Viagra is undoubtedly the most famous and most well-known of all prescription drugs, and for good reason. Known generically as sildenafil, this FDA-approved medication has been shown to be highly effective in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) – the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that has been frustrating many happy partners for several years. But what exactly does Viagra do for you? Let’s take a closer look.
Improves Erectile Dysfunction
As we’ve discussed, Viagra serves to improve the efficiency of the bodies sexual organ, the penis. It does this by increasing blood flow into the penis during arousal, thereby enhancing the erection that is experienced by the individual taking the medication. A German study found that out of 147 men who took part in the trial, 71.7% reported increased sexual desire while on the drug, and 45.5% said it helped them achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration. But what happens if your issue isn’t with wanting to maintain an erection but with wanting to get hard in general? Say you’ve been told by your doctor that you have low blood pressure, and that taking Viagra could put you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Would you still take the drug? That’s a question only you can answer, but if your answer is yes, you should probably consult with a different doctor.
Reduces Inflammation And Irritation
In a similar fashion to aspirin, which we’ve discussed before, Viagra has the ability to reduce inflammation and irritation – two factors that frequently contribute to the unhappiness of those who take the drug. This property makes it particularly beneficial for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is often marked by chronic gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort and abdominal pain. A systematic review of 11 studies involving more than 500 patients found that while Viagra didn’t offer any advantages to those with IBS who took it for only 3 months, it did offer some alleviation to the symptoms of the condition after 6 months of treatment. Another study in Germany found that 37.5% of men taking Viagra experienced a significant reduction in the number and severity of their symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment, while 22.5% reported a moderate improvement in their conditions. Irritation and inflammation are frequent causes of erectile dysfunction, so this is another potential advantage of Viagra. It can also reduce the irritation that frequently accompanies hiatal hernia, a condition where a portion of the stomach or esophagus protrudes into the chest cavity. When this happens, it often leads to reflux, which can be extremely uncomfortable and even lead to heartburn, esophageal stenosis, and in extreme cases, esophageal cancer. If you’re taking this drug for any of these reasons, you might want to consider consulting with a different doctor.
A Safe And Effective Option For Those With Heart Disease
One of the questions that will undoubtedly be asked is whether or not Viagra is safe for those with heart disease. In a word: yes. As we’ve discussed, Viagra can reduce irritation and inflammation – both of which are factors that often contribute to heart disease. A report in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in 2012 followed up on a trial that was conducted in Germany a decade earlier, which had initially examined the effects of Viagra on men with heart disease. The new study tested whether or not the drug had any significant side effects in patients with normal hearts, and whether or not it was safe to prescribe it to those with heart disease. In this new trial, which consisted of a total of 605 randomly selected participants, all of whom had either angina or had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery, the men who were on medication for erectile dysfunction were asked to take either Viagra or a placebo every day for 3 months. At the end of the study, it was found that while there was no difference in total death rate between the two groups, the men who were taking Viagra had fewer cases of heart problems and significantly fewer incidents of angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or stroke. The study authors concluded that while Viagra isn’t yet proven to be safe or effective in people with heart disease, the results from this trial indicated that it might be a wise choice for those who are already taking it for another condition. In general, you should consult with your doctor before taking any prescription drug, especially one that alters your sexual function. Knowing what questions to ask and being armed with knowledge can help you make better decisions about your health.
To learn more, check out our guide to the causes of erectile dysfunction and advice on how to treat it. If you’d like to try a natural approach to boosting your libido and achieving erections that last longer, check out our discussion on the effects of Vitamin D on men’s health.