Viagra, which is widely used to treat erectile dysfunction, has become something of a fashion these days. But with the price and its side effects, many seek out alternatives to Viagra. Another such alleged alternative floating around is Vaseline, an indispensible petroleum jelly substitute. This has prompted the question: can you take Vaseline instead of Viagra?
In order to answer this question, we need to understand how Viagra works. Viagra merely increases the blood supply to the penis which, in turn, gives rise to an erection. It does so by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The inhibition of PDE5 increases cGMP, relaxing the smooth muscles of the penis, thus increasing the amount of blood that enters.
Vaseline, on the other hand, is a petroleum jelly that is widely used as a moisturizer and lubricant. It does not know how it affects blood flow or sexual function. So, Vaseline is unlikely to replace Viagra.
Additionally, there is absolutely no science that suggests Vaseline can replace Viagra. Indeed, Vaseline used as a sexual lubricant can actually hinder sexual function. Vaseline isn’t water-soluble, so it’s difficult to rinse off. That can cause you to become irritated and uncomfortable, which makes sex unpleasant. Additionally, applying Vaseline as a lubricant can raise your chances of getting a UTI in men and women.
There are also dangers and adverse effects when replacing Viagra with Vaseline.
Allergic Reactions to Vaseline
Vaseline is made from petroleum, and some people may be allergic to petroleum or petroleum derivatives. Vaseline allergy reactions include irritation, rashes, and swelling. Vaseline smeared on the delicate skin of the genitals can intensify these symptoms, causing irritation, inflammation, and even infection.
It does not matter whether you might experience an allergic reaction to Vaseline. Petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline, were listed as one of the top allergens in skin care, according to a recent paper in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Up to 1.8% of participants showed a positive reaction to petroleum products, which made the study findings highly predictive of Vaseline-related allergic reactions.
Genital Health Risks
Along with allergen exposure, replacing Viagra with Vaseline can damage genital health. Because of its damp, warm location, the genital area is very prone to infection. If you rub Vaseline on this, it’s also a great way to raise your risk of infection because it keeps moisture and bacteria at bay. This may result in yeast infections, urinary tract infections and other bacterial infections.
Moreover, Vaseline is not intended for the genitals and can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin. This can cause further irritation, inflammation, and pain. Use of Vaseline as a lubricant also has the potential to cause condom breakage, leading to higher risk of STI’s and unwanted pregnancies.
Another potential danger is the interaction of Vaseline with other medications. You should note that Vaseline is a petroleum product and it might also degrade the latex in condoms, making them less effective at stopping STIs and pregnancy. It can also raise the chances of an STI or unwanted pregnancy.
Interactions with Medications
Note: Vaseline is petroleum-based and, as such, interacts with some medications. More specifically, Vaseline affects the absorption of topical medications and can inhibit their effectiveness. This is because petroleum jelly acts as a skin barrier that prevents other ingredients from getting through it. For instance, Vaseline applied on the skin before applying a cream or ointment that contains a medication will hinder its absorption and may lessen its effect.
Also, Vaseline is prone to causing interactions with some medications when administered orally. Petroleum jelly is hard to digest and may block some medications from reaching the gut. This can cause a drop in the effectiveness of the drug, or even an increase in side effects due to higher levels of the drug in the bloodstream.
Impact on Sexual Health
A second potential danger of Vaseline is the ability of it to deteriorate the latex in condoms, making them less effective at stopping STIs and pregnancy. Petroleum jelly degrades the latex in condoms, increasing the risk of a condom breaking, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This will greatly increase the likelihood of an STI or unwanted pregnancy.
And rubbing Vaseline as a lubricant while you are having sex can increase your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, a disease caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. That’s because Vaseline is an extremely viscous fluid that can provide the ideal conditions for anaerobic bacteria to thrive.
By contrast, Viagra has been extensively researched and tested to cure erectile dysfunction. It is a tightly regulated medication that can only be obtained by prescription from a physician. Having a person take Viagra is determined based on their medical history and whether or not they should be taking it. This is particularly critical for those who are already diagnosed with an underlying condition or on other medication.
Conclusion:
In short, we found no proof of Vaseline replacing Viagra. If these properties have not been discovered with respect to blood flow and sexual function, it can negatively affect sex, cause allergic reactions and other hazards. Viagra is a medically validated and prescribed medicine to be taken only under a doctor’s supervision. There are absolutely no dangerous and useless alternatives because a patient must go to the doctor to select a remedy for erectile dysfunction.
