Viagra
New Hope for Men With Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), better known as impotence, may affect as many as 10 to 30 million American men. According to the Massachusetts Male Health Study, 52% of all men between 40 and 70 live with some degree of ED. Until recently, treatment ranged from implants and vacuum therapy to injections and herbs, and the vast majority of men were too embarrassed to seek help.
Sildenafil citrate, sold by Pfizer, Inc., under the trade name Viagra, has changed all that. The drug, which was originally developed (and failed) as a heart medication, is taken orally about an hour before sex and increases blood flow to the penis when a man is in a state of sexual stimulation.
Studies have shown Viagra to be between 60 and 90% effective, with few side effects, if taken properly. As a result, demand for the new drug has been incredible. Experts say as many as one million men will be using Viagra by year's end.
Men who are taking nitroglycerine or other nitrate-based medications should not use Viagra, as the mixture can cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low. Men should also have a thorough physical before beginning treatment.
How Viagra Affects Erections
Erections occur as a result of a series of chemical reactions. Normally, the muscles which surround the arteries leading into the penis are contracted, which limits blood flow into the penis shaft. When a man becomes sexually stimulated, chemicals in the body cause these muscles to relax, thus allowing more blood in. At the same time, the veins leading out of the penis contract, forcing the blood to remain where it is. Viagra keeps these chemicals in balance, allowing erections in men who suffer ED.
A number of factors, both physiological and psychological, may cause problems with this process. High blood pressure, smoking, coronary heart disease, prostate surgery, chronic alcoholism, kidney disease, stroke and diabetes have all been implicated in ED cases. Depression and blood pressure medications, psychological (mental and emotional) stresses and certain injuries may also cause an ED. Viagra's success rate varies according to the underlying cause of the problem. Consult with your physician to see if Viagra will work effectively for your ED and to explore other treatment options if it will not.
Side Effects and Precautions
Headache, flushing and indigestion are the most common side effects associated with Viagra. Some men have also reported diarrhea, stuffy nose, abnormal vision and urinary tract infections. Because Viagra is such a new drug, its potential long-term effects are still unknown.
Viagra is intended for men with chronic impotence problems, not for those who only occasionally have trouble becoming sexually aroused. It is also not intended as an aphrodisiac. It only works when a man is already feeling sexually stimulated.
To maximize the effectiveness and minimize the side effects, men who take Viagra should follow their doctor's instructions to the letter. In other words, no experimenting with higher doses or dosage frequency. Only take Viagra when you are intending to engage in sexual activity, and don't take more than one dose a day.