Sixty years after the first commercialization of Viagra, the popular drug for erectile dysfunction, the question of what sex is like with a man on the medication still divides people and piques their curiosity.
The answer may surprise you. While some men experience dramatic improvements with just a few doses of Viagra, the medication doesn’t turn sexual interactions with a partner into an automatic process.
Instead, it encourages users to take the time to learn about their bodies and how they might react to different stimuli. Relatively speaking, this is a revolutionary change for men facing erectile dysfunction. Fewer drugs mean fewer harmful side effects. Better yet, it suggests that there are alternatives to treating the problem with prescription medication.
How Does Viagra Work?
The answer may lie in the chemical composition of the drug. While the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, prevents enzymes in the body from breaking down dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the brain’s pleasure center, it does not stop the natural production of the chemical. Instead, it encourages the brain to produce more dopamine. In other words, the drug may boost your sex drive without turning your dick into a hard-on.
This is likely why many men feel more connected to their partners after taking Viagra. It not only eases the pain associated with losing erections but also allows for deeper connectivities. According to research, men on the drug report increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone connected with trust and social bonds. This is also why some men experience a boost in sexual desire after taking Viagra—it encourages them to open up about their problems with erectile dysfunction and seek help. With more and more men willing to explore alternative treatments for sexual problems, it appears that Viagra may be on its way out.
What Should I Look Out For?
If you’re curious about what sex is like with a man on Viagra, here are a few things you might want to keep an eye out for.
- Blood in the urine (this is usually a sign of liver toxicity)
- Rash or hives on the skin (these are often a sign of a severe allergic reaction)
- Vision changes (especially if they’re not temporary)
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Viagra, you should consult your physician right away. While most side effects associated with the drug are mild and only occur in a small percentage of users, these are still risks you need to be aware of.
Can It Be Used To Enhance My Love Life?
While Viagra usually is prescribed for erectile dysfunction, there is some evidence that it may also be effective in enhancing one’s love life. A British study from 2014 examined 53 couples where one partner was taking Viagra and the other was a placebo. The results showed that those who took Viagra had higher levels of sexual desire and were more likely to experience sexually satisfying interactions with their partners. The study also noted that in some cases, the drug was able to increase the frequency of sexual encounters by as much as 50% and brought participants closer together as a result.
This is an area that definitely needs further research, but if you’re looking for a way to spice up your love life with some discreet doses of Viagra, it’s definitely worth a try.
What About Side Effects?
Like any other medication, Viagra is not without its side effects. However, it is generally considered to be a safe and effective drug for treating erectile dysfunction (at least, as safe and effective as the alternatives). In fact, when compared to other ED drugs, like Cialis and Levitra, Viagra appears to have fewer side effects.
As mentioned above, the most common side effect associated with the drug is mild to moderate headache, which occurs in about 1 in 10 users. Additionally, about 1 in 100 users develop high blood pressure, while others experience dizziness or vision changes. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and do not require medical attention.
However, Viagra can also cause more severe side effects, including liver toxicity, hives, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your physician right away. It is also important to note that some men have experienced interactions with certain foods or beverages, which have led to severe allergic reactions. Finally, if you’re already taking another medication for a different condition, such as insulin for diabetes, you may experience an unsafe interaction if you try Viagra. In these cases, your physician may advise you to temporarily discontinue the medication before trying the drug.
Do I Need To Take It Every Day?
Unlike many medications, Viagra does not have to be taken every day to be effective. According to the package instructions, you should take the drug once or twice a day, preferably at the same time each day. Some people think this is because the medication absorbs into the bloodstream more rapidly if administered on an empty stomach. If administered in the morning, it may also prevent some of the head aches associated with hangovers.
However, keep in mind that the drug has a fairly short half-life. This is significant because if you stop taking it for a day or two, you will likely experience some negative effects, including a return of your erectile dysfunction. As a general rule of thumb, it’s usually best to take the medication for as short a time as possible, especially if you’re just using it to improve your sex life. Ideally, you should only need to try the drug for a few weeks or months before your physician deems it effective and starts seeing improvements in your erections.
The Bottom Line
Sixty years after its invention, Viagra continues to amaze people with its ability to alter how they experience sexuality. This week, the FDA approved a new drug, vardenafil, which is said to be more effective and has fewer side effects than Viagra. While this is great news for men with erectile dysfunction, it is important to remember that just because a medication is effective for one condition does not mean it will be effective for other conditions. So, it’s still advisable to consult with your physician before taking any medication, including Viagra, for a sexual problem.