Viagra® is an oral medication, initially intended to improve blood flow to the heart. However, it was found to improve blood flow to the male genitals and improve sexual functioning in men who have erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by relaxing the muscles in the penis, which allows increased blood flow into the penis.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is available by prescription only, and has been used by more than 30 million men in 120 countries as a treatment for ED – commonly called impotence. Research has found that Viagra is more than 80-percent effective in treating ED, meaning that most men who use Viagra are able to have erections when they previously could not.
How Safe Is It?
Viagra is only available by prescription, and only your doctor can help decide if Viagra would be useful or safe for you. Here are some important things you need to know about using Viagra:
- If after using Viagra you have chest pains, dizziness, or nausea during sex, stop and contact your healthcare provider right away.
- If an erection lasts more than four hours, contact your doctor immediately.
- If you have heart disease, have had a stroke, have high blood pressure, or are taking a nitrate medication, you should not use Viagra.
- Within the limitations noted, and if you follow specific recommendations made by a doctor, Viagra has been shown to have few serious side effects.
Is Viagra for You?
Whether or not to use Viagra is a decision only a man, his partner, and his doctor can make – after a thorough medical examination and discussion of the implications and issues. Viagra isn't for every man. Some causes of ED cannot be improved with Viagra.
If you are concerned about sexual functioning, or have been diagnosed with ED in the past, see your doctor to find out if Viagra might help you. Other ED medications, such as Levitra® and Cialis®, could be tried if Viagra does not work for you.
Summary
Viagra has proven to be an effective, generally safe treatment for erectile dysfunction. The decision to use Viagra is a personal as well as a medical one. For some men, using Viagra could create serious health risks.
Before making a decision, talk with your doctor and your partner. There might be other ways to help your particular cause for ED. |
