Viagra: Myth versus Facts

There are lots of myths associated with Viagra, and you can hear the things which contradict each other on the matter this drug. It can be either named a magic pill or an empty shell, a synonym for "sexual power" or a hoax, something good or a kind of non-sense, etc.

All of the above mentioned, actually, lack argument.

So let's find out what actually VIAGRA is.

VIAGRA, or to put it into chemical language, sildenafil citrate from PDE5 inhibitors class, was initially developed by Pfizer Inc. for patients with angina and ischemic heart disease in early 90s. During the clinical trials it was established that VIAGRA had been effective in stimulating blood circulation in the pelvic area, resulting in a male's erection. This is how VIAGRA became an Erectile Dysfunction treatment.

Since its approval in 1998 and till nowadays, sildenafil citrate has helped millions of desperate men, who could never dream of getting their masculine power back, actually, regain this power. On the other hand, the appearance of VIAGRA caused a violent indignation of those hopeless men who could not be helped with even the brand new drug. This is why, lots of fiction was constantly created. And this fiction passed from one to another, tying the drug up with a bulk of semi-true or fictitious features.

The Myths

The myth #1. "VIAGRA will raise up the dead." The fact: Viagra, like any other drug, cannot be effective in each and every case of Erectile Dysfunction. Its chemical compound makes it possible address the roots of the disorder, caused by underlying diseases of cardiovascular system, genitals, etc. The Erectile Dysfunction, caused by the psychological problems, is hardly going be treated.

The myth #2. "Took once, erection for life". The fact: Only two hours after intake, the effects of the drug reach its peak and then start to decrease, fully disappearing in about six hours.

The myth #3. "Sildenafil citrate is dangerous to the male body." The fact: This is the widespread myth that still has not received any scientific confirmation.

Various laboratory tests, which were conducted in many countries, established that the most "dangerous" side effect of the drug is a slight increase in the blood pressure and some pain in the abdomen.

Taking nitrate-based drugs, anatomical deformation of the penis or recent use of other PDE5 inhibitors can be major contraindications for using VIAGRA. In most cases the treatment of ED is not associated with any side effects or dangers.

The myth #4. "Sildenafil citrate will raise your sexual drive". The fact: The medicine does only increase the body's physiological response to sexual stimulation, and, therefore, if a man has psychological problems with getting aroused, then the drug is not effective.

The myth #5. "Viagra is cheap". The fact: This myth is much beyond the truth, since the cost of a single brand VIAGRA® tablet is just the average hourly wage.

The myth #6. "Viagra is deadly in heart diseases". The fact: The fatal outcomes can only take place (circa 150 cases since 1998) in case of taking VIAGRA (or any other PDE5 inhibitors) along with nitrates and nitrate-based drugs.

Overdosing of VIAGRA may often cause serious complications, like priapism.

Of course, in case of severe disease, during which the sexual activity is contraindicated itself (unstable angina, stroke, coronary insufficiency, etc.), the use of PDE5-inhibitors is also contraindicated.

Despite this, the 13-year-long scientific researches still convince that there is no increase in risk of stroke, myocardial infarction or other complication in the result of Viagra intake. Moreover, it is proven that VIAGRA improves the coronary blood circulation, enhances the tolerance of physical activity, as well as prevents thrombosis.

The myth #7. "Viagra cannot be taken with alcohol and fatty food." The fact: the fatty foods do not really have a direct impact on its efficacy. But still these can slow down its action.

Viagra can also be used along with alcohol, since ethanol (but no more than 150 ml) does not affect the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil citrate to a great extent. However, the quality of erections is affected negatively by alcohol, and therefore it is not recommended to be taken together with PDE5-inhibitors.

P.S.

So what's the conclusion? VIAGRA is not a magic wand, but a well-acting and proven treatment of the male Sexual Dysfunction. And according to some studies, more than 80% of the surveyed males reported a positive dynamics after using the drug. But the main VIAGRA's drawback still remains its price.

Additional Information on VIAGRA

Please look through the resources, provided below, for more in-depth infomation about 50mg sildenafil citrate.

• VIAGRA - Frequently Asked Questions
• Viagra blog
• Prescribing information: http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_viagra.pdf
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a699015.html
• Impotence Quiz. Test yourself: http://www.rxlist.com/quiz_impotence_erectile_dysfunction/quiz.htm