In an ideal world, everyone would take a pill every day to help them avoid cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction.
But since we don’t live in an ideal world, we have to make sure that pills like Viagra work the way they’re supposed to, which means checking in with a doctor before you take it.
Here’s what you need to know:
How Does Viagra Work?
- It improves blood flow to the penis, which has the effect of enhancing male sexual function.
- It was first approved for use in the United States in 1998.
- The effects last about three hours, after which you will need to take another dose, about an hour before sexual activity.
When Should You Take It?
Viagra should be taken orally around 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. However, if you’re going to be taking it later than that, you will need to take a dose once or twice, about 30 minutes to an hour before each sexual encounter.
The exact timing will depend on your individual needs. If you’re not certain when you’ll need it, take it earlier rather than later – it won’t hurt and it might just help out. As for the best time to take it, during daylight hours is usually the best, as it ensures that your body’s natural rhythms, especially your hormone levels, are at their optimum.
Do I Have To Take It Every Day?
No. It is not recommended that you take Viagra every day, as it can cause adverse side effects. As previously stated, cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction are two conditions that it can help to prevent. So if you’re prone to one of those, it might be a good idea to skip a day, or even two. Then you’ll be sure to notice a difference and will feel more refreshed and positive when you do finally take it.
When should you take it, and how much should you take will depend mostly on your personal needs. But since Viagra is usually prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction, the general rule of thumb is this: the less often you take it, the less effective it will be. So if you feel that you need it just to get through the day, chances are you’ll be able to avoid the side effects of long-term use by taking the minimum needed to get through the day – and perhaps even opting for a no-desserts-after-dinner option for a few hours, to maximize the effects of what you’re taking.
What About The Soreness Level?
When you first start taking Viagra, you may experience some soreness. Especially in the area where the medication was administered, you’ll feel a stinging sensation, and this is normal. It will then begin to wear off and vanish, as your body gets used to the medication and the side effects it causes. The good news is this stinging sensation is a sign that the medication is working and helping your body in its efforts to heal. So rather than feeling sorry for this symptom, you should feel proud that your body is responding to what you’re putting in it. When this symptom goes away, you’ll be relieved that you no longer have to worry about low testosterone levels causing you to lose interest in sex or suffer from erectile dysfunction. Soreness may also occur elsewhere, including the area where the nerve endings are located, which makes it feel like you’ve been bit by a bug or been overexerted during physical activity. In this case, chances are you’ll feel like adding more activity to your day is the best option available.
What About The Aftermath?
Some people experience headaches, light-headedness, or dizziness after taking a dose of Viagra. But rather than panicking, these symptoms should be taken seriously and investigated, as they may indicate a serious issue. For instance, dizziness or headaches may be a sign that you’re developing a blood clot somewhere in your body. So rather than trying to just make it go away, you should seek medical help, as you might need to adjust your medication or treatment plan. These symptoms will usually go away within a few hours, or at the very least, you’ll be able to function as you normally do while they last.
But sometimes they don’t go away and can even be more serious than originally thought. So rather than just dismissing them as something you have to live with, take a few days off work and make sure your doctor knows about them. If they’re not serious and go away without therapy, you can try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or muscle relaxant as needed. Luckily, these are fairly harmless and usually have little to no side effects. But if the symptoms persist or increase in severity, it’s time to call your doctor again.
How Effective Is Viagra In Relation To Other Drugs?
Viagra is often used in combination with other drugs and treatments for cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction. But since it’s not always able to cure these issues alone, it can make things a little more complicated. For instance, you might be taking it along with a PDE-5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil or tadalafil. These drugs work by increasing the blood flow to the penis, helping to boost male sexual function. When used in combination with Viagra, the effect is tripled, as the two medications work in concert to improve blood flow and increase sexual function.
But rather than being a perfect combination, there are cases where the effects of the medications can become unpredictable. Especially if you start out with one medication and then proceed to take the other, without proper consultation from a doctor. Some research has shown that people who use both medications together may experience an interaction that leads to an overdose or an inadequate dosage of one or the other. Since these medications are fairly strong and have the potential to be toxic, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor before you try anything new.
What About Interactions With Alcohol Or Other Drugs?
There are cases where people taking certain medications, such as warfarin or rifampin have had interactions with alcohol that have led to serious complications, such as excessive bleeding or liver damage. Since these are rather serious issues, it might be a good idea to consult with a physician before drinking alcohol while taking any medication, especially if you’re not certain of the effects that combining the two might have. Some medications, especially antidepressants, can also cause the level of alcohol in your blood to rise, so this should be taken into consideration as well when drinking alcohol.
To avoid potential complications, it’s important to keep track of all your medications and supplements, especially if you’re already taking some for other conditions. Checking in with your doctor at every visit is also a good idea, to ensure that you’re not accidentally harming yourself. Since most people who take Viagra experience some side effects, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know that you’re taking it so that they can monitor you for any potential complications.
Long-Term Effects?
While it’s not generally recommended to take Viagra for longer than three months, some people have continued to use it as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. In general, the side effects from prolonged usage are mild, and there aren’t any obvious, long-term risks associated with taking it for long periods of time. However, since the drug affects the body’s natural hormone levels, and these can vary from person to person, it’s a good idea to monitor your personal healthcare provider for any updates or changes regarding this issue.
Overall Summary
In the end, aside from the side effects that are mentioned above, there really isn’t anything bad that you need to know about taking Viagra. It’s a fairly safe and easy-to-use medication, which can help to improve sexual function in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction or low libido. If you’re not sure whether or not you should try it, the best course of action is to contact your doctor, and if you do decide to give it a go, make sure that you do so under medical supervision. If you keep all of this in mind, you’ll be able to make the right decision for yourself and ensure that you get the most out of this medication. So rather than feeling worried or anxious about taking a drug that might help to improve your sex life, feel proud that your doctor has given you the option and is helping you to lead a healthier, more satisfying life. And if you ever do end up taking too much, you’ll know exactly what to do and who to talk to, as there will be people who can help you out – most likely your personal physician.