Is it true that Viagra was discovered by accident?
It was discovered specifically, but for a completely different purpose. Initially, the pharmaceutical company was developing the drug for the treatment of arterial hypertension and angina. However, during clinical trials, it turned out that sildenafil had only a moderate effect on the heart, while exerting a strong effect on the penis.
The company quickly realized the benefits. In 1998, the FDA (the federal agency that reviews all medications on the US market) approved a drug called Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Is this such a big problem?
Yes, and what a problem. Erectile dysfunction is very common, especially among men over 40. Stress, an unhealthy lifestyle, alcohol, smoking, and illness can make sex impossible. This leads to additional stress, low self-esteem, and serious problems in your personal life.
So how does Viagra work?
Chemically, Viagra is a substance called sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. This means that our bodies contain an enzyme called phosphodiesterase, which affects blood flow in the corpora cavernosa of the penis and in the blood vessels. If this enzyme is blocked, preventing its action, this blood flow will increase.
This is how sildenafil works: it relaxes smooth muscles and blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis. This helps maintain an erection. Viagra doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the dysfunction; it simply alleviates the consequences.
The effect has nothing to do with sexual desire itself. Viagra and PDE5 inhibitors (there are many brand names, but Viagra is the most widely advertised and has practically become a household name) help only with the technical side of things. But without desire, the pill may not work.
Who is it prescribed to?
Viagra is prescribed to men who are 18 years of age or older and who suffer from erectile dysfunction—for whatever reason, they are unable to have sex due to the unresponsiveness of their penis.
But in general, the active substance works to relieve the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, but for these cases it is released in a different form.
And how was it received?
Most patients are prescribed a 50 mg dose. It should be taken an hour before planned sex. It’s not very convenient, but it leaves plenty of time for foreplay and erotic conversation.
But everyone reacts to the drug differently: for some, 25 mg is enough, while for others, the dose needs to be increased to 100 mg.
Elderly patients and those with cardiovascular diseases are recommended to start with a small dose of 25 mg.
It’s best to take no more than one tablet per day, and avoid taking it with grapefruit juice. However, it can be taken long-term if side effects are not a concern.
Is it possible to drink alcohol with Viagra?
It depends on how much. A glass of wine or beer likely won’t alter the drug’s effect. However, excessive alcohol consumption can negate any potential potency-enhancing effects.
Does the drug have any side effects?
Of course. Men with cardiovascular disease have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke when taking the medication. Viagra has a vasodilatory effect, and sex is a form of cardiovascular exercise, so patients with these conditions should discuss this issue with their doctor, no matter how embarrassing it may be.
A specific side effect of Viagra is prolonged erection (more than 4 hours) and priapism. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Prolonged erection can lead to tissue damage.
This is a dangerous condition. In general, the drug’s list of side effects (albeit rare) is impressive. These include common dizziness, heartburn or indigestion, and even more unpleasant pain when urinating.
Is it true that Viagra can make you blind?
This possibility exists. The pill’s active ingredient affects not only the penis but also other organs. In some cases, it can trigger a disruption in the blood supply to the optic nerve, leading to optic neuropathy—a condition that impairs vision. It can even lead to blindness, but its course varies from person to person.
If, while taking Viagra, you notice that your vision in one eye has become worse (usually the disease begins in one eye), immediately stop taking the drug and get examined.
Who shouldn’t take Viagra?
You should not use Viagra if you:
- you are taking certain medications: nitrates (for example, nitroglycerin), drugs for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, and a bunch of other drugs.
- Therefore, the issue of purchasing potency products should be discussed with a doctor;
- suffer from blood pressure problems;
- have had a heart attack or stroke;
- suffer from liver and kidney diseases;
- suffer from diseases of the circulatory system;
- do you suffer from stomach ulcers;
- inherited retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease);
- have a deformed penis.
I’m embarrassed to buy. Maybe it’s better to order online?
This is a bad idea. Viagra is often counterfeited because it’s a very popular drug whose name is on everyone’s lips. Counterfeit products are plentiful online, and supplements that aren’t actually Viagra but use the name may contain completely unknown ingredients.
The real product looks like a blue diamond with smooth edges, in a package of 1 or 4 pieces.
Does female Viagra exist?
Unfortunately, not yet. Although women also report problems with their sex lives, a medical solution has not yet been found. Viagra has also been tried in women. The active ingredient helps with pulmonary hypertension but has no effect on female sexuality.
All the medications that have been developed to improve female libido still work with a lot of caveats.
The fact is that female sexuality and orgasm are a complex system that depends on hormonal levels, psychological state, physiology, and who knows what else. Therefore, no magic pill has yet been invented that turns women into passion-thirsty succubi.
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