About Viagra
In 1998, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) was approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that affects millions of men each year, causing strain on their relationships, low self-esteem, and emotional stress. It occurs when blood flow to the penis is restricted. This makes obtaining an erection or maintaining an erection, appropriate for sexual intercourse, impossible.
Viagra works by relaxing the blood vessels that feed the penis. This allows the penis to become engorged or erect in the presence of sexual excitation.
Viagra is one of the most well-known and most often prescribed medications in America but choosing to use Viagra to treat ED is a complex decision. First, Viagra only treats erectile dysfunction, it does not cure it. You will need to take Viagra whenever you wish to become fully aroused. Second, Viagra does not produce an instant hard on. You must become sexually excited for an erection to occur. Viagra just allows the process to work. Finally, Viagra does not help infertility or prevent sexually transmitted disease.
Since every person is different, your physician may decide that Viagra is not right for you. Make sure your doctor is aware of your entire medical history and all of the medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter medications or supplements). If you take nitrates for angina, even occasionally, taking Viagra may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you have decreased kidney or liver function or if you are diabetic, your physician may recommend a lower dose.
All medications cause side effects but Viagra’s side effects are generally mild and were comparable to placebo in clinical trials. However, while on Viagra you may experience one or more mild side effects that may include: nasal congestion, headache, nausea, muscle pain and dizziness. In certain rare cases, serious side effects may occur including painful or prolonged erection, chest pain, fainting, unusual bleeding (from the anus, eyes, or stomach) or sudden vision changes. If any of these serious side effects occur, seek immediate emergency medical treatment. Allergic reactions rarely occur but may cause swelling of the face and difficulty breathing. If you experience either of these effects or other signs of allergic reaction such as tingling of the lips, hives or rash contact emergency services.
Viagra must be properly absorbed before it can be effective. You should take Viagra approximately one hour before sexual activity. Viagra has an action period of up to four hours and any sexual activity should occur before that action period ends for best effect. Taking Viagra after a meal high in fat may cause the effects to be diluted or to take longer to occur. In order to get proper absorption, drink a full glass of water with your pills.
Viagra is available in doses of 25, 50, and 100mg. Your physician will determine the best dose for you and you should not exceed your physician’s recommended dose. Taking Viagra more often than prescribed can result in overdose or dependency. If you do not feel your Viagra dose is working, speak with your physician. It may be possible to increase your dose or change the way in which you take Viagra to get better results.
When taken as prescribed, Viagra can be a safe and effective means to maintaining a healthy sex life. The effects of Viagra should be predictable. If you experience and effects that are bothersome or if it does not work as you would expect, discuss your concerns with your physician.
