The two best-selling drugs in history are undoubtedly Viagra and Revatio. While there are dozens of medications that claim to be able to increase blood flow to the penis, these two are the only FDA-approved drugs for the specific task. But what exactly do these medications do? And, more importantly, can you actually get them safely? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Basics Of Blood Flow To The Penis
The human penis is actually made up of three channels through which blood can flow: the corpus cavernosa, the corpus spongiosum, and the urethra. The corpus cavernosum is a chamber in the center of the penis that becomes engorged with blood during arousal. This is the part of the penis that gets visibly bigger when a man gets sexually excited. The corpus spongiosum is a mesh-like structure surrounding the corpus cavernosum that allows liquid to more easily flow between the cells.
The urethra is the tube through which urine is discharged. This tube is surrounded by erectile tissue that gets aroused in order to allow for easier urination. Because the urine is forced through a small space during urination, it’s very easy for bacteria to grow and cause infections. Any of these channels can be a source of infection if they become blocked or clogged up due to advanced age, obesity, or diabetes. Thanks to Viagra and Revatio, these instances should be a thing of the past.
How Do These Drugs Work?
To understand how these drugs can increase blood flow to the penis, it’s important to know a bit about how the body works. When a man gets sexually excited, hormone levels rise in the body. This rise in hormones causes blood vessels near the penis to dilate (broaden), which leads to increased blood flow. This is why sexual activity can temporarily resolve many types of medical issues, from erectile dysfunction to heart disease. However, this effect wears off after about 10 minutes of no activity.
The good thing about these medications is that they don’t permanently boost your erection. They just give you a little extra boost when you need it. And given that these medications were developed to treat specific health problems, it’s a good bet that they don’t cause many side effects.
What Forms Do These Drugs Come In?
These days, most men find that Viagra is available in both tablet and generic forms. However, Revatio is only available in the form of a patch which is applied to the chest, or in the case of some other medications, in the form of a liquid which is swallowed. While all of these forms are readily available, it’s important to note that not all of them are created equal. The patch may provide some benefits but is not for everyone.
Can These Drugs Help Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, particularly in cases where the problem is psychological in nature rather than physiological (meaning the nerves controlling the penis are damaged rather than the veins in the penis are clogged up). One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the use of Viagra in men with erectile dysfunction caused by psychological factors rather than physical causes. One important factor which may have contributed to the study’s positive results was the inclusion of patients who had previously undergone an intervention for the same problem (most psychologists will encourage men to try and actively engage with their problems rather than just accepting them as part of their identity).
However, this is definitely not a cure-all for ED. Men who suffer from this condition should try and identify the root cause of their problem rather than just using ED medication to “fix” it. In most cases, this will involve talking to a therapist who can help you figure out what’s eating away at your self-confidence, rather than just taking a pill.
Can These Drugs Help With Premature Ejaculation?
Yes, Viagra and Revatio are both effective in this regard, particularly in men with neurogenic disease. This is a fancy way of saying that their brains are not working correctly, either because of age, trauma, or some other cause. One of the major symptoms of this condition is sudden, uncontrollable ejaculation prior to or during sexual activity. Thanks to their main ingredient, sildenafil, which helps relax blood vessels, Viagra and Revatio are able to halt this behavior in men with neurogenic disease which makes them a safe and viable treatment option.
Can These Drugs Help With Loss Of Sexual Desire?
Yes and no. Like with much of sexual medicine, Viagra and Revatio can increase a man’s desire for intimacy but, as mentioned above, the effect only lasts for a short period of time. Another important thing to consider is that, for some men, the chemical reaction that leads to penile erection is also what causes them to lose interest in sex. This can make the difference between success and failure when it comes to preserving sexual desire. So while these drugs can help, you might have to try a couple of different approaches before you find one that suits your needs best.
Are There Any Side Effects From These Drugs?
Yes, there are several potential side effects associated with Viagra and Revatio. The most important one to check for is a prolonged erection. In rare cases, this can lead to painful or problematic conditions (most notably, priapism). Another important side effect is a lowered sex drive (reduced libido). Like with many other medications, these drugs are not for everyone and, in some cases, can cause serious side effects. For these reasons, these medications should be used responsibly.
How Long Does It Take For These Drugs To Work?
Thanks to their active ingredient, sildenafil, Viagra and Revatio can start showing benefits within 15 minutes and reach their peak effect within an hour. In most cases, you will start to see improvements within half an hour. These drugs are not for use in conjunction with other medications or supplements without first talking to your doctor, as this can cause adverse interactions.
For as long as these drugs are effective, you should experience some improvement in blood flow to the penis. However, as with any medication, overuse can lead to tolerance and, in some cases, resistance. In these cases, the effectiveness of the medication is diminished, requiring higher dosages or different treatment approaches.
Based on the information available, it is fair to say that Viagra and Revatio are among the most effective and safest medications for men with certain types of erectile dysfunction. But like with most medications, there are exceptions. If you’re using these drugs and experience any undesirable side effects, stop using them and consult your doctor so that you can find an alternative treatment.