The medication known as Viagra (sildenafil) was originally designed to treat pulmonary hypertension. But as its popularity grew among heterosexual men, more and more women were finding uses for the pill as well.
Viagra was first approved for use in women in 2011. Since then, its popularity among the female population has risen substantially. Between 2012 and 2016, the number of prescriptions written for Viagra each month rose by 22%, reaching 6.6 million prescriptions.
Viagra is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. It works by increasing blood flow into the penis, resulting in an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. However, it is not approved for use in women with erectile dysfunction, or for use in men with heart disease.
How Does It Work?
As mentioned previously, Viagra is designed to treat pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension results in increased blood pressure in the lungs. This, in turn, can cause a number of adverse effects. One of these is damage to the lining of the brain and other organs due to the high blood pressure. Another problem associated with pulmonary hypertension is poor exercise tolerance. This makes it harder for the patient to simply get out of bed in the morning, especially if the patient is a woman. As a result, she may find it more difficult to get through the day, which may, in turn, cause depression and anxiety. Finally, many patients with pulmonary hypertension experience extreme headaches, which may be a result of damage to the nerves in the brain. This condition is known as neuropathy and can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life.
Pulmonary hypertension and the associated problems are serious, and thus, treatment with Viagra is often prescribed. However, while there are many benefits to Viagra, as with any medication, there are also some risks. Some of these are discussed below.
Risks
Like all pharmaceuticals, Viagra is not without risks. One of the most serious risks associated with Viagra is priapism. Priapism is a condition in which blood maintains an erection for an excessive length of time. It is often a result of underlying causes, such as sickle cell disease, leukemia, and trauma to the penis. But sometimes it occurs spontaneously without apparent cause.
In patients with spontaneous priapism, it is recommended that they be monitored for signs of an elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). An increased ICP above 15 mmHg is associated with brain damage, and in some instances, even death. Spontaneous priapism is a medical emergency, and treatment with systemic anti-hypertensives and sometimes manual detumescence (surgical removal of the penis’ soft tissue) is required to save the patient’s life.
Another serious potential side effect of Viagra is bradycardia (slow heart rate). Although this is a rare adverse effect, it has been reported in patients with certain pre-existing heart conditions. Those with bradycardia should be monitored for signs of an exacerbation of their heart condition. In some instances, heart transplantation may be required.
The most common side effect associated with Viagra is headache. This is typically seen within two to four weeks of treatment and may be mild or severe. In some instances, patients may experience a worsening of their underlying mental health condition (e.g., depression, anxiety) as a result of the medication. This is why it is always recommended that patients be closely monitored by their mental health professional during treatment. If, however, the headache is mild, it may be tolerable, and treatment may not be necessary.
Some patients, especially older ones, may also experience side effects such as dizziness, nasal congestion, and diarrhea. These are typically mild in nature and generally go away after the first few days of treatment. If necessary, they can be eased with appropriate medication or therapy.
Benefits
Aside from the risks, Viagra has some significant benefits. First, and most importantly, it can be used to safely and effectively treat erectile dysfunction in men. The benefits of Viagra for this use are countless, and it has become one of the most popularly prescribed medications for men with erectile dysfunction. Second, it can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension, which provides numerous benefits. Specifically, patients with pulmonary hypertension experience improved exercise capacity and quality of life. This makes it a very beneficial medication for those with the condition. Finally, it can be used to treat premature ejaculation in men. Again, this is a condition that plagues many men, and it is often associated with low self-esteem and frustration. But with the help of Viagra, men can enjoy intimate moments with their partners more frequently and thoroughly than ever before.
In summary, Viagra is a very useful medication for multiple conditions. It is not without risks, but it is a necessary medication for many patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and premature ejaculation. As with any medication, proper patient education is critical for the safe and effective use of Viagra. Especially since some of its risks are more serious than others, such as in patients with preexisting heart disease or who experience spontaneous priapism. But in general, the benefits of Viagra in treating these and other conditions make it a valuable medication for both men and women.