Viagra, also called the little blue pill, is famous worldwide for treating impotence or erectile dysfunction. However, many people are not yet familiar with how it works and may often ask, “What exactly does Viagra do?”
Viagra is a blue tablet with the active ingredient sildenafil citrate. Men with erectile dysfunction take it an hour before sex to help get and maintain the erection. Despite the misconception, it is not an aphrodisiac, sexual arousal is a must for any man taking Viagra to achieve an erection.
Erectile dysfunction affects up to 52% of men between the ages of 40-70, many of whom turn to erectile dysfunction medications to help with their symptoms.
Viagra is commonly available in three dosages: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg; the dosage will vary depending on the person. Sometimes, the doctor may increase or decrease the dosage. If interested, you may check Viagra pills’ prices at Click pharmacy.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra relaxes muscles in the walls of the blood vessels to increase blood flow to your penis and makes it easier to get and maintain an erection. Viagra is effective only if there is sexual stimulation, like that occurring during sexual intercourse. When sexual stimulation first happens, Viagra helps increase blood flow to the penis and then works to help maintain an erection.
An erection occurs when nerves in your penis get stimulated. Muscles around two cylinder-shaped chambers along the penis called the corpora cavernosa then relax and permit blood to flow in, causing an erection.
First, you must understand how a man gets an erection. When the brain arouses, it transmits signals to the penis, releasing a chemical called cGMP. This chemical relaxes specific muscle cells in the erectile tissues of the penis, allowing blood flow to increase. When you ejaculate, your body releases an enzyme known as PDE-5, which smashes down cGMP, causing the loss of the erection. Viagra, and other ED medicines, inhibit the effect of PDE-5, thus increasing the blood flow to your penis and making it easy to gain and maintain an erection.
For Viagra to work correctly, you must take it an hour before sex on an empty stomach. Sexual arousal is a must to have an erection, and you should avoid alcohol before taking Viagra, as it may limit its effectiveness.
Viagra will not be as effective for people with certain conditions. Those sick, tired, or intoxicated may not see the full benefits of taking Viagra. Alcohol may worsen the side effects of Viagra and potentially make erectile dysfunction worse.
How long does Viagra take to start working?
Viagra typically starts working 30-60 minutes after you take it. Viagra may take up to two hours to perform. But sexual stimulation is needed for Viagra to cause an erection. Sometimes the patients experience the effects of Viagra within 20-30 minutes after taking the medication. Viagra doesn’t work on its own. Sexual arousal is essential to get an erection. Feeling relaxed and comfortable may also help Viagra take effect sooner.
Does Viagra make you last longer?
On average, Viagra lasts 2- 3 hours before its effects diminish. Viagra may last up to 5 hours or longer. It depends on your dosage, the body’s metabolism, and other external factors. Depending on how the body metabolises it, you may get an erection many times with Viagra in your system. Though Viagra probably won’t make you last longer in bed. It is not evident through research that Viagra may prolong your sex.
Viagra may not work again immediately after you have had sex. Usually, you may not get an erection again right after ejaculating because the body isn’t physically ready for it. It is known as the refractory period. It may last only a few minutes, but it may last as long as a few hours or days.
Can other factors affect how long it lasts?
The amount of time Viagra will last depends on many factors. Dosage, age, and overall health are just some factors that may impact how well Viagra works and lasts for someone. A smaller dosage of Viagra means that the drug won’t last as long, and for older adults, taking a lower dosage is recommended.
Dosage
The dose of Viagra affects how long it will stay in your system. The minimal dose, 25 milligrams (mg), may not last as long as the highest available dose, 100 milligrams. But doctors do not recommend taking a higher dosage, as it may be unsafe.
Age
As you age, your metabolism slows down. Therefore, Viagra may last longer as you age. You may notice that Viagra works for a more extended period when you’re 65 or above.
Diet and lifestyle
Eating a big meal or high-fat foods right before you take Viagra may keep it from being quickly or effectively metabolised. But this may make it last longer as it gets metabolised along with the meal. Alcohol or smoking may also decrease blood flow to the penis, making Viagra less effective or shorter-lasting.
Medications
Some medications (particularly antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, and ciprofloxacin) may interact with it and affect how long Viagra lasts.
Overall health
Certain health conditions may affect how long Viagra lasts and how effectively it works. Nervous system conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, and heart conditions like atherosclerosis may all make Viagra less effective. Some kidney conditions may help Viagra last longer due to the condition’s effect on your metabolism.
Psychological state
Feeling anxious, nervous, depressed, or stressed may all affect how the body responds to sexual stimulation. If you’re not comfortable, don’t feel relaxed during sex, or experience performance anxiety, Viagra may not last long or be effective.
Is Viagra safe?
Most men with erectile dysfunction can use Viagra, but some exceptions exist. Anyone in the following categories should refrain from using Viagra or other ED medications. Viagra is unsafe for men:
- Who take recreational drugs that contain nitrates, like poppers.
- Who are taking nitrates.
- Who have recently had a stroke or heart attack.
- Who have severe heart or liver problems.
- Who took alpha-blockers within the past 6 hours.
- Who have already taken Viagra or another type of ED medicine in the past 24 hours.
- Who do not have erectile dysfunction.
You should also be aware that you can only obtain Viagra through a professional medical prescription.
Potential risk factors
Viagra often lasts for a few hours. You won’t usually have an erection the entire time, as it only helps increase blood flow. If you think Viagra is not working fast enough, try foreplay or masturbation to stimulate arousal.
If Viagra does not work after 30 minutes, don’t take more than the daily dose your doctor recommends. Do not overdose or take Viagra more than 100 mg in 24 hours. Too much Viagra can cause severe headaches, low blood pressure, and orthostasis that may lead to fainting.
Higher doses may cause priapism. It is a painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours. It may damage penis tissue because blood stored in the penis does not receive oxygen. If you experience it, get emergency treatment right away.
Conclusion
Viagra is a brand name for the generic medication sildenafil citrate. Viagra relaxes muscles in blood vessel walls to help increase blood flow to the penis. Thus, making it easier to get and maintain an erection.
