Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition affecting about 50% of men aged 40 to 70. Viagra, often called ‘the little blue pill,’ is the first FDA-approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
medicine for treating ED.
Since its launch, over 30 million men in the U.S. have used it to improve their sexual health. But how does Viagra work? Viagra does not cause sexual desire, so what does Viagra do to help with ED?
Many people take the pill without knowing how it helps the body. It’s more than just a quick fix.
Curious to learn about how Viagra works and its impact? This article explains everything about how long it takes to work, how it feels, and what makes it effective. Read on to discover the science behind this breakthrough treatment.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra helps men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) sustain an erection by improving penile blood flow. When a man feels sexually aroused, the brain signals the penis to release a natural chemical called nitric oxide. This chemical helps produce another substance called cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes the penis muscles.
Relaxed muscles allow blood to flow in, causing an erection. However, an enzyme, Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down cGMP, which can stop the erection.
Men with Erectile Dysfunction often don’t have enough cGMP because of PDE5. This enzyme breaks down cGMP too quickly, which makes it hard to get or keep an erection.
What does Viagra do? It contains Sildenafil, a medicine that blocks PDE5. By stopping PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, Viagra keeps the blood vessels relaxed longer, making more blood to flow into the penis and assisting to maintain an erection. This is because cGMP stays longer in the body and improves penile blood flow.
It does not cause an erection on its own; sexual arousal is necessary for Viagra to work. Talking to a doctor before taking it is essential to ensure your safety.
How does Viagra work best
Viagra is taken as an oral tablet, usually in doses from 25 to 100 milligrams. It works best on an empty stomach and requires sexual stimulation to be effective. Most men start to feel the effects within 30 to 60 minutes, lasting up to 4 hours.
It does not amplify sexual desire or cause spontaneous erections, but it helps the body respond naturally to arousal. By improving erectile function, Viagra can also boost confidence and lower anxiety related to sexual performance.
Can women take Viagra and what does it do?
Viagra is mainly made for men and is not officially approved for use in women. However, some studies suggest that in women, Sildenafil may boost sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm in those with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). Despite these findings, the evidence about its safety and effectiveness for women remains limited and inconclusive.
Viagra doesn’t work the same way for all women, and it may not help at all if the cause of low arousal is emotional or hormonal. Plus, we don’t yet know enough about the long-term safety of using Viagra in women. That’s why doctors don’t usually prescribe it for female sexual problems.
Women considering Viagra should consult a doctor to talk about their symptoms and explore the best treatment options. Overall, Viagra’s primary role remains treating Erectile Dysfunction in men, and its use in women is still under research.
How to make Viagra work faster
If you want Viagra to work faster and improve your experience, try these simple tips:
- Take the Sildenafil pill on an empty stomach or after a light meal. Heavy or fatty foods slow down how quickly your body absorbs the medicine.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps your body absorb Viagra better.
- Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol with Viagra can cause side effects and reduce how well the medicine works.
- Stay away from grapefruit and grapefruit juice. These can interfere with Viagra and lower its effectiveness.
If you find that Viagra is working slowly or not as expected, don’t worry. You can ask your doctor about adjusting your dose or exploring other treatment options.
Factors affecting Viagra’s working
Viagra is a safe ED medicine, but it may not work for everyone. Let us look at all the factors that may restrict the full potential of Viagra.
- Dosage: Not taking an appropriate dosage of Viagra may hinder the working of this medicine. The dosage of Viagra oral tablets ranges from 25mg to 100mg. Consult a doctor for a proper Viagra dosage prescription.
- Timing: The effectiveness of Viagra also depends on when a person takes it. To achieve the best results, take Viagra about 30 minutes to an hour before engaging in sexual activity.
- Health conditions: Certain medical conditions, like cardiovascular diseases and Diabetes, can affect the body’s response to Viagra. Take a proper Viagra prescription from a doctor after discussing your medical history.
- Medication interactions: Viagra interactions include certain medicines, grapefruit, and alcohol. Combining Viagra and alcohol or other substances can reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.
- Psychological factors: Psychological factors like anxiety, stress, and depression can contribute to Psychological ED. It may also influence the effectiveness of Viagra. Consult an expert to address underlying psychological issues.
If Viagra is still not working for you, then change your prescription and consult a doctor for other Erectile Dysfunction pills, such as Cialis and Levitra.
Conclusion
This article answers ‘how does Viagra work’, especially to help men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Viagra blocks the enzyme PDE5, allowing a natural chemical called cGMP to relax muscles and increase penile blood flow, making it easier to get and keep an erection during sexual arousal.
For men, Viagra improves erectile function but does not cause erections spontaneously or increase sexual desire. While Viagra is mainly for men, some studies suggest it may help women with sexual arousal issues, though its safety and effectiveness for women remain unclear.
To make Viagra work faster, take it on an empty stomach, avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and grapefruit, and stay hydrated. If Viagra stops working well, factors like dosage, timing, health conditions, or medication interactions might be involved. Always consult a doctor to find the right treatment and dosage for you. Knowing ‘what does Viagra do’ helps you use it safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know that Viagra is working?
You can know Viagra is working when you feel firmer erections during sexual excitement. It helps blood flow better to your penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection. Remember, you need to feel sexually excited for Viagra to work.
Are there any side effects of Viagra?
Yes, Viagra can cause some side effects. You might feel headaches, flushing, or a stuffy nose. Some people may also feel dizzy or have an upset stomach. These effects are usually mild and go away quickly. If you feel very sick, talk to a doctor right away.
Can Viagra make me horny?
No, Viagra does not make you horny. It helps your body get and keep an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. You still need to feel sexually excited for Viagra to work. It does not create sexual desire or feelings on its own.
What are the alternatives to Viagra?
Several alternatives to Viagra can help with erectile problems. These include other medicines with similar ingredients, like u003ca href=u0022https://www.goodrxmedicine.com/men-s-health/vardenafil.htmlu0022u003eVardenafilu003c/au003e or u003ca href=u0022https://www.goodrxmedicine.com/men-s-health/tadalafil.htmlu0022u003eTadalafilu003c/au003e. You can also try lifestyle changes, such as exercising, eating healthy, and reducing stress. Always talk to a doctor before starting any new treatment.
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