What is Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil) is an oral medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. Because of the color of the Viagra brand, it was often referred to as “the little blue pill”. But now that it is available as a generic drug, it can be known as the “little white pill” which is described by the difference in color between the brand name and the generic tablets.
Other drugs similar to Viagra include Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil). They all work the same, although the effects may vary slightly from drug to drug. Viagra and Cialis are the most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction.
How does it help with erectile dysfunction?
Viagra does not directly cause penile erection, but it works by influencing the body’s response to sexual stimulation by chemicals that stay in the body longer.
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) is an enzyme (protein) that breaks down these chemicals and blocks blood flow to the penis necessary for an erection. Viagra and other similar drugs, commonly known as PDE5 inhibitors, block this enzyme and its effects, leading to increased blood flow to the penis and better erections. But you will only feel this effect if you are aroused.
Who is it approved for?
Viagra is only approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Another form of sildenafil, sometimes called Revatio, is approved at a lower dose for a lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension.
If you think you have erectile dysfunction, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to help you decide which treatment plan is best for you.
Can you take Viagra if you don’t have erectile dysfunction?
Some people use Viagra if they don’t have erectile dysfunction, but it is not recommended and can be risky. Although there can be side effects, there may be other risks with the way you buy the medicine.
For example, there are legitimate pharmacies that dispense Viagra legally if you have a prescription. But sometimes people resort to Viagra recreationally without a prescription from questionable sources such as illegal online pharmacies.
This can be even more dangerous as these pills can be contaminated with other substances or in incorrect amounts and are often illegal. In fact, erectile dysfunction pills are one of the most popular counterfeit drugs.
Why would anyone choose to take Viagra without a prescription?
Men can choose to omit Viagra from the label to improve their sexual performance, even if they do not have erectile dysfunction. In fact, several studies have shown this to be the case.
Research suggests that recreational use of Viagra often occurs in certain groups (such as men who have sex with men), although almost anyone can get Viagra or similar drugs for easy access at drugstores. online, friends or relatives.
Some studies have also shown that Viagra abuse is linked to illegal drug use and increased risk of sexual behavior, as well as abuse and other prescription drugs such as sedatives, pain relievers. and antidepressants.
What if you take drugs like Viagra when you don’t need them?
Medicines like Viagra have several side effects. And it is possible to experience it regardless of what you are using the drug for.
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Redness
- Magont
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Back ache
- Vision changes
- Eruption
Serious reactions can also occur with Viagra, especially if you are taking other medicines. For example, you should not take Viagra if you are taking nitroglycerin or other nitrates at the same time, as this can lead to dangerous hypotension.
If you are taking other antihypertensive drugs, you should be careful when taking Viagra, as this combination can also cause low blood pressure.
Drugs like Viagra can also cause priapism, an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours and can lead to permanent damage. If this happens, you should immediately seek medical attention.
As mentioned above, it may be dangerous for your health to obtain Viagra
How does recreational use of Viagra affect sexual performance?
While Viagra does not work for everyone, up to 70% of people with erectile dysfunction and their providers say it helps with sexual performance.
Regarding recreational use, some men report improved sexual performance, but one study found that there was no improvement in sexual function in men without erectile dysfunction.
Can it last you longer?
The same study, which found no improvement in sexual function in men without erectile dysfunction, showed that there was a shorter pause time after ejaculation. This means that it can shorten the time between orgasms.
Viagra can also prolong and speed up an erection, even in men without erectile dysfunction. Although Viagra improves erection, it may not improve premature ejaculation in men with this problem.
As mentioned above, erections that last longer than 4 hours are dangerous and are considered a medical emergency.
Can you make it harder to get an erection without it if you don’t have erectile dysfunction?
While Viagra can help you maintain an erection, recreational use can affect your sexual performance later.
For example, one study showed that recreational use of Viagra is associated with a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction. Psychological factors, such as lack of confidence in erectile abilities and decreased sexual satisfaction resulting from the use of leisure time, are said to have a negative effect on sexual function.
What happens if women take Viagra?
Women can also have sexual health issues, although this is usually slightly different from the issues that men face. It is estimated that 40% of women worldwide will have sexual problems at some point, so you might be wondering if women can take drugs like Viagra.
One study looked at the use of Viagra in women with sexual dysfunction, including problems with arousal. However, this was not an improvement over the placebo, a drug-free tablet.
Another study reported sexual benefits for women taking Viagra if their sexual problems were caused by certain antidepressants. For this reason, some caregivers may mistakenly prescribe Viagra for women. However, it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose, so its safety and effectiveness has not been established.
Is there an equivalent drug for women?
Since drugs like Viagra are not as effective for women, there is interest in developing a drug that helps them improve their sexual performance. However, since sexual dysfunction in women can be complex, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” drug for women like Viagra for men.
Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) are drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of low sexual appetite in women, but they do not necessarily improve sexual performance. Addyi is available as oral tablets taken once a day, and Vyleesi is an injection given before sex.
Both drugs are only approved for use in women before menopause. And they’re not recommended for low libido caused by health issues, relationship issues, or medications.
Conclusion
Viagra and similar drugs are helpful in improving sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. However, some men without ED use these over-the-counter or over-the-counter medications to improve their sexual performance.
You should not take Viagra or similar medicines without a prescription. This is risky due to the side effects, potential contamination from illegal pills, and the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Some women may experience greater sexual desire when taking Viagra, especially if their sexual dysfunction is caused by antidepressants. However, Viagra is not an approved drug for female sexual function.
You should always talk to your health care provider before taking any medication like Viagra.