Using Viagra To Treat Erectile Dysfunction
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Viagra was the first drug on the market to treat erectile dysfunction. It was developed by the giant pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
It was found by accident. They were looking at drugs to help the heart and realised this drug had an interesting ’side effect’. Viagra contains the drug sildenafil. This drug is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It encourages blood to flow into the penis and give you an erection. |
How Does Viagra Work?
It relaxes the arteries to your penis so more blood flows in and you get an erection. You have to be having sexual thoughts and be sexually aroused for it to work. Most causes of erectile dysfunction involve problems getting enough blood into the penis.
How Effective Is Viagra
Very effective. Around 4 in 5 men report a good response.
How Does An Erection Occur?
You get sexually excited
The arteries to the penis relax and widen so more blood flows into the penis
The blood caused the hard erection
The veins are squeezed so blood can’t flow away and you keep the erection
You need a complex combination of nerves and arteries to achieve this naturally. If either or both are damaged then viagra can help
When Should You Take It?
Take it around an hour before sexual activity and only once in 24 hours. The effects last for around 4 hours
What Dose Should You Take
It comes in 25mg, 50 mg and 100mg tablets. Start at 25mg and see how you go. You can always increase the dose.
What Are The Side Effects?
Side effects include facial flushing, headaches, nasal congestion, indigestion and bluish or blurred vision. These effects are usually mild and don’t last long
When Shouldn’t I Take Viagra?
Viagra has effects on the heart and blood pressure. It should not be taken by patients already on nitrates such as GTN spray. and should be used with care in patients with angina on exercise.
It can interact with some drugs and grapefruit juice.
It should not be taken if you have a previous history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
The medical questionnaire will usually cover these points.
Nitrate containing medicines include
nicorandil
glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate
amyl nitrate (poppers)
