Viagra is one of the most popular drugs globally, and it has changed the way men think about their sexual health. The drug is known for its ability to improve erectile dysfunction (ED) and has allowed more and more men to become comfortable with their sexuality. ED, also known as impotence, has been described as one of the most frustrating experiences a man can have because it prevents him from achieving an orgasm that he may consider satisfactory. Luckily, Viagra allows more and more men to feel comfortable enough with their bodies to enjoy passionate sex sessions with their partners without fear of impotence. Here are some interesting facts about Viagra and why many people have turned to it to help with their sexual health issues.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is the trade name for sildenafil citrate, which is a drug that helps improve erectile dysfunction. The sildenafil citrate molecule is a form of the chemical compound sildenafil, which was originally synthesized in the 1970s. Sildenafil citrate is considered to be a pharmacologically active metabolite of sildenafil.
How Does Viagra Work?
Sildenafil citrate is rapidly absorbed when administered orally and has been shown to be effective at enhancing the sexual response of men with ED. The drug also increases arterial blood flow to the penis and allows men with ED to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration. In this way, Viagra is believed to improve nitric oxide synthesis and bioavailability, both of which are necessary for an efficient contraction of the corpus cavernosum and an erection. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Viagra to treat men with ED who are not suitable candidates for surgical implants.
What Are The Side Effects Of Viagra?
Although most men experience some sort of positive effect when taking Viagra, the drug does have a few side effects that doctors and patients need to be aware of. The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about one out of every 10 patients taking Viagra. However, this side effect is usually mild and lasts only for a few hours. Other common side effects include flushing, blurred vision, and stuffy or runny nose. Less frequent side effects include diarrhea, indigestion, hypertension (high blood pressure), and eye pain. If you experience any of these side effects, they should not be overly concerning because they are usually mild and go away after a few hours. Nevertheless, patients with severe hypertension or those who are generally hyperactive should not take Viagra because it could potentially lead to hypertensive crisis.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding?
Taking Viagra while pregnant is safe because the drug is not absorbed through the placenta. However, in general, it is not recommended because although the risks associated with taking the drug are low, there are still risks associated with being born with a preterm birth or a low birth weight. In this way, it is better for the mother to avoid taking the drug during pregnancy. However, if the patient is already taking it prior to getting pregnant, then there is no need to discontinue the medication because the birth defects rate is similar to that of the general population.
Should I Take Viagra With Alcohol?
Consuming alcohol with Viagra can be dangerous because when alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream, it can cause vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels), resulting in a higher blood pressure. Although this might not seem like a problem at first, the higher blood pressure can cause serious damage to the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is not recommended to take alcohol with Viagra unless under doctor supervision and with extreme caution.
If you are taking Viagra for the first time, then you should not consume alcohol because it could cause serious interactions. Once you know how alcohol affects you, then you can decide whether or not to continue drinking while on the drug. In patients with a history of alcohol abuse, taking the drug on an empty stomach or with food can reduce the chances of this adverse effect.
Where Can I Buy Viagra?
Viagra can be purchased legally and at a reasonable price from most pharmacies and medical stores. Because it is a relatively new drug on the market, it is easy to find in almost all drugstores. In addition, you can also get the drug online from reputable companies that provide safe and affordable options.
Do I Need A Prescription To Buy Viagra?
All forms of medication, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs, require a prescription to buy. However, the only requirement is that the pharmacy knows what the medication is for. In this way, if you have a valid prescription for Viagra, then the pharmacy staff will know what type of customer you are and they will help you get what you need without any delays. If you do not have a prescription for the drug, then it is best to wait until you do to be able to get it. In the meantime, you can find OTC medications that may help with your ED issues.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Viagra is available as a generic pill, a capsule, a tablet, or a solution that can be injected into the penis. In all of these forms, the active ingredient is the same; however, the way it is presented can vary. The most common form of the pill is coated, which is designated as enteric-coated. The advantage of this type of Viagra is that it allows for better absorption into the blood stream when dispersed in water or when chewed or dissolved in the mouth. The disadvantage of the pill is that it may cause an upset stomach or diarrhea because it is looser than the standard form of the drug.
When choosing a tablet form of Viagra, it is important to look for products that have been specially designed to prevent impurity or deterioration. Sometimes, tablets are imprinted, which makes them more difficult to wash or melt away. Finally, when choosing the solution form of the drug, make sure that the brand you are buying has been tested for purity and is from a reputable company. Some manufacturers add alcohol to the solution as an inactive ingredient, and this can cause irritation or damage to the bladder or the mouth. If you suspect that any of these forms of the drug may be harmful to your health, then it is best to choose an alternative medication or to go without medication altogether.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effect of Viagra usually takes less than an hour to begin with and usually lasts for about four to six hours. Some men have reported lasting effects as long as twelve hours after taking the drug. These are generally the results of drinking alcohol or taking other medications simultaneously with the drug. Patients who take Viagra for the first time or those who have not taken it for a while may experience some mild side effects for up to thirty minutes to an hour before the drug starts taking effect.
Is It Safe To Combine Medications That Act On The Same Pathway?
There are several medications that can be effective in the treatment of ED. The most common ones are Viagra, Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil). Because these are all PDE5 inhibitors, they can have similar effects on a patient, but they work through different pathways. Therefore, it is not advisable to take these medications simultaneously because there is a chance that the effects could be compounded. If you notice any unforeseen reactions when using two or more of these medications, then it is best to stop taking the drug and consult your physician. Although there is a theoretical risk of having a heart attack or a stroke when using multiple PDE5 inhibitors, the chances of this happening are low because the risk factors for atherosclerosis (the condition that leads to a heart attack or a stroke) are usually present in people who have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Can ED Cause Other Problems?
ED is not just about having or not having an erection. There are a number of other problems that can be caused by ED, including but not limited to: