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What Does Viagra Do

Viagra (sildenafil) combats erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow to the penis, enabling men to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. Note that arousal is still required for its effectiveness.

Viagra has earned its reputation as a game-changer for men with erectile dysfunction. By increasing blood flow to the penis and facilitating firmer, longer-lasting erections, Viagra can significantly enhance sexual performance and satisfaction for both partners. While it may not work for everyone, for many men, Viagra can provide a positive and transformative impact on their sexual experiences. It’s essential to remember that what does Viagra do? Viagra is not a magic pill, and sexual stimulation is necessary for it to be effective.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription drug that helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to achieve and maintain an erection. It’s also sometimes used off-label for other conditions, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

What is in the Viagra?

Viagra contains the drug sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient. Each tablet of Viagra is formulated as blue, film-coated, rounded-diamond-shaped, and is equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg of sildenafil citrate for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake.

How does it work?

Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you’re aroused. This allows more blood to fill your penis, making it harder and firmer so you can get an erection. The drug doesn’t increase desire or arousal — what does Viagra do it makes it easier for you to get an erection when aroused by sexual stimulation or fantasy alone.

The FDA approved Viagra in 1998, and since then, many competitors have entered this market segment, including Levitra, Cialis, Stendra, etc…

The Physical Effects of Viagra

  • Increased blood flow to the penis.
  • Increased duration of the erection.
  • Improved ability to get an erection.

The Psychological Effects of Viagra

  • Increased confidence in sexual performance
  • Reduced anxiety about sexual performance
  • Improved overall mood

Viagra (sildenafil) works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is found primarily in the blood vessels of the penis. By blocking PDE5, what does Viagra do allows the blood vessels to relax and expand, increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. This results in a firmer and more sustainable erection. It’s important to remember that Viagra does not directly increase sexual desire but rather facilitates the physical process of achieving and maintaining an erection.

What Does Viagra Do?

When you take Viagra, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and works on the blood vessels in your penis. The drug relaxes the smooth muscles in these blood vessels, allowing them to expand and increase blood flow. As a result, when you become sexually aroused, your penis can fill with blood more easily and achieve a firmer erection. It’s important to note that Viagra does not cause an erection on its own – sexual stimulation is still necessary for the medication to be effective.

What Does Viagra Do to Men?

Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps men achieve and maintain an erection. It does this by blocking the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

During sexual arousal, the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the penis causes the production of cGMP, which helps to relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. PDE5 breaks down cGMP, which can lead to a loss of erection.

By blocking PDE5, what does Viagra do helps maintain cGMP levels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow and a longer-lasting erection. However, it is important to note that Viagra does not increase sexual desire or libido and is not a cure for ED. It is only effective when a man is sexually aroused. Viagra enhances sexual performance by:

  • Facilitating firmer and more sustainable erections
  • Reducing the time it takes to achieve an erection
  • Helping to maintain erections for a longer duration

These effects can significantly improve a man’s sexual experience and confidence, leading to greater overall satisfaction for both partners.

How Do You Know It’s Working?

In most cases, you will know that Viagra works if you can achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. However, it’s important to note that Viagra doesn’t work automatically what does Viagra do – sexual stimulation is still required to achieve an erection. The effects of Viagra typically begin within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the medication and can last for up to four hours.

If you are not experiencing any positive effects from Viagra or are experiencing negative side effects, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage, trying a different medication, or exploring other treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

Things to Know about Viagra

It’s also important to remember what does Viagra do still is not a cure for erectile dysfunction but a treatment option that can help manage symptoms. To achieve the best results from Viagra, it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, addressing any underlying health conditions, and other treatment options as your healthcare provider recommends

Viagra typically starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking it, and its effects can last up to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s working when you notice it’s easier to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. Remember, sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective.

The Side Effects

Common side effects of Viagra include:

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Upset stomach
  • Nasal congestion
  • Dizziness
  • Vision changes (blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or difficulty distinguishing between blue and green)

If you experience any severe side effects, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately.

What does Viagra do Common Viagra Myths?

Several myths and misconceptions surround Viagra (sildenafil), the popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the most prevalent:

Viagra is an aphrodisiac: Viagra does not increase sexual desire or arousal. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men with erectile dysfunction to achieve and maintain an erection.

Viagra works instantly: The effects of Viagra usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the pill, but it still requires sexual stimulation to work.

Viagra is only for older men: Erectile dysfunction can affect men of all ages, and Viagra can be prescribed to men in different age groups, as long as they have been diagnosed with ED and deemed appropriate candidates for the medication by a healthcare provider.

Taking more Viagra leads to better performance: The recommended dose of Viagra should not be exceeded, as taking more than prescribed can lead to side effects and may not improve sexual performance. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

You will have a continuous erection after taking Viagra: Viagra helps a man achieve and maintain an erection only during sexual stimulation. Once the sexual activity is over, the erection should subside.

Viagra is the only treatment for erectile dysfunction: While Viagra is a popular and effective treatment for ED, there are other medications, such as Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), as well as non-pharmacological treatment options like lifestyle changes, vacuum devices, and psychological counseling.

Viagra is dangerous and has many side effects: Most men using Viagra experience mild side effects, if any. While there are some potential side effects, such as headache, flushing, and dizziness, these are usually not severe. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects or an allergic reaction.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using Viagra or any other medication for erectile dysfunction.

The Reality Behind the Hype

While Viagra has undoubtedly helped millions of men with ED, it’s not a “miracle drug” that works for everyone. Its effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of ED. It’s also important to note that Viagra is not a cure for ED but rather a temporary solution that helps men achieve erections for a single sexual encounter.

The Impact of Viagra

Taking Viagra can improve your sexual experience by:

  1. Helping you achieve firmer and more sustainable erections
  2. Reducing the time it takes to achieve an erection
  3. Enhancing your overall confidence and reducing performance anxiety

These improvements can lead to increased pleasure and satisfaction during sexual activity for both you and your partner.

What to Expect During Sex After Taking Viagra

After taking Viagra, you can expect the following changes to your sexual experience:

  • Easier time achieving and maintaining an erection
  • Increased duration of erection, allowing for extended sexual activity
  • Enhanced sexual confidence and reduced anxiety about performance

It’s important to note that Viagra typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to start working, and its effects can last up to 4 hours. Sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective.

In conclusion, what does Viagra do still may not be a miracle drug that works for everyone, it has proven to be a powerful aid for many men with erectile dysfunction. By understanding what does Viagra do and how Viagra works, and its impact on your sexual experience, you can decide whether it’s the right solution for you.

By Dr. David Kahan, PhD

  • Education: – B.S. in Kinesiology, 1990, UCLAM. Ed. in Teacher Education, 1991, UCLA Ph.D. in HPER, 1995, The Ohio State University
  • Professional Memberships: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD), National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education (NAKPEHE)
  • Research Areas: My initial focus in graduate school was directed at coaching behavior with special emphasis on gender dynamics (e.g., males coaching female athletes). At my first appointment, I changed my focus to better match a major job responsibility—the preparation and supervision of preservice (student teachers and undergraduate field practicum students) teachers. To this end, I spent 5 years on projects to better understand cooperating teacher behavior and beliefs. Beginning in the Fall of 2001, I again switched my focus to issues involving the relationship between physical activity and religion/culture. During a sabbatical year in 2009, I added focus by investigating the impact of social-ecological variables on preschool children’s physical activity.