Sildenafil from the group of Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) – or better known as VIAGRA is a medication used to stimulate erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation which in turn maintains an erection in men. However, it does not increase sexual desire or cure erectile dysfunction. Thus, it’s very important to know the root cause of erectile dysfunction before taking any medication.
How Long Does It Take To Start Working?
Viagra usually starts to work within 30-60 minutes and you only take it when you need it. Don’t worry, there’s no need to rush since it could last up to 4-5 hours. However, bear in mind that Viagra works only when you are sexually stimulated.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is when one is unable to get or sustain an erection long enough for penetration.
How Do I Know If I Have An Erectile Dysfunction?
If you find that you have difficulty getting an erection or sustaining the erection or you have difficulty penetrating your partner, it may be that you are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction.
A weak erection that prevents you from successful penetration or has difficulty penetrating is considered erectile dysfunction.
Your doctor will ask several questions to get detailed sexual and medical history, physical examination and laboratory testing (includes hormonal and metabolic test) to assess its severity and possible causes.
How To Know If Viagra Is For You?
If you’re concerned about your hardness, you could use this score to rate your own erection and ask your doctor for an opinion if Viagra can help.
What Are The Factors that Influence How Long Viagra Lasts For You?
- Dosage : the amount or dose of viagra you take affects how long it stays in your system. And of course, 100mg will last longer than 25mg. However, taking a higher dose isn’t always recommended. Having a higher dose doesn’t translate to better results as it may not be safe for you.
- Age : Viagra may last longer as you age because as you get older, your metabolism slows down. Thus, it may last longer for those more than 65 years old compared to younger males.
- Diet : Eating a large meal before you take Viagra can keep it from being metabolized quickly thus makes it last longer as it’s metabolized along with your meal. However, drinking alcohol can decrease blood flow to your penis, making Viagra less effective or shorter-lasting.
- Medications : certain medications like antibiotics such as erythromycin and ciprofloxacin, can interact with Viagra and affect how long it lasts.
- Psychological state and overall health : Viagra won’t work if you aren’t sexually aroused. Sexual desire is important for Viagra to be effective since it doesn’t improve your psychological state.
Possible Side Effect Of Viagra Are:
- Headache & Flushing (most common)
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach/nausea
- Muscle pain
- Priapism : an erection that will not go away
- Changes in colour vision (such as having a blue colour tinge) and blurred vision
Do Not Take VIAGRA If You Are:
- Allergic to sildenafil
- Take medicines called “nitrates” (e.g : nitroglycerin)
- Use street drugs called “poppers,” : like amyl nitrate, and butyl nitrate
- Take medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas (riociguat)
What Are The Other Treatment Options For Erectile Dysfunction?
Other than oral Viagra, there are few other things that you could do. Bear in mind, lifestyle modification is equally important to improve Erectile Dysfunction (ED) such as having a healthy diet, reducing alcohol intake, losing weight and increasing your exercise.
In addition, there are several treatment options which you could use individually or in combination for ED:
- Oral tablets (Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors) : Cialis or Levitra – (DO NOT USE it together with VIAGRA since they are from the same group of medication)
- Topical Cream : Topical alprostadil apply on your penis and surrounding skin to improve blood flow.
- Electro Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) : Improve blood flow in the penis using low-intensity shock waves emitted into the penis causing new and healthy blood vessels to develop.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy : In cases of low testosterone causing ED
- Caverject Injection
- Vacuum devices and ring constrictors : Prevents blood from flowing out and helping to maintain the erection.
- Penile implants : Surgery
Next read: Cialis | Viagra | Levitra: Their Differences, Similarities and Which Is Better For You?
