Viagra: How does it Work to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction, commonly known as Impotence, can be quite detrimental to a relationship, especially if it’s long-term. As the medical definition goes, it is the inability of men to obtain or maintain a proper erection for a sexual intercourse. It is more prevalent with increasing age (that is, 40 to 70 years) but can be found in young men aged below 40 years as well.

Erectile dysfunction causes can be physical or psychological. Physiological reasons mostly include high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, diabetes, or renal disorders. On the other hand, psychological conditions include excess fatigue, stress, anxiety or lack of desire. Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking can also lead to such dysfunctions.

The solution could be as simple as an erectile dysfunction medicine which has the ability to treat this disorder with ease. It is mostly recommended by doctors if you are experiencing this condition for the first time. One such safe and effective way to deal with Impotence is Viagra, an oral ED pill.

There are also a few tips towards the end of this blog if you want to prevent impotence from ruining your relationship. Before getting any further, let us find out what exactly this oral ED pill Viagra does to treat this condition in men.

What does Viagra do?

Viagra, which is the brand name for Sildenafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor that treats erectile dysfunction in men. It basically helps increase the blood flow to the penile nerve so that there is a sufficient erection.

Nitric oxide is produced in the body when there is a sexual stimulation. This releases a chemical called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) which relaxes the smooth muscles around the blood vessels. The blood flows freely to the corpus cavernosum, the erectile tissue chamber in the penis.

Men with erectile dysfunction have an enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) that suppresses the release of cGMP. This causes the muscle to contract and the blood flow to the penile nerve is decreased. Viagra, being a PDE5 inhibitor, stops PDE5 from being produced and thereby, stops cGMP from degrading. The blood freely flows to the corpus cavernosum and an erection is achieved.

Viagra Dosage Guide:

The dosing instructions for this medication should be followed exactly as directed by a qualified doctor. The basic guidelines for taking Viagra are-

•    The ideally recommended dose for this medication is 50 mg whereas the maximum recommended dose is 200 mg.

•    It can be taken 30 to 60 minutes before a sexual activity. It starts showing its effects within that time span.

•    The effects of Viagra can last up to 4 to 5 hours.

•    It can be taken with or without food, but it works the best if taken without food.

•    The frequency of taking this medication is one tablet a day.

Possible Side Effects-

Like any other drug, Viagra may also come with some side effects. These include-

• •        Headache
• •        Dizziness
• •        Runny or stuffy nose
• •        Nosebleeds
• •        Indigestion  
• •        Stomach pain
• •        Muscle pain
• •        Stiff muscles
• •        Pain in the arms or legs
• •        Vomiting

Who should not take Viagra?

•    People with a medical history of cardiac disorders should avoid this medication. There can be chances of increased heart rate, chest pain, high blood pressure or even a heart attack.

•    People with severe liver or kidney disease must not take this medication as there is a high risk associated with drug accumulation in the body.

•    Those who have an allergy to any of the ingredients present in Viagra should not take this pill. If you have already started taking Viagra and have noticed any allergic reaction, let your doctor know immediately.

•    Women and children are strictly prohibited from using Viagra.

•    Those who have experienced any side effects on using Viagra in the past should also avoid taking this drug.

•    People with a regular drinking habit should not resort to this medication. If required, he should try to avoid alcohol consumption or at least limit its intake.

Is Viagra safe for use?

There is no definitive yes or no to this question. The effects of Viagra depend entirely on the health condition, efficacy, and tolerance of the user. Viagra is an FDA approved drug that makes it reliable for use, provided the doctor’s safety information is followed thoroughly.

Recreational use of this medicine is not permitted. Also, overuse of Viagra can lead to certain health complications like prolonged or a painful erection. It might even have possible side effects on your health. This is not desirable and therefore, should be avoided.

Can Erectile Dysfunction be prevented?

Yes, erectile dysfunction can be definitely prevented in just 5 simple ways-

•    Exercise regularly-  Running, cycling, swimming and a few aerobic exercises can help you keep your health (including your sexual health) intact.

•    Check what you eat- Keep an eye on your diet. Avoid food with high amount of fats and cholesterol. Resort to good nutrition like protein, vitamins, minerals and the like.

•    Check your sugar intake and blood pressure level- This applies especially to diabetic patients who should regularly check their sugar level so as to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

•    Avoid alcohol and smoking: too much alcohol can lead to liver as well as nerve damage. Limit the quantity of alcohol consumed. Also, smoking regularly can have an adverse effect on your health. Nicotine present in cigarettes can contract the blood vessels, inhibiting blood flow. It is good if you try to change these habits.

•    Limit stress- if possible; try to avoid activities that cause stress and fatigue. Try to fix yourself emotionally before you resort to any medication for the same.