Viagra is one of the world’s most popular and well-known erectile dysfunction drugs, and for good reason. It’s been around for more than a century and is highly effective at improving erectile function. But like most medications, it doesn’t always work at first attempt. In fact, up to 10% of men don’t see the benefits of the drug at all, and 5% experience side effects that are worse than the symptoms they were trying to treat. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and what can be done about it.
Understanding The Biology Of Erectile Dysfunction
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the basics of male anatomy and how the body’s sex hormones affect the ability to get or keep an erection, as well as the duration of sexual activity. While there are multiple causes of erectile dysfunction, most cases can be attributed to a poor understanding of the natural workings of one’s body and the role that hormones play in regulating sexual desire and performance. Let’s take a quick look at how the hormone system works:
Testosterone
Testosterone is the “main man” hormone, which is responsible for libido (sex drive) and energy level. It is also essential for the proper development of male reproductive organs and muscles, as well as the maintenance of healthy sexual function. Men with low testosterone are often affected by erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, and sexual problems, which can be alleviated by treatment. The drug testosterone enanthate lifts the hormone levels in men, promoting lean muscle growth and increased psychological well-being. It is also commonly prescribed to treat prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), two conditions that cause the prostate to enlarge. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it often interferes with the proper functioning of the urinary tract, resulting in leakage and the unpleasant sensation of urine being in the back of the neck. The drug reduces this frequent urination, promoting increased comfort and relaxation.
DHT
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), commonly known as “the poor man’s testosterone,” is another hormone that affects the function of the prostate. It is produced from testosterone in the body and, in high concentrations, has similar effects as its more “mature” counterpart. Like testosterone, DHT is necessary for muscle growth and sexual health, and is commonly present in men with low sperm counts and erectile dysfunction. The drug finasteride, which is also commonly found in anti-androgen therapy for prostate cancer, reduces the production of DHT in the body by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. The drug helps to relieve the symptoms of BPH and can also be used to prevent and treat prostatitis. While DHT does have some beneficial effects, in high concentrations it can cause problems similar to those caused by testosterone. For this reason, it is often considered inferior to testosterone. And since it’s easier for the body to produce than testosterone, it can often be found in older men with lower production rates as well.
Side Effects Of Viagra
As mentioned above, not everyone will benefit from Viagra. In fact, it has been known to cause a number of side effects in some men. They include:
Dizziness
Dizziness is another commonly reported side effect of Viagra, and it’s not hard to see why. With a brand name that literally means “sewer” in Latin, it’s not hard to understand why the drug has been nicknamed “slimy” or “floppy” Viagra. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. This class of medication promotes vasodilation by relaxing smooth muscle in blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout the body. As a result, some men experience lightheadedness or dizziness while taking or after taking the drug. This side effect is often cited as a reason why some men choose not to take the drug.
Headaches
Headaches are one of the more unpleasant side effects of Viagra. It’s reported that anywhere from 6-34% of users experience severe headaches after taking the drug. These are actually a type of neurological reaction known as “vasodilator-associated headaches” (VAH), and they may be more common in people who use nitrate medications or have a history of head trauma. In most cases, these headaches are mild and self-limiting, but they can be very embarrassing and even incapacitating. Luckily, there are effective treatments for these kinds of headaches. Physicians can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to patients who experience these kinds of headaches. Other treatments, such as naloxone (a non-addictive opioid antagonist) and anticonvulsants, are also effective. In some cases, men will experience relief of their headaches after quitting the drug. It is also a symptom of another condition, known as pseudotumor cerebri. It’s important to remember that not all headaches are caused by ED or Viagra. For example, many people experience terrible headaches due to stress or nutrition deficiency. So it’s important to try and determine the root cause of the problem when treating these types of headaches.
Stomach Reactions
Another side effect of Viagra that some men experience is stomach reations. It is believed that the drug can cause gastric reflux, gastritis, or esophagitis, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, burning sensations with food, acid reflux, and nausea. It has also been known to cause hyperacidity and ulcers, with more severe cases leading to stomach perforation. In rare instances, men can experience severe diarrhea or constipation as a result of the drug. In most cases these symptoms are temporary and go away after the men stop taking the medication. Still, it is wise to note that these are known side effects of the drug and alternative medications should be considered.
Dealing With The Cost Of Therapy
The cost of therapy is a significant factor for men who are struggling with ED. Not only does it add up over time, but it’s often more than what they can afford. It’s no secret that the drug Viagra, which is usually prescribed to treat ED, costs thousands of dollars per year. In 2015, a daily tablet of Viagra cost the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) $5,200. This is almost as much as the median household income of California in 2014 ($5,800), and it doesn’t include the cost of other therapies and medications that are often prescribed alongside Viagra.
As a general rule, men with ED should not rush into therapy. It is best to ease into treatment, using cheaper, non-prescription options or supplements first. In some cases, this may mean changing the way you are eating or the way you are living your life. It may also mean switching to a different medication or combination of medications. Trying out different treatments and experimenting with different doses may also be required before you find the right combination for your body. All of this can be expensive, and it’s a major reason why so few men with ED seek help and why so many hide their symptoms.
The Bottom Line
There are many factors that can contribute to a man’s inability to get or maintain an erection. Even if you don’t fit the profile of someone who can benefit from Viagra, it is still important to see a doctor if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction and willing to try something new to help you out. It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects caused by the medication, as well as what might be causing your specific case of ED. Once you have determined the root of the problem, you can begin treatment properly and effectively, leading you closer to a solution and healthier sex life.