The Rise In Popularity
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, was originally developed as a treatment for angina. It was first approved as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the year 1998 and it has since become one of the most popular medications for the latter condition. In fact, as of 2018, Viagra is one of the Top-100 Brand Names with the Greatest Recall Awareness in North America based on an average of the results of two consumer surveys conducted by OneOpinion.
While Viagra has been around for almost 20 years, most people still do not know very much about the medication. This can be attributed to its relatively new status as a treatment for ED. Before its approval as a treatment for ED, impotence was not something that frequently found its way onto people’s radars. Now that it’s become such a common issue, more and more people are beginning to wonder if Viagra does in fact work.
Does It Have The Ability To Increase Tastes?
Another side effect of Viagra that has emerged over the years is its appetite suppressing effects. In 1998, before Viagra was approved for use in Europe, the FDA mandated that it be accompanied by a label that warns of the potential to reduce food intake. Although this was eventually removed from the medication’s label, it was not before doctors and patients were well aware of the drug’s ability to do so.
Not only does Viagra have the potential to reduce one’s appetite; it also has the ability to enhance the flavors of food. An article in the New York Times from August 22nd, 2018, highlighted how this drug can change the way people experience food. It stated that “Viagra seemed to improve everything about the meal: the taste, the smell, the feel of the food in my mouth.” Anecdotally, many people have shared similar experiences.
While Viagra may help to improve one’s overall eating habits, it does not come without risks. As reported by HealthLine, the most serious side effect associated with the drug is its interaction with alcohol. Individuals who take Viagra and then consume alcohol may be at risk of experiencing some adverse effects. These include elevated blood pressure, fainting, and heart attack. It is therefore recommended that men who take this drug avoid drinking alcohol.
The Mainstreaming Of Impotence
Before Viagra came along, people with ED had a tough time finding relief. Prior to the drug’s approval, impotence was referred to as ‘males’ (sic) sexual dysfunction’ and was considered to be a psychiatric disorder. In fact, prior to the 1980s, it was not uncommon for psychiatrists to prescribe psychotropic medications to men with ED. These are not acceptable treatments for men with ED and, in most cases, neither are they effective. Thankfully, in 2018, things are beginning to change and psychiatric medication for ED is no longer necessary.
As mentioned, before Viagra’s approval as a treatment for ED, the most common type of help men with the condition received was psychotherapy. Although it has not completely been ‘psychiatricized’, as of 2018, physicians are becoming less apt to prescribe psychiatric medication for ED.
Does Viagra Work?
According to the American Association for Sexuality Education (4th Edition, 2017), approximately one in ten (10%) men between the ages of 40 – 69 suffer from ED. If you’re one of these men, it’s highly probable that you’ve heard of Viagra. If you’re reading this, it’s obvious that you already know the answer to the question: Does Viagra work?
The answer is yes. It works. Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis which, in turn, allows for easier and more frequent erections. When taken as prescribed by your physician, it will help to improve your quality of life by allowing you to enjoy sexual intercourse with your partner. If you’re already using Viagra to treat your ED and are curious about whether or not it works for weight loss, it’s easy to find out.
The Evidence
It is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of evidence supporting Viagra’s effectiveness is clinical. This means that it comes from studies involving human subjects. While the results of these studies can certainly be replicated in a laboratory setting, they must be interpreted with caution. For example, before the medication was approved by the FDA, clinical trials were conducted to determine its safety and efficacy. They also explored the relationship between oral medication and the resulting effects on the body.
Of the ten trials conducted, all but two supported the drug’s effectiveness in treating ED. Based on the available evidence, it is reasonable to suggest that Viagra is one of the most effective medications for men with ED. Since its approval, an overwhelming number of well-designed and executed trials have been conducted to support its use as a treatment for both sexual dysfunction and general well-being. Furthermore, according to the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), the most common side effect associated with Viagra is headache. This is followed by stuffy nose, upset stomach, and back pain. The side effects listed below are comparatively rare:
- dizziness
- nasal congestion
- blurred vision
- diarrhea
- migraine headache
- reduced visual acuity
- difficulty breathing
- heart pain
- edema (swelling)
- rash
- itching
- numbness
When To Take Viagra
Like any other medication, Viagra should be taken as prescribed by your physician. It should also be noted that the medication is not appropriate for use in all cases of ED. For example, if you have diabetes or are taking other medications that affect your blood pressure, Viagra may not be the best choice for you. Your physician will be able to determine which medications you’re best suited to take in conjunction with sexual activity and which ones you should avoid while on the medication.
Getting The Most From Your Medicinal Drink
Another important thing to keep in mind about Viagra is how critical it is to drink alcohol in moderation. If you drink too much alcohol while taking the drug, you run the risk of experiencing some adverse effects. In fact, it has been suggested by medical professionals that men with ED should not take this drug if they regularly consume alcohol. They also state that an alcohol history should be taken into consideration before prescribing the medication.
This is because alcohol interferes with the medication’s ability to increase blood flow to the penis and, in some cases, can even cause it to contract. When this happens, the medication no longer works to its intended effect. In these situations, a partial or complete erection can sometimes be achieved by stimulating the nerve endings in the penile area with firm manual or digital stimulation. Unfortunately, this is often followed by the eventual loss of the erection. In some cases, this can even lead to sexual dysfunction in men who take this drug for general well-being as well as ED.
The bottom line is that if you have an alcohol history and are on medication that can interact with alcohol, you should not take this drug. If you do want to try it and it’s available to you, it’s recommended that you take it at the same time every day and never exceed the recommended dose. If you stay on top of these matters and always do what your physician recommends, you can rest assured that your quality of life will dramatically improve thanks to Viagra.