Viagra is one of the most popular treatments for Erectile Dysfunction, which can make it difficult or even impossible to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. But before using a medication for ED, it’s important to understand the side effects of Viagra.
The causes of erectile dysfunction can vary, and an estimated 52 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 are likely to experience some form of ED.
It may be the result of health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, clogged blood vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis, Peyronie’s disease, or even low testosterone.
Other factors that can contribute to ED are things like stress, depression, sleep disorder-related fatigue, or even chronic substance abuse.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is the name brand of the drug Sildenafil, a very popular treatment method for erectile dysfunction.
In short, Viagra inhibits a particular enzyme, PDE5, in the blood. Too much of this enzyme can make it difficult to achieve or keep an erection.
By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil helps the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles and blood vessels in the penis, allowing them to fill with blood and resulting in an erection.
Viagra is not a cure for erectile dysfunction. Men who take the drug still need to experience arousal signals sent by the brain, and may also require physical stimulation to get an erection.
Drug manufacturers suggest taking sildenafil about an hour prior to sexual activity, with the results, in most cases, lasting around 4 hours.
When the Food and Drug Administration approved Viagra for the treatment of ED in March 1998, it became extremely popular and remains one of the most prescribed drugs for erectile dysfunction.
About 65 percent of all ED medications prescribed from December 2018 through January 2019, were Viagra or its generic form, reports CNBC.
This is why it’s important to understand the potential side effects of Viagra, as well as other possible alternatives to treating ED.
What Are the Side Effects of Viagra?
Sildenafil generics and Viagra are not recommended for all men. Some of the Viagra’s side effects can be particularly serious for men being treated for blood pressure issues, those who take nitrates for chest pain, or are seeing a doctor for an enlarged prostate.
Some of the more mild and common side effects of Viagra can include:
- Skin flushing, where the skin is warm and red
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Indigestion problems
- Muscle pain or back pain
- Temporary changes to vision such as blurring or a sensitivity to light
More rare, but serious Viagra side effects may include some of the following:
- Cardiovascular events, such as irregular heart rate or heart attack, especially for men with severe heart disease
- Stroke
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Decrease or loss of hearing related to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Interactions with other medications that can cause severely low blood pressure
- Priapism, which is an erection lasting longer than four hours that can be extremely painful
Before taking an ED medication like Sildenafil, it’s important to talk with your physician and understand all the potential side effects of Viagra. It is also beneficial to discuss alternative methods of treating erectile dysfunction.
4 Alternatives to Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction
Depending on the causes of a person’s ED, there are alternatives to Viagra that can help stimulate healthy blood flow to the penis, which is what’s needed to get and maintain an erection. These include some of the following:
1. Exercise Regularly
Believe it or not, there’s plenty of research that shows regular exercise, either moderate to more vigorous, improves blood flow in the body and can help reduce other risk factors that may lead to erectile dysfunction.
The recommended amount of exercise to improve ED symptoms is ideally at least 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity four times per week.
Even at this rate, it could take up to six months or more for some men to notice a difference or improvement in their symptoms. Fortunately the side effects of exercise are positive ones.
2. Other Erectile Dysfunction Medications
There are other ED medications on the market like Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), though these may come with side effects similar to Viagra and may not be an appropriate alternative.
For those who noticed some improvement with ED symptoms but experienced certain side effects with Viagra, switching to a different erectile medication might reduce or eliminate the issues.
It should be noted that erectile dysfunction medications only offer a temporary fix for ED when they are taken before sexual activity and should not be considered a cure.
3. Shockwave Therapy
Treating ED with Shockwave Therapy is a cutting-edge technique that offers long-term results without requiring injections, ED medications, surgery, or other methods for normal sexual function.
Shockwave Therapy, also known as ESWT, is a noninvasive treatment that works by delivering gentle pressure waves to the penis, which break up plaque or blockages that diminish blood flow.
This technology triggers the body’s own internal healing response and allows for a natural increase of nitric oxide.
Shockwave is 85 percent effective in treating patients with vasculogenic ED. Because it’s noninvasive and there’s no needed anesthesia, patients don’t experience the negative side effects found with of other erectile dysfunction treatments.
4. Penile Implants
Penile Implants are a surgical approach typically suggested for ED patients when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
This treatment method involves implanting either an inflatable or a flexible rod on either side of the penis. Though this procedure can be very effective, any type of surgery comes with risks and should be considered carefully between the patient and the physician.
Erectile dysfunction is treatable and manageable for most men as they age. While the little blue pill is one of the most popular ED treatments, it’s important to understand the side effects of Viagra and consider other treatment methods as well.
Hopefully the four Viagra alternatives provided here will offer other options for men who want to improve sexual function without any side effects.
