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Deepti Dogra

The magic pill: Viagra and Erectile Dysfuntion

Updated: Jul 20, 2023

A magic pill that makes sure you get a proper erection, even if you might be suffering from sexual dysfunction. That is how this magic pill, Viagra, was promoted and has clearly become a solution for those suffering from Erectile Dysfunction.

Let’s be honest and open. Sex is a part and parcel of all of our lives. Whether we want to accept that fact out in the open or talk about it behind closed doors is totally our choice. But sex is how we all (even animals) procreate, so why make it a taboo. Being intimate with your partner is quite normal, whether you are married or not.

However, not every man is able to do so when they are dealing with Erectile Dysfunction. Men who suffer from Erectile Dysfunction have to go through a lot of embarrassment as well as feel ashamed of themselves, due to their sexual health and the taboo around it.

For a long time, there was no treatment for this disease and men going through it could not have a sex life. However, when viagra was found, it made these men’s world go upside down. There was suddenly a treatment for erectile dysfunction! Although it is not a permanent solution and can give an erection only for a temporary time period.

*According to a 2001 study, about 74% of men reported that viagra worked for them. Three years later, more than half of the men said that they were still taking the drug. However, 40% of the men reported that they had to increase their dosage by 50mg to get an erection. While viagra has become the answer to their problem, it does come with plenty of warnings as well as side effects. You cannot just pop in the pill thinking that it is as good as aspirin and will not have any drawbacks. Read on to know more:

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a drug, which is used to treat (temporarily) erectile dysfunction or impotence. Viagra relaxes muscles found in the walls of blood vessels and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. As it increases the blood flow, it helps a man to get and keep an erection for sexual activity.

You must take it 30 minutes or one hour before the sexual intercourse, however, it should not be taken more than once in a day. It is important that you first seek a doctor before taking viagra. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. You must be honest with your doctor about the prescribed and non prescribed drugs you are taking, before you start taking viagra. If your condition does not improve after taking viagra, be sure to tell him/her that.

Viagra typically starts working in 30 to 60 minutes after you take a dosage. While it increases your blood flow, it does not give you an erection; you need to be sexually aroused to get an erection. Apart from that, you can be erect up to four hours after taking a dose of the drug. It may work faster if you take viagra on an empty stomach. However, it will take longer for it to work if you take viagra on a high fat meal.

Side Effects of Taking Viagra

Taking viagra can lead to either mild or serious side effects. You must talk to your doctor about the possible side effects that can occur while taking the dose. Some of these side effects include:

Mild Side Effects:

  1. Headache

  2. Flushing

  3. Indigestion

  4. Mild and temporary vision changes, such as a blue tinge in your vision, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

  5. Nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

  6. Back pain

  7. Muscle pain

  8. Nausea

  9. Dizziness

  10. Rash

Most of these mild side effects might go away in a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they become severe, you must talk to your doctor.

Viagra can give many men a temporary erection.

Serious Side Effects

  1. Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), which is an eye condition that causes damage to your optic nerve. Symptoms can include:

  2. sudden decrease in vision in one or both of your eyes.

  3. sudden loss of vision in one or both of your eyes.

  4. Sudden decrease or loss of hearing. This condition may also involve other symptoms, such as:

  5. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears).

  6. Dizziness.

  7. Allergic Reaction.

  8. Priapism (long-lasting and sometimes painful erection).

  9. Low blood pressure, if viagra is taken with certain other medications.

  10. Cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or stroke, all of which occur mainly in people with heart disease.

What to Avoid while Taking Viagra?

While you are taking viagra, there are a few things that you must avoid as they can cause side effects in your body.

  1. Drinking alcohol with viagra.

  2. Grapefruit as well as grapefruit juice with viagra.

  3. Taking other drugs to treat Erectile Dysfunction with viagra.

Conclusion

Erectile Dysfunction can be devastating for a man as he is not able to indulge in sexual activity. This can be depressing for him as well as strain his relationship or marriage. Having sex is not just important for a man to save his relationship but also healthy for him. While taking viagra can help a man out if he is dealing with impotence, it is important for him to check with his doctor before he opts for it. There are several side effects of viagra, so you must talk to your doctor before you pop in the pill before engaging in sex. 

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