Viagra is a medication that most of us have heard of – but do we know what it actually does? Viagra is used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), though some are curious about using VIagra for endurance. Here, we will explore what that means, offer some Viagra usage tips and answer the question of whether or not it can prolong your sexual performance.
Understanding Viagra
Viagra is a brand name of sildenafil, a medication used as an erectile dysfunction treatment. It works by increasing the blood flow to the penis, producing a firmer, longer-lasting erection. It is usually taken by men experiencing ED, helping them to gain and keep an erection. It is taken as a tablet, with a glass of water, on an empty stomach.
How Viagra Works
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. PDE-5 is an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict, creating higher blood pressure to speed up blood flow. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, prevents it from working too quickly. This relaxes the blood vessels around the body, increasing blood flow to the penis.
In turn, this allows for a firmer, longer-lasting erection when sexually aroused. It takes effect in around 60 minutes, although this can vary from person to person. It lasts for approximately 4 – 6 hours, though your erection shouldn’t last any longer than 4 hours.
Many ED treatments are some form of PDE-5 inhibitor. There are some which work in a slightly different way, as a general vasodilator; however, if you are advised not to use Viagra, your options for treating ED may be limited. Speak to your doctor about what alternatives may be available.
Can Viagra Make You Last Longer?
ED medication’s benefits can be easy to see, but they are not wonder drugs. Viagra does not have a direct impact on your duration or delay ejaculation. It can, however, help you gain a stronger and more permanent erection. This can help to improve your sexual performance and satisfaction for you and your partner.
So, while Viagra itself does not make you last longer in bed, it can indirectly help to improve performance and will ensure that your erection is maintained.
In turn, this increased satisfaction can help remove performance anxiety, which can be a factor in some cases of premature ejaculation.
There are treatments for premature ejaculation available through our Online Doctor, including Priligy.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
A single dose of Viagra starts to work in around an hour, and Viagra’s duration of action is around 4 – 6 hours. Several factors can impact Viagra’s onset time. If you take Viagra on a full stomach, this can slow down the metabolism of the medication, meaning that it takes longer to start working.
Doses can vary from 25mg to 100mg, with the typical dose being 50mg. It may be that you require a different dose for it to work effectively for you. Please note that higher dosages bring an increased risk of side effects; start at the lowest dose and work your way up to find the best dosage for you.
People vary, as do their metabolisms. What works for you may not work for someone else taking the same dose in the same manner.
Alcohol can affect your ability to achieve an erection. It would be best to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol when using Viagra.
Your overall health can impact how Viagra works. It will be more effective if you are healthy, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
Tips for Enhancing Sexual Performance
Having a healthy lifestyle is important for many reasons and improving sex is one of them. A balanced diet and 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week are strongly recommended.
Viagra will not work without sexual stimulation – as Viagra is taken around an hour before sexual activity, ensure you leave time for foreplay and fun during the time while you wait for the medication to kick in.
Avoiding excessive alcohol is another factor. It can be difficult to get an erection if you have had too much to drink, and the long-term effects of alcohol can also be a contributing factor.
Looking after your mental health is important too. Stress, anxiety and depression can all affect your sex life and your relationships. If this is a factor for you, talk to your doctor – they can point you towards methods of improving your mental health.
Many prescribed medications and some medical conditions can cause erectile dysfunction. If you think your ED may be related to the medications you are taking, speak to your doctor. They may be able to recommend an alternative medication for you.
Viagra Side Effects and Precautions
As with any medication, some patients may experience side effects when using Viagra. The most common side effects of Viagra (affecting around 1 in 100 people) can include;
· Flushing
· Headache
· Lower blood pressure
· Indigestion
· Blocked nose
Serious side effects are rarer (affecting less than 1 in 1000 people); if you experience any of the following, seek urgent medical attention;
· Sudden decrease or loss of vision
· Seizure
· Painful or prolonged erection (more than 2 hours)
· Raised, itchy, swollen rash that may be blistering or peeling
As with any medication, it is important to inform your doctor of any other medication that you are taking. This includes anything over the counter, any herbal remedies, and any recreational drugs as they may interact with Viagra.
These drugs are not suitable if you take drugs known as nitrates (which are used to treat angina and other heart conditions), have low blood pressure, blood disorders (including sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, and leukaemia), have a curvature of the penis, eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, stomach ulcers, or haemophilia.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or are experiencing side effects. Most people do not experience side effects or may have mild reactions.
Viagra Reviews and Testimonials
Most people have reported positive experiences of using Viagra – over 80% are satisfied with it as a treatment for ED. It may take some time using and experimenting with Viagra to know when the best time is to take it and to learn how it works with your body.
Side effects seem to be only a mild problem for some: flushing, headaches, and a stuffy nose appear to be common side effects. However, for many users, the benefits of using Viagra appear to outweigh any negative effects.
For more reviews, you can search online. Be sure to use reputable websites – if checking a pharmacy website, ensure that they are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). If you are unsure about anything, talk to your doctor. They really don’t mind discussing issues of this nature!
For those who are looking for alternatives to Viagra, there are a number of other medications that work in similar ways, including Cialis, Levitra and Spedra.
Conclusion
Viagra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It improves blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. While it does not directly improve the duration of sex, it does help you gain a stronger, longer-lasting erection which can help improve performance and satisfaction.
Treating erectile dysfunction doesn’t just mean taking pills – adjusting your diet and lifestyle can have major effects as well. Enhancing sexual performance with Viagra can help, but in some cases, treating the underlying issues can make a much bigger difference.
Premature ejaculation is a common problem that can be easily treated. Doctors are used to talking about these sorts of issues and there really is no need for embarrassment. So, make an appointment with your doctor now!
