The Surprising and Potentially Dangerous Side Effects of Viagra: What You Need to Know
Viagra is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ED treatment, and since its release in 1998, it has become one of the most popular drugs for treating ED. Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which works by increasing blood flow to the penis.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). This enzyme breaks down a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is responsible for regulating blood flow to the penis. By inhibiting PDE-5, viagra increases cGMP levels in the body, which leads to increased blood flow to the penis and improved erections.
Common Side Effects of Viagra
The most common side effects of viagra are headache, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and temporary changes in vision or color perception. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Other common side effects include nausea, dizziness, back pain and muscle aches.
Serious Side Effects of Viagra
Although rare, serious side effects can occur with viagra use. These include chest pain or tightness; fainting; swelling of the hands or feet; difficulty breathing; irregular heartbeat; prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours; seizures; sudden decrease or loss of hearing; sudden decrease or loss of vision; and symptoms of allergic reactions such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness and trouble breathing. If you experience any serious side effects while taking viagra, contact your doctor immediately.
Who Should Not Take Viagra
Viagra should not be taken if you are taking nitrates for chest pain or heart problems as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Additionally, people with certain health conditions such as heart disease and liver or kidney disease should not take viagra without consulting their doctor first as it can be dangerous for them. People who are taking other medications should also consult their doctor before taking viagra as it may interact with other medications they are taking.
Alternatives to Viagra
If you cannot take viagra due to any medical condition or health risk factors then there are alternatives available that may help improve ED symptoms without causing any serious side effects. Some natural options include lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and eating healthy foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals that support sexual health such as zinc and magnesium-rich foods like spinach and pumpkin seeds respectively. Other natural remedies include herbs like ginkgo biloba which has been found to improve circulation throughout the body including to the penis area thus improving ED symptoms naturally without any serious side effects associated with prescription drugs like viagra.
Conclusion
Viagra is a popular prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction but it also comes with certain risks associated with its use including common mild side effects like headache and facial flushing along with more serious side effects like chest pain or tightness; fainting; swelling of the hands or feet; difficulty breathing; irregular heartbeat; prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours; seizures etc., so make sure you consult your doctor before taking this drug if you have any existing health conditions that may be affected by its use.Additionally there are natural alternatives available that may help improve ED symptoms without causing any serious side effects so make sure you discuss these options with your doctor before deciding on whether to take viagra or not.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/what-is-viagrasildenafil#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-viagrasildenafil/art-20367511
https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/viagraside-effects#serious
What are the dangers of taking Viagra?
Viagra can have some serious side effects. This may include an erection that does not go away (priapism) sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes and sudden diminution or loss of hearing. Some men have had heart attacks strokes irregular heartbeats and even death after taking Viagra.
What happens after taking Viagra?
Viagra increases blood flow by relaxing the muscle cells in the blood vessels that supply the penis. Bleeding in the penis can cause erectile dysfunction. Viagra restores impaired erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis in the natural environment i.e. with sexual stimulation.
Does Viagra keep you hard after coming?
Viagra is also prescribed to many men who suffer from premature ejaculation. Viagra helps maintain an erection after ejaculation and shortens the time of resistance before another organ is formed.
What is one little known side effect of taking Viagra?
Some men feel dizzy or lightheaded. Viagra can rarely cause seizures. Some men taking PDE5 inhibitors complain of back or muscle pain. Although less common some men develop hearing loss or vision loss after taking PDE inhibitors.
How long does Viagra last?
The effects of Viagra can last 4 to 8 hours depending on the individual and the dose taken. Some men may have more than one erection at this time. However just because Viagra can stay in your body for up to 8 hours doesnt mean your erection has to last that long.
Who should not use Viagra?
There are rare inherited eye diseases such as hypotension (low blood pressure) retinitis pigmentosa. Sickle cell anemia (abnormal red blood cells) with leukemia (cancer of the blood cells) or multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow) with penile deformity or Peyronies disease (curvature of the penis)
