What is Viagra For?

If you’re sexually active, you’ve likely come across the term Viagra before.

Most people regard Viagra as a potent sex booster, an elusive pill for men to enjoy their most intimate moments.

However, a surprisingly large number of people don’t know the exact mechanism behind this tiny blue pill.

Some may not be familiar with the pill’s effects in its entirety, while others could come up with misconceptions that don’t exactly match the pill’s functions.

If you’re slightly uncertain of the true purpose of Viagra, don’t worry. This article will delve into the function of Viagra and when it’s optimal to take it.

Moreover, we’ll also lay out alternative Viagra treatments to help men enjoy their time in the bedroom with their partners.

Let’s begin.

What is Viagra?

Viagra, also known by its generic name Sildenafil, is a prescription drug primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). More specifically, this drug helps men deal with impotence by facilitating the engorgement of the penis, causing it to become erect.

Viagra, at its core, is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. This type of medication essentially blocks an enzyme called PDE-5 from working. PDE-5 is an enzyme that restricts blood flow throughout the body by affecting smooth muscle contraction and relaxation.

PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra enhance vasodilation—or blood vessel widening. When orally taken, Viagra makes it easier for men with ED to achieve erections when they are sexually aroused.

Viagra was approved by the FDA on March 27, 1988. Today, it continues to be one of the most popular erectile dysfunction medications in circulation. Other FDA-approved ED medications include tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra).

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Viagra is a common remedy for erectile dysfunction; but a few of us may wonder—what is erectile dysfunction, anyway?

For the uninitiated, erectile dysfunction is a type of sexual dysfunction classified by a persistent absence or inability to become erect.

While occasional erectile difficulties are not uncommon and can occur sporadically, consistent erectile woes may indicate a more serious underlying problem that would need medical attention.

This condition is prevalent across the globe, affecting primarily men of old age. It’s estimated that by 2025, over 322 million people will have some form of ED. For men over the age of 50, there is a 67% chance of experiencing ED according to recent statistics about Viagra use.

While not exactly life-threatening, being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction can make pleasurable sexual stimulation hard to achieve.

Furthermore, erectile dysfunction is also often a precursor for future health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

While this condition can be debilitating for one’s sex life, many treatment plans and prescription drugs like Viagra have been instrumental in helping people live fulfilling sex lives despite their condition.

The Role of Viagra in Treating ED

Viagra relaxes the blood vessels and arteries around the penis. Depending on the Viagra dosage, the increase in blood volume can sustain erections that are firm enough for sexual intercourse.

A common misconception is that Viagra and other ED medications help create sexual arousal.

This is untrue. Viagra merely facilitates the physical response necessary for a satisfying sexual experience, but does not affect the underlying root causes of ED as with medical ED therapies.

How to Take Viagra

It’s of utmost necessity to take Viagra only when it’s prescribed by a doctor.  It’s crucial to listen to their guidance on how to properly take Viagra.

Following your doctor’s instructions ensures that you take the medication safely and effectively. They will also provide you with the appropriate dosage, timing, and any specific precautions to consider.

Once you’ve taken your doctor’s advice into account, it’s time to get hot and spicy. To reap the full benefits of Viagra, here’s how you should take it:

1. Feel sexually aroused: Engage in foreplay and create a sense of intimacy with your sexual partner.
2. Read the instructions: Pay close attention to the label packaging for specific dosages and other necessary precautions before taking the pill.
3. Take it 30 minutes to an hour before sex: Viagra is typically taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity.
4. Swallow it with water: Drink the Viagra tablet whole with a glass of water. Refrain from using other beverages to not alter absorption.
5. Engage in sexual intercourse once ready: Once you start to feel the effects of Viagra, now you can engage in sex.

Potential Side Effects of Viagra

While Viagra is generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals, it’s not without its severe downsides.

Side effects are not an infrequent occurrence after taking Viagra, with some of the most common problems affecting 1 in 4 people.

And while most cases are mild, there are several side effects that may require medical attention.

Here are some negative side effects of Viagra:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Upset stomach
• Nasal congestion
• Vision changes
• Muscle aches

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms after ingesting Viagra, seek medical treatment from a doctor for further evaluation of your health.

Alternative Treatments for ED

Not looking forward to popping the blue pill before sex? Or simply don’t have access to one?

Other medications, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and even surgical procedures can help treat ED.

Here are a couple of treatments that can help you cure erectile dysfunction.

• RestoreWave Therapy: Also known as acoustic wave therapy, this treatment option is an effective, painless procedure that uses low-intensity sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis, promoting natural and spontaneous erections.
• ED Therapy: ED therapy is a combination of various alternative oral medications, injectable medications, or suppositories. Your doctor will provide specific recommendations based on your individual needs.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress levels, and improving sleep quality can lead to increased blood flow over time.
• Psychotherapy: Erectile dysfunction can have psychological roots, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or sex therapy, can help address these underlying psychological factors and improve low sex drive and sexual function.
• Surgery: In severe cases of erectile dysfunction, surgical interventions may be considered. These procedures, such as penile implants or vascular surgery, help improve erections by altering the structure of the penis itself.

Restore Male Health with The Top Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Preferred Men’s Medical Center

Viagra is a helpful little pill that can cure short-term erectile dysfunction. While it’s not a long-term solution, it’s a sustainable way to restore erections in a pinch.

Need more personalized help for your erectile dysfunction? Consider talking to one of our friendly professionals at Preferred Men’s Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale to help fix the root causes of ED.

Besides ED therapy, we also offer treatment for weight loss, hormone imbalances, and premature ejaculation specially personalized for you.