Viagra is a well-known drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). It has been around for a while, and since then, many related medications have been created with the same goal of increasing sexual function. If you’re wondering what happens if you take Viagra, continue reading.
The Pharmacological Profile Of Viagra
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that helps increase the blood flow to the penile area. It does this by increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and cGMP in the body. In other words, it helps elevate cGMP levels in the corpus cavernosal muscles. This, in turn, allows blood to flow into the penis during sexual arousal, resulting in an erection. In addition to this, Viagra is known for its relaxing effects on the blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
There are various possible side-effects of Viagra. These include headache, flushing, dizziness, back pain, diarrhea, and nausea. In addition, some individuals have reported adverse reactions including chest pain, fainting, and allergic reactions such as hives or rash.
How Viagra Works
As mentioned above, Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. To understand how it works, you first need to know a little bit about how the body’s natural erectile system works. The following is a simple overview of what happens during sexual arousal:
- During sexual arousal, neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are released in the brain. These are responsible for motivating the individual to have sex. While having these chemicals in your brain is useful for keeping you focused and motivated towards achieving sexual activity, they can also cause you to feel worried or anxious. For example, if you’re not used to feeling anxious or nervous around new people or environments, this can cause problems because your body might not produce the same hormones in response to these situations.
- In response to these neurotransmitters, your body produces chemicals called neuropeptides. One of these neuropeptides is vasopressin, which has the opposite effect of the previously mentioned neurotransmitters. Specifically, vasopressin helps regulate water reabsorption in the kidneys. This can affect the blood pressure, as well as the urine production when combined with increased amounts of uric acid in the blood stream.
- Blood flow to the penis increases in response to sexual arousal. This is triggered by a nerve impulse called the pelvic nerve. The pelvic nerve is controlled by the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is rich in dopamine and serotonin. As mentioned above, these neurotransmitters are responsible for sexual arousal and pleasure. They also promote bonding and social interactions, which makes it easier for the animal or human to relax and enjoy themselves during these times.
- The result of all of this is an erection. Once the penis is erected, the male can engage in sexual foreplay, which helps lubricate the area and promotes smoother and more enjoyable penetration. Erection also serves as a defense against potential predators, as humans with erected penises appear more intimidating to potential attackers.
- Sexual activity, in turn, promotes more dopamine and serotonin release in the brain. This, in turn, helps to renew the feeling of pleasure during subsequent sexual encounters. It also helps to prevent the individual from becoming desensitized to sexual activity, which can increase the chances of experiencing positive outcomes from future sexual encounters.
- Based on all of this, it’s clear that there are a lot of benefits to having a healthy sex life. It’s also important to take Viagra when needed, as it has been shown in clinical trials to increase the probability of experiencing an erection that lasts more than four hours. In other words, it helps to combat erectile dysfunction and the feeling of inadequacy that often accompanies it.
If you’re interested in learning more, there are many scholarly articles and medical textbooks that can help you better understand the process that leads to and maintains an erection. Remember, though, that Viagra works in conjunction with other medications and therapies to accomplish its goal of increasing sexual function. This includes lifestyle changes, such as increasing exercise and cutting back on alcohol and sugary beverages, as well as various clinical trials and medications, such as the anti-depressants (tricyclics and SSRIs). With that being said, Viagra is a great medication for those who need immediate relief and can help to increase their quality of life, especially if they’re partnered with someone they love.