What happens to your penis when you take Viagra
Viagra, medically known as sildenafil, is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED).
In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection.
CGMP – a nucleotide – causes the walls of blood vessels to relax and dilates them so blood can flow easily.
Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5 to prevent cGMP from breaking down, which controls blood flow in the penis.
This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea or syphilis.
Viagra pills are blue and diamond-shaped. The drug is meant to be taken between 30 minutes and one hour before having sex, but it can be taken up to four hours early.
Side effects:
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Impaired vision
- Increased intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye)
- Indigestion
- Numbness
- Tingling in chest, neck, jaw, or arms
Female Viagra
For years, companies have been trying (and failing) to make a ‘female Viagra’ because it is estimated that one in 10 women suffer from low sexual desire.
In 2015, the FDA approved the use of a drug called Addyi, despite lingering questions about its safety and effectiveness.
In 2016, sales showed to be meager and both the pill and its manufacturer, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, rated poorly on several measures according to a report card released by an advocacy group, the National Women’s Health Network.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc said this week that it plans a US relaunch of Addyi.
Some critics said Addyi’s sales suffered because Valeant didn’t market the drug aggressively enough.
Additional criticism was pointed to the fact that it must be taken every day, but those on it aren’t supposed to drink.
It’s also risky to be on hormonal contraceptives along with the drug.