Viagra: Say Goodbye To Impotence

As a debilitating experience, Erectile Dysfunction (commonly known as Impotence) can be quite detrimental to a relationship especially if it is long term. As the medical definition goes, it is the inability of men to achieve a proper erection required for a sexual intercourse.  If a man is unable to get or maintain an erection for a sexual intercourse, he will undoubtedly feel ashamed and might even try to hide the fact from his partner. In fact, he might not even notice that his condition is affecting not only him but also his significant other.

This condition might occur for a variety of reasons associated with the person’s physical as well as psychological health. Physical conditions might include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure levels, diabetes, heart disease or old age. Psychological aspects might include stress, anxiety, depression, lack of interest and other similar factors. 

The solution could be as simple as an oral prescription drug which has the ability to treat this disorder with ease. It is also a safe way to treat erectile dysfunction and is mostly recommended by doctors if you are experiencing this condition for the first time. One such medication trusted by most doctors is Viagra.

Let us find out what Viagra does so as to get rid of this condition.

Introduction to Viagra:

Viagra, which is the brand name for Sildenafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor that treats erectile dysfunction in men. It was originally developed to treat chest pain (angina) and hypertension. Later, it was found out that it came in quite beneficial for those who were finding it hard to achieve an erection. The main competitors of Viagra are Cialis and Levitra.

The Viagra pills are generally blue in color and diamond shaped.

Working Mechanism:

Viagra works only when there is a sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide is produced in the body when there is a sexual stimulation and the blood flows freely to the corpus cavernosum, the erectile tissue in the penis. Men with erectile dysfunction have an enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) that suppresses the release of yet another important element called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). This causes the muscle to contract and the blood flow to the penile nerve is obstructed.

Viagra, being a PDE5 inhibitor, stops PDE5 from being produced and hence, stops the degradation of cGMP. The blood freely flows to the corpus cavernosum and there occurs an erection.

Dosage Guide for Viagra:

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

•    It can be taken 30 to 60 minutes before a sexual activity.

•    The effects start showing within 30 to 40 minutes after its intake.

•    The effects of Viagra last for 2-3 hours after taking it.

•    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.

Side effects:

The possible side effects of Viagra include-

•    Headache

•    Dizziness

•    Runny or stuffy nose

•    Nosebleeds

•    Stomach trouble

•    Muscle pain

•    Stiff muscles

•    Pain in the arms or legs

•    Vomiting

Important Information before you take Viagra:

•    People with cardiovascular problems should avoid taking Viagra as there are risks associated with high blood pressure, increased heart rate and even cardiac arrest.

•    Patients with liver or kidney related impairment should not use this drug as there can be drug accumulation in the body due to improper functioning of the liver and kidneys.

•    PDE5 inhibitors are associated with a high risk of vision loss or hearing impairment if these medications are used for a long period of time not prescribed by the doctor.

•    This medicine is not for use in women or children

•    Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication as you might risk the chances of severe side effects.

•    It is a constant reminder that ED pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and different measures for the same should be taken accordingly.