Viagra, or sildenafil citrate as it is more commonly known, is a drug that was first approved by the FDA back in 1998. It was originally designed for use as a treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED), but it has since become so much more than that.
The reason behind its popularity is that it is a simple solution to a complex problem. When taken as prescribed, it can give men around the world the ability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Interestingly, it is the only drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED that does not require the patient to take it at the same time every day. While it is still recommended that men take it at the same time every day, this is not a requirement.
Even if you are not familiar with Viagra, you have probably heard of it before. It is frequently prescribed by doctors and urologists, and many men have successfully used it to improve their sex lives. In fact, it is one of the top selling drugs in the world because it is effective and safe for use. But what exactly is Viagra? And why should you try it? Let’s take a look.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug that was originally approved by the FDA back in 1998. It was designed to treat male erectile dysfunction, but it has since become so much more than that.
It is a generic version of sildenafil citrate, which was originally developed by Pfizer as a treatment for angina and hypertension. sildenafil citrate is a substance that can be found in the seeds of the genus Silderryl and in the fruit of the genus Citrus. So, essentially, Viagra is a drug that stimulates the chemical messenger nitric oxide in the body. When nitric oxide levels are high in the body, it causes blood vessels to relax and open up, which in turn leads to increased blood flow and an erection.
How Does Viagra Work?
Nitric oxide is a chemical compound that is naturally produced in the body. It is mainly produced in the brain and in the tissue surrounding the small intestine. In men, nitric oxide helps to regulate blood pressure and has been known to relax blood vessels, especially in the lungs and the gastro-intestinal system. It also has a role to play in sexual function, and low levels of nitric oxide have been shown to contribute to poor erectile function and diminished sexual desire. In women, nitric oxide helps to regulate menstrual cycles and causes muscle relaxation which benefits from the increased blood flow during sexual activity. So it is a safe to say that nitric oxide plays a very important role in pretty much every area of a man’s life.
When taken as prescribed, Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase 5 or PDE5. PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP, which is a compound that is naturally produced upon sexual stimulation or activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The breakdown of cGMP is responsible for causing the smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum to relax, allowing blood to stream into the penis and produce an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra prevents the breakdown of cGMP and thus allows for increased blood flow into the penis.
What Are The Advantages Of Taking Viagra?
One of the main advantages of taking Viagra is that it is a very effective solution to the issue of erectile dysfunction. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 28 million men in the United States alone have some form of erectile dysfunction, and around 12 million of these men are too embarrassed to talk about their condition. So when they are prescribed Viagra or a similar drug, they often feel more comfortable talking about mundane topics like their jobs and relationships than they do about their sex lives. This makes them much more open to discussing changes that need to be made to their medications. In addition, men who have tried Viagra have often remarked that it has improved their sex lives. It has been shown to increase penile blood flow by around 30% and allow for much deeper penetration. Many men have also reported an increase in their sexual desire and frequency of sexual activity following a prescription for Viagra.
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Viagra?
The side effects of taking Viagra are generally mild and rarely severe. The most common side effect is headache, which may be due to blood vessel irritation. But since blood flow is enhanced by this drug, many men report an increase in energy and a sense of well-being. This certainly does not mean that taking Viagra is risk-free, as there are still potential side effects that men need to be aware of. One of the more serious side effects is drug-induced hepatic injury. In rare instances, this injury has been known to be fatal. Another dangerous side effect is blue fingers or lips due to an excessive intake of the drug or due to an allergic reaction to the medication. Because Viagra improves blood flow throughout the entire body, including the palms of the hands, it is very easy for it to be absorbed through the skin and thus cause systemic effects. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the drug is categorized as a PDE5 inhibitor, rather than simply as a ‘vasodilator’ or ‘nitric oxide booster’
Even though Viagra is a very effective solution to the issue of erectile dysfunction, it is still not necessarily a prescription for everyone. First and foremost, you should consult with your doctor to see if this drug is appropriate for you. In addition, you should only take the lowest effective dosage. Taking too high a dosage can cause problems, such as headaches and stomach upset. So it is always best to be on the safe side and consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications or supplements, especially if you are not sure what they are or whether they are safe for you to take. Lastly, if you are taking this medication for the first time, then you should only take it alone or with food. Insufficiently taken, Viagra can cause stomach irritation, so too much of it at one time can cause this issue. Of course, this also means that if you take it at the wrong time, it can cause problems too.
Overall, What Is Viagra?
In a nutshell, Viagra is a drug that helps to regulate blood flow within the body. It is a solution to the complex problem of erectile dysfunction and has proven effective for millions of men all over the world. If you or any of your partners are suffering, then this might be the drug for you. But if you are hesitant to try it for fear of side effects, then there are other solutions that you can try first.