Viagra—the aptly named “little blue pill”—has been around for more than half a century and continues to be one of the most popularly prescribed medications in the world today. But what happens if you’re a woman and you take this well-established medication?
For starters, the FDA has approved a range of feminine products—such as sanitary towels and panty liners—to bear the official drug name “Viagra” and, thus, promote easier penetration for men suffering from erectile dysfunction (the most common side effect of Viagra). But there’s more than one kind of sexual dysfunction in this world, and not all medicines are created equal. What about women who experience orgasmic dysfunction? Is there a pill for them? Or does a “relationship ban” apply?
The good news is there is a solution for almost every drug-induced sexual dysfunction, including orgasmic dysfunction. In all cases, alleviating the cause of the problem is the key to recovery. So before you pop that next pill, ask your doctor about your specific medical history and whether or not this medication is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between Viagra and Sildenafil (the Active Ingredient in Viagra)?
Viagra and its active ingredient, sildenafil (also known as Viagra, or more commonly just “the pill”), are manufactured by the French drug company Pfizer and, as mentioned above, have been around since the early 20th century. While it is true that Viagra has been around for a long time, it has only recently been a popular choice for men suffering from sexual dysfunction. This is likely due to increased awareness about the disorder.
Viagra continues to be one of the most popularly prescribed medications in the world today. It is estimated that about one in ten men (or about nine out of every ten men) in the U.S. take this medication for erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. Even more impressively, about one out of every five men aged between fifty and sixty-four in the U.S. have been found to be taking Viagra, suggesting that older generations are discovering the benefits of this medication as well. It is available in a range of dosages, from 25 to 100mg, and is typically prescribed for a daily dose of between 25 and 50mg. The usual recommended starting dose is about 25mg, and if you’re just getting started, a trial period of two to three weeks is usually required before any substantial improvements are observed. The usual therapy duration is four to six weeks, and for some patients, it may be necessary to up the dose to as high as 100mg daily. Even then, the medication should not be taken for longer than six months without careful consideration of the risks versus benefits for the individual patient.
Is It Safe to Take Viagra If You’re Pregnant or Planning to Get Pregnant?
This is a legitimate question given that Viagra is listed as a category C medication (the most dangerous category) in the U.S. pregnancy risk assessment guide. However, Viagra is safe to take during pregnancy as long as the medication is not administered intravenously and it is only taken as prescribed by a physician. It is important to keep in mind that not all medications are created equal, and it is highly advisable to consult with a physician before taking any medication, including Viagra. Pregnant women who are taking this medication should continue with their regimen until they have delivered their child and then stop taking the medication entirely, as it may be unsafe for the baby. Safety for the baby is of paramount importance.
Overall, it is extremely rare for a woman to suffer from complications from a male contraceptive, but there is one potential pitfall that must be mentioned. If a woman is still under the age of eighteen and happens to be using a form of birth control that contains the chemical ethinylestradiol, then it is possible that she may suffer from an irregular menstrual cycle, excessive hair loss, and/or an increased risk of blood clots, all of which fall under the category of feminizing effects. While there is no direct evidence that links these issues specifically to ethinylestradiol, it cannot be denied that these are some of the less desirable side effects that this particular chemical can cause in women. Fortunately, these are rare side effects that do not occur very often, and the vast majority of contraceptive implants, patches, and injections are safe for use by both men and women alike.
Is It Safe to Take Viagra If You’re Breast-feeding?
While there is no concrete evidence that links Viagra specifically to any negative side effects in breast-feeding women, it cannot be denied that this medication is a category B drug (the second most dangerous category) in the U.S. pregnancy risk assessment guide. This is mainly because it has the potential to cause fetal or neonatal adverse effects, namely, low birth weight and preterm labor. Because of this, Viagra should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding unless absolutely necessary. This includes postpartum women who are still experiencing the effects of delivering a child; therefore, a medication such as Viagra may increase the risk of low blood pressure and heart complications for these women. In rare instances, especially in the first month after giving birth, severe side effects, including death, have been reported in association with this particular medication. In all cases, it is advisable to consult with a physician before taking any medication, including Viagra. For postpartum women who are taking this medication and notice any complications, stop taking the medication and consult your doctor immediately.
What About The Long-Term Side Effects Of Viagra?
A majority of men who are on medication for erectile dysfunction will experience at least some of the negative long-term side effects associated with this medication. The most common of these is the gradual loss of sensitivity in the penis and testicles (known as erectile dysfunction). It is also very likely that many men who are on this medication will develop a dependence on it as a result of repeated use over time; therefore, a significant portion of patients will eventually experience the unpleasant effects of withdrawal when they try to discontinue using the medication. It is safe to assume that some men will experience these same unwanted effects simply because they are not on any medication or the dosage is so low that it has no noticeable effect on them (yet it provides benefits to other patients).
In most cases, men will experience the aforementioned side effects within two to three months of beginning treatment with Viagra. In rare instances, patients have reported these symptoms as early as one month after their first prescription. For optimal results, it is recommended that patients begin taking their medication at the same time every day and continue with the same regimen for the rest of their lives. In most cases, these unwanted effects will improve over time as long as the medication is administered regularly, but in some instances, they may become significantly worse, even requiring additional medication or medical intervention.
On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that there are several positive long-term side effects associated with Viagra. Probably the most significant of these is the fact that many men who are on this medication report being more satisfied with their sex life than they have been in years. This is largely due to the widening of the sexual spectrum that the medication provides, allowing more men to explore their kinky side. In most cases, this will be accompanied by a better overall sense of well-being and a more enjoyable sex life.
Additionally, many men who are on this medication report an improvement in their overall appearance, and in particular, their stamina and ability to grow facial hair, which has been extremely helpful in restoring their masculinity, thus increasing their self-esteem. However, it must be noted that in some instances, the medication may shave off too much facial hair, leading some men to feel self-conscious about their appearance. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is advisable to consult with a physician at the beginning of the therapy to ensure that you are getting the right dosage for your unique body build and to minimize the risk of any serious side effects.
Do All Forms Of ED Treatment Work For Everyone?
It is very important to keep in mind that not all forms of erectile dysfunction (ED) are created equal, and there are various reasons why a particular treatment may or may not work for a specific patient. For this reason, it is essential that you consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your ED so that they can recommend the most appropriate treatment.
As mentioned above, the most common form of ED involves problems with blood flow to the penis (known as arterial dysfunction). To determine the proper treatment for such cases, your doctor will need to perform a physical examination, including a blood pressure check, and may order additional tests, such as a cardiology evaluation and/or a blood test to determine the presence of any cardiovascular disease.