Viagra Vs. Birth Control – Introduction
Viagra and contraception are two widely used drugs that have revolutionised the world in various ways. Viagra, or sildenafil, is a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction in men. Contraception, whereas birth control, or birth control, prevents pregnancy. Both of these drugs have been subject to significant media attention and debate. In this article, we’ll compare the purposes, effectiveness, side-effects and societal implications of Viagra and contraception.
Viagra Vs. Birth Control
Uses:
Viagra is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction, in which a man has trouble producing or maintaining an erection. It works by pumping more blood into the penis, producing an erection. It is usually prescribed for men who suffer from a physical underlying condition of erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes or cardiovascular illness.
Similarly, birth control keeps women away from pregnancy. Birth control options vary ranging from hormonal (via pill, patch, and injection) birth control options to non-hormonal options like condoms and IUDs. Women use birth control to regulate their reproductive functions and avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Effectiveness:
1. Viagra’s Effectivenes
Viagra, or sildenafil citrate, is an effective treatment for ED. To begin with, Viagra is effective in roughly 70 per cent of patients with ED (Nunes et al., 2012) as demonstrated by clinical trials. Conversely, it is extremely crucial to recall that Viagra does not reverse ED, nor is it used for a single occasion; it is required each time a man desires sexual intercourse. It acts by widening the blood vessels to provide more blood to the penis and produce an erection. For most of us who suffer from ED, Viagra has been a relief for the headaches, flushing, indigestion, and more side effects.
2. Effectiveness of Birth Control
Birth control does not work perfectly no matter what method you use. The pill, for example, is one of the most commonly used birth control methods and works just about 91% of the time in standard use scenarios. Other techniques, such as an intrauterine device, are 99 % effective. Yet one must never forget that there is no form of birth control that can prevent pregnancy fully and there is always a margin of error.
It is also important to remember that other factors could influence a chosen birth control method’s effectiveness. For example, popping the pill too early or failing to take it (aside from potential drug interactions) can make it less effective. As is the case for some other approaches – condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides – effectiveness depends on the practitioner.
3. Comparing Viagra and Birth Control Effectiveness
Viagra and birth control, while both highly effective in their own right, have very different functions. Viagra alleviates ED, and contraceptives prevent pregnancy. This is why comparisons in efficacy don’t really matter. Either way, I should point out that either medicine can assure effectiveness in some measure; no procedure is 100% effective.
Side Effects:
Viagra can have side-effects, including headaches, flushing and indigestion. It may also lead to more serious complications, including blindness or loss of hearing in rare cases. It also is not recommended for patients with certain diseases, including heart disease, because it has negative side effects.
Birth control also causes nausea, headaches and fluctuations in menstruation. But these side-effects are typically mild and transient. Nevertheless, certain hormonal forms of birth control have been associated with an increased risk of blood clots and stroke, though not by much.
Social Implications:
Viagra and birth control pills have a very different social significance, which reflects the culture’s views about sex and gender. This has been largely for the best, and Viagra represents the new dawn of male sexual freedom and greater prosperity. Yet the pill has also led to debates about medicalising sex and drug dependency.
Contraceptives, by contrast, have caused controversy, notably in terms of religious and ethical considerations. Birth control pills, for all their advantages, have been challenged by many on the grounds that they encourage promiscuity and violate traditional values. The pill, however, has been instrumental in bringing women’s rights and gender equality to the forefront of political discussion, allowing women to play an ever greater role in society.
Accessibility and Affordability
Both access to Viagra and birth control were contentious. Viagra is a prescription drug and its price prohibits some men from purchasing it. Additionally, the stigma and need for prescription ED may keep some men from taking the medicine. But ever since Viagra lost its patent in 2017, generic versions have become available, lowering prices and making them more accessible.
Birth control has also struggled with access and affordability, particularly in the United States. Hormonal contraceptives are available over-the-counter in some countries, but not in the US without a prescription. In addition, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required birth-control coverage from insurers, though rollbacks in recent years have meant most women are left to pay out-of-pocket for their contraceptives. Other states also capped access to abortion and family planning services, limiting the availability of birth control for some women.
By analogy with Viagra and birth control, the two drugs have, if you look at their histories, both affected sexual and reproductive health in significant ways. Viagra has brought more men’s sexuality into public consciousness and benefited the lives of many ED men. Birth control, by contrast, has given women a greater degree of reproductive autonomy, creating social and economic empowerment.
Conclusion: Viagra Vs. Birth Control
Essentially, Viagra and birth control are two medications common in many different circumstances, with completely different uses and implications. The men take Viagra to address their erectile dysfunction; the women take birth control to avoid pregnancy. Both have degrees of effectiveness and potential for adverse reactions. Both drugs are very different in their social implications: Viagra is being commended for many good things while birth control remains the subject of far too much scandal. For the latter case, consumers are encouraged to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking any of these drugs only after consulting a healthcare professional.
