WHAT IS VIAGRA
Erectile dysfunction can be treated with the brand-name prescription medication Viagra (ED). Males who are at least 18 years old can use Viagra for this purpose. Sildenafil is a substance found in Viagra. It is a member of the pharmacological class known as PDE5 inhibitors, which targets phosphodiesterase type 5. (A class of drugs is a collection of medicines with comparable actions.) Viagra functions by boosting blood flow to your penis, which enables you to get and maintain an erection. But this medicine merely stimulates intercourse and then it works. Viagra is available in oral tablet form. Usually, it should be ingested an hour before having sex, but it can also be consumed up to four hours beforehand. The active component of Viagra is a blue tablet called “sildenafil citrate.” Men with erectile dysfunction take it an hour or so before sex to help them achieve and maintain an erection. Contrary to popular belief, Viagra is not an aphrodisiac; a guy using it must first be sexually aroused in order to erect.
WHAT DOES VIAGRA DO FOR MEN
Yes, it does. In these investigations, men who took the medicine performed better in achieving and maintaining erections that allowed for successful sexual activity. Between 43% and 83% of the men who took Viagra reported better erections across all investigations. The type of ED they had and the dosage of Viagra they were taking affected these rates. In contrast, males who took a placebo saw improved erections in 10% to 24% of cases (no active drug). Erectile dysfunction is treated with Viagra (ED). By aiding you in obtaining and maintaining an erection, it lessens ED symptoms. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a protein that is generated during erections, increases blood flow to the penis. Then, cGMP is broken down by a different protein called phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5), which prevents an erection. PDE-5 may act too soon in those who experience erection problems. The action of PDE-5 is inhibited by Viagra.
In this manner, blood flow to the penis can happen without being halted by PDE-5. You must first be familiar with the process by which a guy achieves an erection in order to comprehend what Viagra does and how it functions. Signals from the brain to the penis cause the release of a substance known as cGMP when the brain becomes excited. This substance causes some of the erectile tissue’s muscle cells to relax, which increases the amount of blood flowing to that region. The loss of the erection is caused by the body’s release of the PDE-5 enzyme after ejaculation, which degrades cGMP. When PDE-5 is inhibited, blood flow to the penis is increased, making it simpler to get and maintain an erection. Viagra and other ED medications function in a similar manner.
SIDE EFFECTS OF VIAGRA
The adverse effects of Viagra might be minor or severe. Some of the most common adverse effects of using Viagra are listed in the lists that follow. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further details regarding the potential adverse effects of Viagra. They can provide you with guidance on how to manage any side effects that are troublesome. Mild side effects of Viagra can be:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Back & Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Rashes
The side effects that this medication may have been described in more depth below.
- Allergic Reaction: As with most medications, taking Viagra occasionally results in an allergic reaction in some people. Less than 2% of Viagra users experienced an allergic reaction in clinical testing. It is unknown how frequently allergic responses developed in those who took a placebo (no active drug).
- Priapism: Rarely, Viagra can lead to priapism, which is a protracted and occasionally uncomfortable erection. The frequency of priapism in males who take Viagra is unknown, though. A medical emergency like priapism requires immediate attention. In the event that it goes untreated, the disorder may harm the tissues in your penis and result in permanent erectile dysfunction (ED). Go to the nearest emergency room if your erection lasts longer than four hours.
- Low blood pressure: After using Viagra, your blood pressure may momentarily drop. But most individuals don’t have a problem with this. Less than 2% of Viagra users in clinical tests experienced low blood pressure after using the medication. How frequently low blood pressure happened in those who received a placebo is unknown (no active drug). However, bear in mind that if you have certain cardiac issues, a quick drop in your blood pressure could be harmful. If you’re on some other medications, a sudden drop in blood pressure could be harmful.
- Heart attack, Irregular heartbeat, and Stroke: Rarely, a heart attack, stroke, or abnormal heartbeat has occurred in a person taking Viagra. Most often, those with pre-existing heart problems experienced these conditions. However, occasionally persons without heart issues developed these illnesses. It’s uncertain whether Viagra was the direct cause of the negative effects. You should immediately cease having intercourse if you get chest pain after taking Viagra. And before beginning Viagra, consult your doctor if you have a heart condition. They can talk to you about whether it’s safe for you to use this medication. See the section below titled “Viagra precautions” for more details on taking Viagra if you have cardiac issues.
- Headache: One typical Viagra adverse effect is headaches. Viagra expands some blood arteries in your body, which causes headaches, flushing, and vertigo. In clinical investigations, between 16% and 28% of Viagra users suffered headaches. In contrast, 4% to 7% of those who received a placebo reported having headaches. If you use Viagra and get a headache, it should pass rather soon. But if it bothers you, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen-containing painkiller. Ask your physician or pharmacist to suggest a drug that is suitable for your use. Call your doctor if you experience a severe headache or one that won’t go away. They’ll assist in choosing the most effective headache remedy.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Before its effects start to fade, Viagra typically lasts two to three hours. Depending on your dosage, your body’s metabolism, and other external circumstances, Viagra may last up to 5 hours or longer. Depending on how your body reacts to Viagra, you might be able to have an erection more than once while taking it. But generally speaking, taking Viagra won’t keep you up later. There is no concrete evidence that using Viagra can lengthen a sexual session. After having sex, Viagra could not function properly again right away. Your body isn’t typically ready for another erection straight after ejaculating because of this. The refractory period is this time span. It might just last a short while, but it might also last for several hours or days. How long Viagra lasts for you depend on a number of crucial aspects, including:
- Dose: Your dosage of Viagra will determine how long it stays in your system. In comparison to the biggest dose, 100 mg, the smallest amount, 25 mg, won’t last as long. But because it might not be secure for you, taking a bigger dose isn’t always advised.
- Age: Your metabolism slows down as you age. Thus, as you age, Viagra might last longer. In general, if you’re 65 or older, you might find that Viagra lasts longer.
- Diet & lifestyle: The effectiveness or speed of Viagra’s metabolization can be hindered by eating a substantial meal or consuming a lot of high-fat foods just before taking it. However, because it is metabolized alongside your meal, this may potentially lengthen its duration. Smoking and drinking alcohol both reduce blood flow to the penis, making Viagra less effective or less long-lasting.
- Medication: The duration of Viagra can be impacted by some drugs, particularly antibiotics like erythromycin (Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
- Overall health: Viagra’s effectiveness and duration in your body can be impacted by specific medical problems. Atherosclerosis (fat buildup in your blood arteries), diabetes, and disorders of the nervous system like multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as conditions of the heart like Viagra, can all shorten its duration and reduce its efficacy. The impact of some renal disorders on your metabolism may cause Viagra to last longer.
- Psychological state: Your body’s reaction to sexual stimulation might be affected by feelings of anxiety, trepidation, depression, or stress. Viagra may not work as well or for as long if you’re not at ease or comfortable during sex or if you have performance anxiety as a result of prior sexual experiences.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to achieving and maintaining an erection, Viagra can be a useful option. Take it on an empty stomach for at least an hour before engaging in sexual activity for the greatest benefits, and make sure to follow your provider’s instructions. Seek immediate medical assistance if your erection persists for more than four hours since this could cause irreparable harm. Cialis and Levitra are two drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction together with Viagra.
