Viagra
Viagra
(sildenafil citrate) improves a man's natural response to sexual
stimulation. To understand how, you need to understand how an
erection happens in the first place.
Erections
are all about increasing blood flow to the penis. Without sexual
stimulation, the body limits blood flow into the penis. This keeps
the penis flacid (soft, or not erect).
When
a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and
widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the penis
expands and hardens, veins that normally carry blood away from
the penis become compressed. This restricts how much blood can
flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing
out, the penis enlarges to the maximum, resulting in an erection.
If
the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process aren't
working properly, a man may not be able to get an erection.
Viagra
increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually
aroused, he can have an erection. When the sexual encounter is
over, his erection goes away.
If
a man takes Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and then circumstances
change and he isn't sexually stimulated, he won't get an erection.
You won't get an erection just by taking the pill.
Viagra
is not a hormone.
Viagra is not an aphrodisiac.
It is a prescription that improves the erectile function of men
with erection problems.
Viagra
(sildenafil citrate) was well tolerated in clinical trials. Some
men experienced side effects, including headaches, facial flushing,
and upset stomach. These were generally mild to moderate in nature
and went away in a short period of time. A small percentage of
men (3%) reported mild and temporary visual effects, including
color tinge, increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.
Side effects generally have not caused patients to stop taking
Viagra.
Viagra
is not for everyone. Viagra should not be taken by patientswho
use drugs known as nitrates, in any form, at any time. One of
the most commonly used nitrates is nitroglycerin, which is frequently
prescribed for angina (chest pain due to heart disease). Nitrates
can lower blood pressure ti unsafe levels if used with Viagra.
It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you
take.
Remember
that the use of Viagra offers no protection against sexually transmitted
diseases (including HIV-the virus that causes AIDS).
Because
sexual activity can be demanding on the heart, you may want to
talk to your doctor about your cardiovascular health before using
Viagra.
What to expect when you take Viagra.
Viagra
was found to be highly effective in tests with men who had ED-about
three out of four of the men reported improved erections (compared
to one out of four who used a placebo). Patients reported that
about two out of three of their attempts to have sexual intercourse
were successful with Viagra (compared to one out of five attempts
for patients on placebo). If Viagra doesn't produce the same results
for you, don't be discouraged.
You
will need to learn how Viagra works for you through personal experience.
Viagra tablets come in three dosage strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and
100 mg. If you don't get the results you expect the first few
times you use Viagra, call your doctor. Together you can determine
the dosage that allows you to respond to sexual stimulation and
with which you are comfortable. And remember, no more than one
Viagra a day.