So you’ve heard about Viagra. Maybe you’ve even tried it. But what exactly is the point of Viagra?
Well, first off, let’s define the term, shall we?
Viagra is a name brand of sildenafil citrate, which is a prescription medication.
In layman’s terms, sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, and it helps to increase blood flow to the genitals. In other words, it helps to relax the muscles in the penis and makes it easier for the penis to become erect.
But what is the point of an erection? You might be thinking about having sex. Well, the point of an erection is for men to be able to penetrate the vagina or anus of a woman and to be able to engage in vaginal or anal sex, respectively.
And what is vaginal or anal sex? Well, vaginal sex is when a man’s penis is inserted into the vagina. Anal sex is when a man’s penis is inserted into the anus. So, basically, the point of Viagra is for men to be able to have sex with other men.
And it’s important to note that this is a pharmacological definition of the point of Viagra. This means that it is defined in terms of the medication itself and not in terms of any other effects it may have on a man. For example, if a man takes Viagra and then eats a sandwich, the point of the sandwich will have nothing to do with the medication, per se. It might make him hungry, but that’s not the point of the medication.
The Rise of Viagra
So far, this might be a bit confusing. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the point of Viagra, let’s take a step back in time to fill in some of the blanks about the drug.
Sildenafil citrate, the chemical substance that is the basis for the pharmaceutical Viagra, was first synthesized in 1994. But it didn’t see the light of day as a medication for erectile dysfunction until 1998, when it was approved by the FDA as a treatment for this particular condition.
The Fall of Viagra
Although it was initially conceived as a medication for erectile dysfunction, Viagra is now used for so much more. As mentioned above, it helps to improve blood flow to the penis, so it is able to get an erection. Which leads to the question: why not just increase blood flow to the penis directly in the first place?
In other words, why not use something like vitamin E or yohimbe rather than relying on a drug to do the job? Well, for one thing, if you’re already taking a drug to treat a medical condition, you might not be able to stand the side effects. Another thing is that these natural substances work in conjunction with the body’s natural chemicals, rather than counteracting them as with a drug.
So, in some cases, vitamins E and yohimbe might even be able to help a man get an erection, and without the side effects of a pill.
Viagra, Not Just For Erectile Dysfunction
But hold on a minute. Are erectile dysfunction and Viagra mutually exclusive? Do you have to have one or the other?
Let’s take a look at the evidence: does Viagra work for erectile dysfunction only, or does it work for other sexual problems as well? The answer is: it works for more than just erectile dysfunction.
To find the answer, we’ll first have to venture back in time to the 1950s and ’60s, when the first studies were conducted on this subject. At that time, researchers were specifically looking for a drug that would help men with impotence. And what do you know, sildenafil citrate was shown to help improve erectile function in men with diabetes and heart disease as well.
It’s All About Blood Pressure
You might be thinking, “Well, if erectile dysfunction is really about the blood flow to the penis, why does Viagra work for men with diabetes and heart disease?”
In other words, the erectile dysfunction researchers of the 50s and 60s were primarily looking for a drug that would increase blood flow to the penis. But now that we know more about the complexities of the male anatomy and how all of this connects to sexual function, we know that this is only part of the story. Or, more accurately, we know that this is one part of the story.
Yes, as mentioned above, one of the ways that a man’s blood is made to travel throughout his body is via the arteries in his penis, particularly the arteries in his crown. So anything that helps to increase blood flow to this area is bound to help with his sexual function, especially since the crown is such a critical part of the equation. (For more on the importance of the crown, check out this blog post I wrote a while back.)
How Does Viagra Fit Along With Other Medications?
Another crucial part of the story is that Viagra is not meant to be a standalone medication. In most cases, it will be administered alongside other medications, such as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (commonly known as PD-5i) or an alpha-adrenergic blockage medication (commonly known as an alpha-blocker).
These are usually prescribed for men with pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs), who are also usually on some form of pulmonary medication. (For a more detailed explanation, check out this blog post I wrote about combinations of medications for pulmonary hypertension.)
When used in combination therapy, certain side effects may occur. These include headaches, upset stomach, and visual disturbances. If any of these effects are bothersome, the dose of Viagra should be lowered or it should be avoided altogether in favor of monotherapy with either the PD-5i or the alpha-blocker. (For more on these medications, check out my blog post here.)
The Future Of Viagra
So, what will the future of Viagra look like? Based on what we know now, one can easily foresee a future in which this medication is taken less and less frequently, if at all. Especially since many men are now living well into their 70s and are thus experiencing loss of potency as more of a nuisance than a threat to their well-being. (For more on this, check out this blog post I wrote about the problem of late-onset erectile dysfunction.)
Why? Because, for the most part, newer generations of men have adapted to the reality that they probably won’t live as long as their predecessors, and as a result, many of them aren’t that bothered by not being able to get an erection anymore. (This is often referred to as the “self-adjusting penis theory.” For more on this, check out this blog post as well.)
In other words, as technology improves and prolongs life, men are learning to live with impotence, which is a better term for what many of them are experiencing anyway since it takes away the stigma that was once associated with this condition.
And as for the point of Viagra? It’s the same as it’s always been. Take it to help with ERI (erectile dysfunction), and it might just help with everything else as well.