About one in 10 men will experience some erectile dysfunction at some point during their lives. This can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Fortunately, there are medications available that can help with erectile dysfunction. The key is finding the right medication for you.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you have and keep a firm erection when you’re sexually aroused.
This drug belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. It works by blocking certain enzymes that are important for your body’s natural ability to produce nitric oxide. When nitric oxide is blocked, your arteries become narrower and don’t send as much blood to your penis. When you’re sexually aroused, the narrowed arteries make it easier for blood to reach your penis.
In some cases, you might need to take more than one dose of Viagra per day, depending on the dosage your doctor has prescribed for you. If you’re using more than one dose of Viagra, it’s important to tell your doctor about this so that you can get the correct dose for you.
The most common side effects of Viagra are headaches, flushing, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and go away with time. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Your doctor may also prescribe a pain reliever or anti-anxiety medicine to help ease the symptoms of these side effects. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as it can exacerbate these side effects.
Some people with a blood cell disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or multiple myeloma, aren’t able to use Viagra because it can increase their risk of priapism (a long-lasting and painful erection). If you have any of these conditions, talk with your doctor about whether Viagra is safe for you.
Many ED medications are available at apotheekwinkel24 work by improving the rate of blood flow to your penis when you’re sexually aroused. This makes it easier for you to have an erection and can improve your sexual performance in bed.
However, some people with a low level of sexual desire or issues related to sex may not find Viagra to be helpful. These people may need to try a different ED medication or natural treatment first.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by allowing blood to flow into the spongy erectile tissue in your penis (corpora cavernosum). This action helps to form an erection.
When you get sexually aroused, your brain sends signals to the penis to release a chemical called cyclic GMP. This chemical relaxes the smooth muscles and fibrous tissues in your penis and widens certain blood vessels. This allows more blood to flow into your spongy erectile tissue, which causes it to become hard and form an erection.
After ejaculation, the body releases an enzyme that breaks down the cGMP molecule. Without the drug, your body cannot increase the amount of blood that flows to the spongy erectile tissues in your penis.
This can make it difficult to gain and maintain an erection. This condition is often called erectile dysfunction or impotence. It can be a problem in men of all ages, and it can affect their quality of life.
It can also lead to emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, it can cause an unfulfilled sex life and a strained relationship with a partner.
Some medical conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction, including sickle cell anemia and multiple myeloma. These diseases can damage the blood vessels in your penis, causing it to become narrow and restricting blood flow.
If you have a medical condition that can cause erectile dysfunction, your doctor may recommend taking Viagra or another ED medication. Alternatively, your doctor might prescribe a natural or over-the-counter ED treatment, such as l-arginine or yohimbine.
Before you take Viagra, make sure to talk with your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies that you have. It is also important to avoid taking any other drugs or supplements, especially nitrate drugs (such as those used to treat angina), while you are taking Viagra. Nitrate drugs can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
Some side effects of Viagra include headaches, flushing, and dizziness. These symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks. However, if they don’t go away or become worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away. You should also report any new or worsening side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through its MedWatch program.
What Are the Side Effects of Viagra?
Before you start taking Viagra, it’s important to know about the side effects that can occur. While some side effects are mild, others may be serious. If you have any of these side effects, call your doctor right away.
1. An erection that won’t go away (priapism)
This is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage to your penis if it doesn’t get treated. You should also stop sexual intercourse immediately if you develop this problem.
2. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
Called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This is an eye condition that can develop when you take Viagra. This condition is rare but it can happen if you have hereditary retinitis pigmentosa, an eye condition that is passed down in families. If you have this condition, talk with your doctor before taking Viagra.
3. Low blood pressure.
This is a risk for people who have high blood pressure and take Viagra. This can lead to a dangerous drop in your blood pressure, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor about the risks of using Viagra and other ED treatments.
4. Dizziness, flushing, and headaches.
These side effects can be caused by a number of factors, including how you take Viagra and the other drugs you’re taking. Getting adequate rest and not drinking alcohol can help reduce these side effects. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Nausea.
Nausea and vomiting that can occur with Viagra usually pass quickly, but they can last for a few hours after you take the drug. You should also drink plenty of water to help prevent these symptoms.
6. Headaches and sensitivity to light.
These side effects may be relieved by avoiding alcohol or using other medications for pain. You should also turn off bright lights to help reduce these symptoms.
7. Involuntary movements of your mouth, tongue, or throat.
These side effects typically only occur when you’re sexually aroused or stimulated. You should also keep your head and body still while you’re taking Viagra to reduce these effects.
Are There Other Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction?
If you have erectile dysfunction and are concerned about using Viagra, you may want to talk with your doctor about other options. These include ED medications, lifestyle changes, and more.
A common cause of ED is a blockage in the blood flow to the penis. This may be caused by a medical condition like a blocked artery or heart disease, or by something as simple as smoking. A urologist can help determine what’s causing your erectile dysfunction and recommend the right medication for you.
Another common cause is a buildup of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5. This can prevent blood flow to the penis, and a prescription drug known as a PDE5 inhibitor can treat it.
These drugs can be taken orally and can be effective for up to five hours. They can also be used in combination with sexual stimulation to produce an erection that lasts longer.
While these medicines are helpful for some men, they can also have serious side effects. For example, some people have suffered sudden hearing loss and vision loss after taking these drugs. If you’re taking an oral ED medication and suddenly experience these problems, contact your doctor right away.
Your doctor will ask you many questions during your visit to help them pinpoint the cause of your ED and find the best medication for you. They’ll perform a physical exam, request lab tests and take your history.
To start, your doctor may ask you what other medication you’re on, including any supplements and over-the-counter drugs you take. They’ll also ask about your eating habits and physical activity levels. They’ll also talk to you about how your sex behavior has changed, as well as any emotional issues that may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction.
You should also tell your doctor about any previous erectile dysfunction problems you’ve had. Your doctor may ask if you’ve tried different erectile dysfunction medications or if you’ve used a drug called sildenafil, which is sold under the name Viagra.
Your doctor can also suggest other treatments, such as physical exercise or therapy for your emotions, to address the cause of your erectile dysfunction. These may be more beneficial for some men than a drug, but the choice is entirely up to you and your doctor.