Is Viagra Safe For ED?

Erectile dysfunction is an important disorder which plagues millions of men around the globe. The definition of ED is an inability to produce or maintain an erection that allows for sex. Viagra (or sildenafil) has been used for treating ED since its release in 1998 by the US Food and Drug Administration. But the question of whether Viagra was safe for ED has been controversial. Here in this paper we’ll discuss the safety and effectiveness of Viagra for ED, its uses, side effects and potential side effects.

First, let’s discuss the effects of Viagra in treating ED. It is part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors that work by directing blood to the penis during sex. It makes for a firmer, longer lasting erection, making ED men sexually active. According to the studies, Viagra can improve erectile function in men suffering from ED 60-80% of the time (1). It also worked for men who had various conditions that contribute to ED (including diabetes, high blood pressure, and prostate surgery (2)).

Moreover, Viagra has an excellent safety profile, with few adverse effects observed in clinical trials. These most common side effects include headache, flushing, nausea, and congestion (usually temporary (3)). However, in rare instances, worsening side effects include sudden blindness, loss of hearing, and priapism (an extended and painful erection) (4). Such side effects tend to be more common in men with prior medical problems or on certain medications that interact with Viagra. As such, you need to talk to a doctor before taking Viagra to make sure that it’s appropriate for one’s condition.

Another area of Viagra’s safety that has caused concerns is abuse.

Viagra is a prescription drug, so you can take it only under the guidance of a physician. Yet some men have reported taking Viagra recreationally (without prescription) to enhance sexual performance. This poses a high risk of adverse effects and even harm for people with potentially harmful medical conditions that render Viagra unfit for use. Also, misuse of Viagra can result in mental dependency and sexual insecurity that can result in risky sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted infections (5).

Factors Contributing to Viagra Abuse:

1. Sociocultural Factors
Much of the load is put on the person, the male, by the common constructed construct of masculinity in our modern culture, and this construct is almost always related to sexual ability. This, in turn, could be what drives some men to consume such drugs, not because they have a health issue, but to meet what is assumed to be their sexual performance standard. It’s set the tone for naive standards; hence, the crucible for the misuse of erectile dysfunction drugs. This is stoked by the stigma attached to most sexual health issues, and means that more individuals are on the hunt for fast answers than ready to recognise an issue that requires professional intervention.

2. Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the largest domains that can facilitate the misuse of Viagra. Although it’s a prescription, thanks to the explosion of online pharmacies, no one has been more likely to access ED medication than they are now, and without any sort of proper medical testing at all. This easy accessibility makes Viagra addictive and so people abuse it, taking it without a prescription, or getting it from friends or untrustworthy sources. The acceptance of the pill across a variety of situations further diminishes the potential dangers of its misuse.

3. Misinformation
This is stoked by the vast amount of information on Viagra available online, much of it false or downright misleading. Some really think Viagra improves sexual sensation and it’s a recreational choice. That misconception not only threatens health but also undermines the value of the drug in the context it is intended to fulfil: to treat certain medical disorders involving erectile dysfunction. It also puts our sensibilities vulnerable to false information, putting into perspective the even greater need for solid training on the subject.

Measures to Mitigate Viagra Abuse:

1. Training and Awareness: The key to stopping Viagra misuse is to educate people on the possibility of misuse. Health professionals, educators and public health specialists should educate citizens on what the drug is used for and what harms its misuse poses.
2. Prescription Monitoring: Implementing and strengthening prescription monitoring programs can help identify and disrupt the illegal sale of Viagra and other controlled substances. Such programs also can help to identify individuals at risk of acquiring substance use disorders as a result of these medications.
3. Healthcare Providers and Pharmacies: Working together, both healthcare providers and pharmacies can ensure Viagra is prescribed and delivered in the right amount to eliminate the risk of abuse.
4. Periodic Follow-ups and Screenings: Clinicians should conduct periodic follow-ups with patients taking Viagra, assessing their progress and checking for abuse or misuse.

Not to mention, Viagra isn’t a cure for ED.

It does not address the root cause of ED but merely alleviate symptoms temporarily. This would mean that ED men will have to continue taking Viagra in order to keep their sexual functioning intact, which is both costly and impractical for some men. Further, not everyone responds to Viagra – roughly 30 per cent of men don’t respond to the drug (6). In that scenario, alternative therapies (penile implants or injections) may be required.

Conclusion: Is Viagra Safe For ED?

The short answer is that Viagra is both safe and effective in treating ED. Erectile dysfunction has long been known to enhance quality of life, and millions of men in the world have been on it. Naturally, it is important to be aware of potential risks and use it under the supervision of a doctor. It is not appropriate for every man, and there are other options if you do not respond to the medication. Additionally, the misuse of the drug can lead to serious medical issues and should not occur. Lastly, when it comes to treating ED with Viagra, it’s best to carefully consider the pros and cons of using the drug, and always consult with your physician.