Viagra, an anti-impotence drug: how does it work?

Since it was first introduced in March 1998, there has been no other therapy for managing erectile dysfunction, which has received widespread public recognition, other than Viagra.

Viagra, a drug with the generic name sildenafil, helps increase blood flow to the penis so that its owner can maintain an erection.

But did you know that this popular drug was created by accident? Initially, sildenafil was in the stages of testing a drug to treat angina (sitting wind) - a condition in the narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood - thanks to its relaxing effect. In the process, finally the blue pill that we know so far was inaugurated as an anti-impotence drug.

To understand more deeply about how Viagra works, it's a good idea to first understand how you can (and don't) get an erection.

The mechanism of the penis to achieve an erection

Try moving one of your limbs - blinking, for example, or sticking out your tongue. When you move nearly every member of your body, you are doing it with your muscles. You think about moving it, the muscles in question will contract, and the limb you need will move. Unlike the penis. There is no muscle contraction involved in making the penis erect. To make your genitals "stand up," the penis uses pressure.

In short, to get an erection, you need three things: healthy blood flow, a healthy nervous system, and sexual arousal (libido). If the blood flow leading to the penis is not working properly, for example if the blood intake (artery) is too narrow or if the blood flows too fast through the outlet (vein), you may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Blood flow problems, in addition to other medical and psychological conditions, are a major cause of erectile dysfunction (impotence).

How does Viagra work to treat impotence?

Viagra works by inhibiting PDE-5, an enzyme that is produced after sex is over and makes the penis 'wilt again'. This makes the muscles in the penis more likely to relax and allows blood to flow in, causing an erection.

Sildenafil citrate contained in Viagra, acts as the main active component in charge of hijacking the performance of PDE-5 and deactivating the enzyme. When a man takes the blue pill, sildenafil citrate flows throughout the body, but will only affect the PDE-5 enzyme in the penis.

Once PDE-5 is blocked, a compound called cGMP can collect in the penis and increase blood flow to the penis, without affecting the rest of the body (Note: There are many kinds of PDE, but PDE-5 is the most common enzyme found in the penis). This means that the greater the amount of cGMP, the faster the blood flow. The heavier the blood flow to your penis, the greater the erection rate.

It is important to understand that taking Viagra tablets alone will not cause an erection. Viagra must be taken in combination with some form of sexual stimulation (visual, tactile, or both) in order for an erection to occur. Without sexual stimulation, Viagra will not have any effect.

Viagra works best if taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.

How long can Viagra keep an erection?

Only 1 tablet should be used in one day, and on an empty stomach. Increasing the dose of Viagra beyond the recommended amount will not increase response, and will only increase the risk of dangerous side effects.

The length of time an erection can last after using Viagra varies depending on the user (based on age, diet, alcohol consumption, dosage, health condition, and drug interactions). But in general, Viagra can maintain an erection for up to 4-5 hours after use coupled with sexual stimulation.

On the other hand, most men find that the effects of this magic blue pill will start to wear off within 2-3 hours of the first consumption.

The medicine will stay in the blood for about four hours, and will then be flushed clean from your circulatory system by the liver and kidneys.

Who can and should not take Viagra

In general, Viagra is effective up to 65-70% of all impotent men.

Keep in mind, these pills may not be strong enough for those who have too severe narrowing of the arteries.

In addition, because Viagra works similarly to drugs containing nitrates, it is not recommended for men taking nitrate drugs for heart disease, or for those with certain other heart conditions to take Viagra. In some men, this drug causes bad headaches.