What is Viagra?

A prescription drug approved for erectile dysfunction is called viagra. It's a brand name for prescription drug sildenafil. Erectile dysfunction happens when a person is unable to have or maintain an erection. Men over 18 years of age can use Viagra. 

The drug in Viagra is sildenafil. The class of sildenafil is phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra shows its action by increasing the flow of blood to the penis that keeps an erection. If you are not sexually aroused, then Viagra does not work. It shows its action only when you are sexually aroused. 

Tablets of Viagra are available for oral use. In the majority of cases, it is recommended to use Viagra one hour, 30 minutes, or even 4 hours before sexual activity. Three strengths of Viagra are available including 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. 

 

Viagra to treat ED

Viagra treats erectile dysfunction and several clinical studies have approved it. It allows you to have successful sex by keeping and improving your erection. The result of Viagra also depends on the erection issues in men and the use of the strength of drugs¹. 

 

How does Viagra work?

The action of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type-5 enzymes is blocked by Viagra. cGMP is broken down by PDE-5. The cGMP causes relaxation of smooth muscles. The level of cGMP increases by blocking PDE-5 within smooth muscles which increases relaxation of muscles and promotes vasodilation. 

PDE-5 is present in high amounts in the penis, retina, and lungs. PDE-5 is present throughout the body within blood vessels and muscles. Viagra is effective for impotence in men. Revatio is another brand of sildenafil used for high blood pressure associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). 

 

Upsides of Viagra

Viagra is approved in men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence. Following sexual stimulation, it increases blood flow to the penis and allows men to maintain an erection that is hard enough for sex.

Viagra is only beneficial after sexual stimulation. It functions within 30 to 60 minutes but can be used up to four hours before sexual intercourse².

 

How to maximize viagra efficacy?

You can enhance the effect of Viagra and prove it beneficial when it matters the most. 

 

Eat a light meal beforehand

It depends on you if you want to take Viagra with food or without food. However, if you want the best results then your meal must be light before sexual intercourse. The absorption of Viagra gets affected when you eat a fatty meal or large meal. If you already eat a fatty or heavy meal, then you must wait for 2 to 3 hours to allow enough time for food to digest. 

 

Give yourself time for it to work

Don't take the pill right before sexual intercourse. The pill needs some time to work, that's why you must take it at least 3-4 hours before sex. So take the pill on time and don't have to stress about it. 

Do not drink alcohol before sexy time, if you like drinking wine or alcoholic beverages then you can drink it before sex but not after Viagra. It would be difficult for you to get or keep an erection with moderate to heavy drinking. Your blood pressure is also lowered by Viagra. Your blood pressure may also drop to an alarming level if you drink alcohol with Viagra. It may lead to symptoms like headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness that may also affect your mood. 

 

Get in the mood

There is no use of Viagra if you are not in the mood. You must lift your mood and be sexually aroused before taking Viagra. You can use different means that stimulate you sexually, but keep it in mind that must be legal and in consent with your partner. 

You can use the following methods. 

• Read some erotica
• Foreplay like erogenous play or kissing 
• Sensual massage 
• Enjoy some solo pleasure³

 

Know the potential side effects

Emergency treatment is needed for a prolonged erection. The common side effects of Viagra include 

• Flushing 
• Nose bleeding 
• Nasal congestion 
• Heartburn or indigestion 
• Changes in vision. 
• Insomnia

If you are suffering from any cardiovascular disease or taking antihypertensive or any medicines related to the heart such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide then your doctor may suggest you not to take Viagra because of the risk of low blood pressure and heart attack. You must keep in touch with a doctor when you are using Viagra so that you must be informed if any of your other medicines, both prescription or over-the-counter medicines interact with Viagra⁴.

 

References

1. Viagra (sildenafil). [internet]. [cited 2021 January 07]; Available from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/viagra
2. Viagra: 7 things you should know. [internet]. [cited 2021 January 07]; Available from https://www.drugs.com/tips/viagra-patient-tips#:~:text=Viagra%20is%20approved%20to%20treat%20erectile%20dysfunction%20(ED)%2C%20also,only%20works%20following%20sexual%20stimulation.
3. How Much Viagra Should I Take? 15 Tips for First-Timers. [internet]. [cited 2021 January 07]; Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/how-much-viagra-should-i-take-the-first-time#duration
4. Taking Viagra for the First Time? Here’s How to Get the Best Results. [internet]. [cited 2021 January 07]; Available from https://www.goodrx.com/blog/how-to-take-viagra-for-best-results/

 

 

 

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