Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 150 million people worldwide. Viagra (Sildenafil) is a common medication used to treat ED.
While Viagra pills come in blue, the generic Sildenafil comes in white.
Generic Sildenafil is also known for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Yet the FDA has only approved Revatio-equivalent Sildenafil for this condition.
The article below is a complete guide about Viagra and will clear all your doubts.
What is Viagra
Viagra (Sildenafil) is a medicine commonly used to treat Erectile Dysfunction(ED).
ED is a condition that is estimated to affect over 150 million people worldwide.
While the brand name Viagra is in the form of a blue pill, generic Sildenafil is a white pill.
Although generic Sildenafil can be used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, the FDA only approves Revatio-equivalent Sildenafil for this condition.
How Viagra works
Viagra is used to treat ED. It facilitates erection maintenance and reduces ED symptoms.
The body releases a protein called Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) during an erection.
cGMP increases blood flow toward the penile region.
Phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5), a different protein, restricts cGMP’s working.
This affects our erection and inhibits it. PDE-5 may function too quickly in people who already have erection problems.
Viagra works by restricting the PDE-5 from functioning. This way, PDE-5 cannot prevent blood flow to the penis, thus supporting an erection.
Consult your doctor if you have any additional queries regarding how Viagra functions.
You can also check out our guide on How does Viagra work?
How should I take Viagra
Source: MaksymivViagra’s effectiveness can be improved by avoiding heavy, fatty meals while taking the medication.
In addition, you need to take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before indulging in any sexual activity.
It would be best to investigate the possible interactions between your medications and any adverse effects they may have.
Keeping all these conditions in mind may produce the finest results with Viagra for you.
How long does Viagra work
Viagra is most effective within a few hours of taking it.
Most of the time, the medicine starts working at its best about an hour after being taken.
Over time, your body gets rid of Viagra and its effects. As a result, the medication may not work well after some hours of taking it.
Within 4 hours of taking it, your body disposes half of the Viagra.
Your body might take 20 hours or more to get rid of Viagra from your body.
Recommended Read: How Does Viagra Work?
Does Viagra make you last longer
Source: HenadziViagra may help you with your erection. But it does not make you last longer.
Viagra only allows you to sustain an erection however, if you orgasm too quickly, you need treatment for Premature Ejaculation.
Premature Ejaculation can be caused by various factors, just like ED. Viagra is not the first line of defense against Premature Ejaculation.
However, because the two issues coexist sometimes, your doctor may recommend you to take Sildenafil along with Dapoxetine.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy, additional medications, or behavioral techniques.
Who should not take Viagra
Most men over the age of 18 can use sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension in most adults and children over the age of one year.
Sildenafil is not appropriate for everyone. Before taking sildenafil, consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure your safety.
Here is a list of people who cannot take Viagra
- f you are using nitrate-containing medications to treat your Hypertension, or have a major heart or liver condition.
- Possess an uncommon inherited eye condition like retinitis pigmentosa
- Possess sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, abnormalities of the red blood cells, respectively (cancer of bone marrow)
- Have Peyronie’s disease or a penile deformity (curved penis)
- Possess a stomach ulnar
- Possess a bleeding condition like hemophilia
If you have any of the aforementioned health issues consult your doctor. They might adjust your dosage or change your medication.
This is done to avoid any further health issue as Viagra can interact with other medicines and diseases.
To know more about these interactions check out our article Know the Drugs you Should Not Take With Viagra.
Is Viagra for women a safe option
Some might wonder if Viagra is suitable for women or not. As per the FDA, it is not for female use due to a lack of research.
Instead, this medication is only for treating ED in men.
The effectiveness of Viagra in females with Sexual Arousal Disorder is frequently debated.
However, due to the lack of evidence, FDA has yet to approve the medicine for these uses.
It is still unknown whether Viagra is safe for female use or not.
Side effects of Viagra
Your doctor may advise you against using Viagra. This happens if you have certain heart diseases or take certain blood pressure medications.
Medicines that relax your blood vessels, such as nitrates, can interact with Viagra.
How long you can take Viagra without side effects is unknown.
Make sure that your doctors know about Viagra. This is important so they don’t prescribe you medicines that interact with them.
Additional side effects that Viagra may have include:
- Flushing
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Insomnia
- Changes in vision
- Nosebleeds
Most of these side effects occur only when the doctor’s instructions are not followed. If you stick to what your doctor says you will face no such issue.
Also most of these side effects are temporary and get healed on their own. But if any of the side effects persists consult your doctor.
Recommended Read: Top 5 Viagra Side Effects
Where to buy Viagra
Many offline and online pharmacies sell Viagra. You must purchase Viagra from a reputable, trusted, and regulated pharmacy.
When purchasing any medications, you should check for the following traits.
Transparency
Transparency is an essential characteristic of a trustworthy online pharmacy.
They should provide clear information to their customers about the medicine.
This information must include everything about the medication’s composition, manufacture, etc.
Additional information should be on the website, such as side effects, dosage, etc.
Goodrx Medicine provides detailed information about all the medications they sell.
It contains accurate information and advice for their patients.
Trustworthy
It is critical to know if the pharmacy is dependable and trustworthy or not.
Most online and offline pharmacies provide accurate medicinal information.
However, some may even sell potentially counterfeit medications for higher profits.
Pfizer claims that fake online pharmacies have increased the risk to human life.
Thus, one must be sure to purchase Viagra from a reputable pharmacy.
Authentic
Always purchase Viagra from legitimate and licensed pharmacies.
It is only authentic if the store requires a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.
Also, ensure that your state’s pharmacy board has issued them a license.
Do not fall for pharmacies offering dramatic price cuts or suspiciously low rates.
Recommended Read: What is Viagra Used for?
This may be something other than a legitimate pharmacy.
Natural Viagra Alternatives
You can easily treat your ED with the help of the well-known medication Viagra.
Yet, people are turning to herbal supplements as Viagra substitutes.
These substitutes boost Testosterone and cardiovascular health.
Some of these act as generic Aphrodisiacs, which women can also use.
The lack of research on these substitutes makes it hard to trust them.
More research into their side effects is required.
Therefore, it is always preferable to use Viagra, which is FDA-approved.
Nonetheless, here is a list of some natural Viagra substitutes.
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable traditionally used to increase sex drive and fertility.
Maca comes in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquid extracts.
According to a 2002 study, only 42% of males consumed 1,500-3,000 mg of Maca daily reported increased sexual desire.
Tribulus
The leafy herb tribulus is used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine.
Furthermore, it is marketed as a testosterone booster supplement for athletes.
Even though no testosterone was used during human trials.
According to one study, pre-and postmenopausal women who take 280 mg of Tribulus daily for three months can increase their sexual desire.
Red Ginseng
Particularly Red Ginseng may help lower libido and improve sexual performance.
A review found that Red Ginseng improved menopausal women’s sexual desire.
Red Ginseng may also increase Nitric Oxide (NO) production.
NO enhances blood circulation and encourages penile muscle relaxation.
Research shows that this herb dramatically improves erectile performance when compared to Placebo.
Conclusion
Viagra is used all across the globe for treating ED. Approximately over 150 million men across the world suffer from ED.
ED is a condition where men cannot attain or maintain a firm erection.
Viagra increases penile blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
Viagra isn’t approved for women because more research is needed to prove its effects.
A lot of people believe that Viagra can make you last longer. But this is not true.
Viagra only helps you to attain and maintain an erection during sex. Helping you last longer is not what Viagra is supposed to do.
Flushing, Indigestion, Headache, etc., are some of the side effects of Viagra. If the side effects persist, consult your doctor.
You’re more likely to buy fake Viagra since it’s available at any pharmacy, online or offline.
Transparency, Trust, and Authentication are three major factors in determining the pharmacy’s authenticity.
Some people prefer not to take Viagra and instead go for natural alternatives. Some examples include Maca, Tribulus, Red Ginseng, Fenugreek, and Saffron.
But due to conflicting findings, more scientific research is needed.
Therefore Viagra is the best option for you to treat your ED.
Recommended Read: Can You Take Cialis in the Morning and Viagra at Night?
Sexual Arousal Disorder: When your partner has little or no interest in sex and does not respond to sexual stimulation subjectively or physically.
Aphrodisiac: Any food or medication that stimulates the urge for sex, creates a desire for veneration, and improves sexual performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Viagra work?
Viagra can be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity, but it should not be taken more than once per day. Viagra usually starts working within an hour for most men.
Who should not take Viagra?
People who have a severe heart or liver condition. If you have recently had a stroke, heart attack, or heart problem, you should not take Viagra.
How old do you have to be to buy Viagra?
Viagra is only available to people over the age of 18.
How much viagra should I take the first time?
The usual first dose of Viagra or generic sildenafil is 50mg.
How should I take Viagra?
Take the tablets whole with a glass of water or juice (but not grapefruit juice). It is better to take Viagra on an empty stomach for ED. If you take it with food, it may take longer to work.
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