by women, nor is it suitable for administering to females. The only group of people for whom it was originally designed are the elderly, due to the fact that the risks of using the drug greatly outweigh the benefits.
It should also be noted that Viagra can interact with other medications, particularly medications that are used to treat high blood pressure or cardiac disease. If a woman is already taking medication for these conditions, then there is an increased likelihood that the medication will interact in an undesirable manner with the components of Viagra. In these situations, it would be advisable to consult with your personal physician about alternative options that may be available.