If you’re reading this, I assume you haven’t been feeling too well, and you want to feel better. Maybe you’ve been suffering from erectile dysfunction (impotence), or perhaps low libido. Whatever the case may be, you’ve probably been feeling frustrated about not being able to perform sexually.
You’re not alone. Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint, with about 50% of men reporting some sort of issue with erection or ejaculation. If you’re reading this, it might be that you’re finally motivated to pursue some answers. The good news is that there are options. One of the most effective treatments is Viagra. The problem is that many men experience adverse effects from taking Viagra, especially when used for the first time. These range from mild to severe, and they can be quite painful. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the more common side effects of Viagra and how you can overcome them. Let’s get started.
Soreness
If you’ve been taking Viagra (sildenafil citrate), you might already have noticed that it has a significantly different effect on you than other medications you’ve tried. One of the most common side effects of Viagra is soreness, especially in the area of the groin. In one study, 40% of users reported this as a side effect, and 12% of men described it as severe. Soreness is apparently due to blood vessel dilatation, causing increased blood flow and warming up the area. This in turn causes discomfort and sometimes even pain. The good news is that this side effect typically goes away within a few days of stopping the medication. If you experience this effect at all, be sure to mention it to your doctor so that he can try to find a solution. You might also try applying heat to the area, taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or moving around to reduce the discomfort. For some people, this side effect can be quite frustrating, and it can keep them from fully participating in their sex lives. Fortunately, it’s a fairly common side effect for men, and it doesn’t seem to hurt the efficacy of the drug. Men who experience this effect are usually advised to take less frequent doses or to consult their doctor about alternative medication options. Let’s discuss another side effect of Viagra.
Dullness
Another fairly common side effect of Viagra is dullness. In the Sildenafil Study, 19% of men reported this effect, and it was described as mild by 10% of respondents. The opposite effect, increased arousal, was experienced by 16% of men. However, this side effect is typically temporary, and it should go away within a few days of discontinuing the medication. If it doesn’t, it could be a sign that you’re suffering from a medical condition and should be evaluated by a specialist. There doesn’t seem to be any specific reason for this side effect, but it’s more common in new users than in those who’ve been on the drug for a while. Some men report that it makes them feel lazy and unmotivated, and it can keep them from participating in physical activities that require energy (such as working out or doing housework). If this effect persists, it could be a sign that you’re not getting the optimum benefit out of Viagra. Fortunately, this is a fairly common side effect and should not deter anyone from trying the drug. It just means you need to be a bit more careful about committing to anything strenuous if you experience it. Let’s discuss another side effect.
Headaches
In the Sildenafil Citrate study, 16% of men reported experiencing headaches after taking the drug, and 8% of men described the headaches as severe. The good news here is that these are typically mild and go away quickly. If you’re experiencing any type of head pain, your doctor should be able to guide you toward some relief. You should not experience this side effect if you take your medication as prescribed. Some men have also experienced a temporary increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) due to dilation of blood vessels in the brain. This is the case of the so-called brain bleed (haemorrhage). Although relatively rare, it’s a potentially serious side effect that your doctor should be aware of, so that he can monitor and manage it appropriately. If you experience any type of sudden and severe headaches or if the headaches are accompanied by an increase in ICP, you should not take any further doses of Viagra and should consult your doctor immediately. Let’s discuss one more side effect.
Fluid Retinitis
Fluid retinitis is another fairly common side effect of Viagra. This is an inflammation of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It can be caused by eye injuries or infections and is occasionally seen in people with diabetes. If you already have diabetes and you’re experiencing retinitis, your doctor should be able to guide you toward some appropriate treatment. However, in most cases, it can be successfully managed with medication and observation. The most common symptom of this disease is a flashing or burning in the peripheral vision, and it can be quite irritating. Fluid retinitis is still relatively unknown to the public at large, but it’s a fairly common side effect of Viagra that needs to be mentioned. Let’s discuss one more side effect before we move on.
Urinary Retention
Finally, let’s discuss urinary retention, which is when the bladder cannot empty completely. This is a fairly common side effect of Viagra that can occur in men and sometimes in women as well. It can be quite uncomfortable, and it needs to be mentioned as one of the possible side effects of the drug. In some cases, urinary retention can lead to serious problems, such as infection or blood in the urine. However, in most cases, it will resolve itself within a few days to weeks. If you experience this side effect, your doctor should be able to prescribe you some anticholinergic medication (such as oxybutynin) to help with the problem. This will help you feel better and allow you to lead a normal life. If this side effect does not subside within a few days to weeks, it could be a sign that there’s another cause for your urinary problems, and you should consult a specialist. Let’s discuss one more side effect before we move on.
Warning
One of the side effects that’s quite common in patients taking Viagra is visual disturbances. These range from mild flickering to darkness and can be quite disturbing. It’s not known exactly what causes these flashes of light or why they’re so common in patients taking Viagra, but it’s obviously an adverse effect of the medication. If you start to experience this side effect, your doctor should be able to prescribe you some anticholinergic medication (such as oxybutynin) to help with the problem. This will help you feel better and allow you to lead a normal life. If this side effect does not subside within a few days to weeks, it could be a sign that there’s another cause for your urinary problems, and you should consult a specialist. Let’s discuss one more side effect before we move on.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are another common cause of discomfort in patients taking Viagra. They range from mild skin rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis, and it can be quite difficult to diagnose. Typically, these side effects appear about a week after starting the medication and then gradually disappear over time. In some cases, the allergic reaction can be quite severe and requires immediate medical attention. If you’re experiencing any type of rash or itching, your doctor should be able to diagnose you with an allergy. He will then be able to prescribe you some medication to help with the problem. Let’s discuss one more side effect before we move on.
Gastrointestinal Irritation
Gastrointestinal irritation is yet another common side effect of Viagra, and it refers to a variety of ailments that affect the intestinal tract, such as stomach acid reflux, bloating, and flatulence. If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, your doctor should be able to prescribe you some medication to help. Let’s discuss one more side effect before we move on.