Viagra: 20 Successful Years in The Treatment of Impotence

Viagra- must have heard about it right? Ever wondered why it is so popular in the treatment of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the medical term for Impotence. It is a condition whereby a man finds it difficult to obtain a proper erection required for a physical intercourse. Viagra, an erectile dysfunction medicine, can help you get the long-lost potency back and resume your happy hours with your partner.

But it is to be noted that this ED pill can only work when there is a sexual stimulation present. It does not induce any such stimulation. Also, it is meant for use by men only.

Let us find out what this pill can do to bring back your erection.

What is Viagra?

Viagra, which is the brand name for Sildenafil, is the first ever oral ED pill discovered to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It belongs to a class of erectile dysfunction medicines called PDE5 inhibitors that help in dilating the blood vessels causing more blood to flow into the corpus cavernosum of the penis.

Viagra History:

In 1998, British Pfizer scientists developed a formula called Sildenafil citrate which they believed would help treat pulmonary hypertension and chest pain associated with coronary heart disease. Several experiments were conducted but it showed little improvements in the conditions of those people suffering from heart disease. But instead, there were increased reports of prolonged erections in those men who had dosed on the medication.

Erectile dysfunction was considered to be a lifetime condition back then. But a ray of hope shined on those men with the discovery of this little blue pill.

 Although it is said to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), there are complications. This medication dilates the blood vessels so as to cause free flow of the blood. But if you are taking other medicines for high blood pressure like alpha blockers that has the same function, then you should not take Viagra as it will exaggerate the condition.

Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, this little blue pill has completed 20 successful years on March 27, 2018 in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

How does Viagra work?

In men suffering from erectile dysfunction, there is an enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) which degrades the production of yet another useful chemical called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate)

In the absence of cGMP, the muscles contract causing the blood vessels to narrow down. The blood cannot flow freely and the erection is lost.

Viagra inhibits the production of the PDE5 enzyme and hence, enables cGMP to function properly. But in order to let this pill work, there needs to be a sexual stimulation present. In the presence of nitric oxide as a result of sexual stimulation, Viagra lets cGMP to relax the blood vessels and the blood can flow freely to the corpus cavernosum of the penis. That’s how it helps to achieve an erection.

Viagra Dosage:

Doctor’s instructions should be strictly followed in dosing on this medication. The basic guidelines are-

•    The ideally recommended dose is 50 mg for those who are using it for the first time.

•    You can also decrease it to 25 mg depending on your health condition and tolerance.

•    The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg which you can take if the doctor approves.

•    You can take the pill within 1 to 4 hours before a sexual activity.

•    You can take it with or without food. Note that this pill works the best if taken without food.

•    Do not take Viagra more than once a day.

•    The effects start showing within 30 to 60 minutes.

Who should not take Viagra?

•    People with cardiac problems like irregular heartbeat, fluctuating blood pressure levels and a recent history of strokes should not take this medication.

•    Those suffering from renal or liver impairment also must not take this medication if these organs are functioning poorly.

•    People who are taking other medication like nitrates for chest pain, alpha blockers or guanylate cyclase stimulators for hypertension, HIV protease inhibitors, allergy medicines or other nonprescription medicines and health supplements.

•    Women should not take this medication as Viagra is meant for a male-only disorder. They should consult a different doctor for their own concerns as the treatment will be different.

•    Children and young adults under the age of 16 should not take this medication at all.

•    Also, do not take Viagra if you are experiencing this condition only occasionally. Occasional dysfunction can be normal and there is nothing to worry about.

•    Alcoholic men should not take Viagra as it can lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc. If the need arises, they should avoid alcohol consumption or at least limit its intake.

Is Viagra safe?

Viagra is an effective oral pill to help you fight impotence but it might not be safe for use if you are suffering from any health condition. Like it was mentioned earlier, you should also not take Viagra if you are taking any other medication to treat such health conditions.

The doctor may prescribe you this medicine only if it is compatible with your health and tolerance. Most men take Viagra for its recreational use which is also not safe. It can lead to undesirable consequences as you do not know if your body is compatible with it or not.

Otherwise, it is a completely safe drug that can give you effective results in bringing back your potency. With the right dosage and precautions, this pill is totally safe.

Where do I buy Viagra from?

You can avail this medication in any registered medical store just by showing your doctor’s prescription.

However, most men feel shy or embarrassed to let others know that they are going through this health condition. Most of you can even feel embarrassed to lay down the prescription in front of the pharmacist and other people.

In this age of technology and Internet, do not worry about impotence when you can easily avail Viagra online. There are so many other benefits which come with getting the medication online.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post might not be 100% accurate. Make sure to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for further details.