You might not know much about sildenafil citrate, but you’ve probably heard about Viagra, which is the same thing. This powerful drug has been helping with cases of erectile dysfunction since 1998, and even though there have been numerous variations on the name, all the licensed drugs from this category have the same chemical structure. It helps obtain and keep an erection, improves the overall quality of sex and helps fight problems with premature ejaculation. Since it first hit the market, Sildenafil helped millions of men all over the globe have the sex life they desire.
How does Sildenafil work? It regulates the level of an enzyme responsible for blood flow, helping increase the blood flow to the penis, making it erect. The effects of the drug can last from 2 to 4 hours, depending from the person. You should take the drug at least 30 minutes before having sex, and lately there have been other forms of the medication other than pills to help the body absorb it quicker, so you don’t have to wait for a couple of hours for the drug to take effect, like it was with the first versions of it.
People who use antidepressants often report various sexual dysfunctions and an decrease in libido. Sildenafil has proved the most effective drug in treating sexual problems in people undergoing depression treatment. It even has a strong effect on women on antidepressants what are suffering from libido problems. Besides treating actual erectile dysfunction problems, Sildenafil is also great for people who have no such problems but want to have better sex. It enables bigger and longer lasting erections and delays ejaculation, so many people use it occasionally for better sexual experiences.
When it comes to side effects and health risks, only about 10% percent of men using it will report feeling nausea, dizziness or vomiting. There have been rare cases of impaired vision, like blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision, and cases of cyanopsia (seeing everything tinted blue). There have been recorded cases of people experiencing serious side effects like heart attack which are more common in older people, and that’s why it’s advised for people over the age of 65 not to take Sildenafil at all.
Contraindications for Sildenafil are taking other meds based on nitrites or nitrates, and if you’re not sure about the chemical structure of the drugs you’re taking, make sure you consult your doctor first to avoid any possible complications. It is advised for older men to do a routine check up and make sure they’re in good shape before taking the drug for the first time. People with serious heart condition or ones who experienced stroke recently shouldn’t be taking Sildenafil, and neither should people with liver problems.
Taking all pros and cons into account, Sildenafil makes a great choice in meds to help fight erectile dysfunction. Its relatively low cost and availability make it so popular both in European countries and in the United States.