Erectile dysfunction can be distressing and affect a couple's relationship. Many men feel embarrassed to discuss erectile problems with their doctor, which can delay the diagnosis of more serious health conditions.

Several treatments are available for ED. These include medications, such as Viagra/sildenafil and Levitra/vardenafil (both FDA-approved), which act to increase blood flow to the penis.

What is Viagra?

When it comes to erectile dysfunction, Viagra Malaysia is one of the most famous medications in history. What began as a medication for high blood pressure became a global success story, helping millions of men get and maintain an erection. Viagra works by relaxing muscles in the blood vessels that surround the penis, which increases blood flow to the area. It's important to note that Viagra is only effective when sexual stimulation occurs. It isn't approved for treating premature ejaculation, which happens when ejaculation occurs too quickly.

When you're sexually aroused, whether, from visual or physical stimulation, impulses from the brain cause blood to flow to the penis. This causes the corpora cavernosa, a pair of sponge-like areas of tissue inside your penis, to expand and harden. Viagra, and its generic form sildenafil, work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) from breaking down cGMP, which is responsible for relaxing muscles and widening blood vessels. This allows the muscle cells to receive more blood and helps you achieve an erection.

If you're taking this medication, your doctor may recommend that you take it about an hour before sexual activity. It can also help to consume a low-fat meal before you take Viagra, as it may affect how well the drug works.

It's important to know that Viagra will only last for about an hour, and it may not be as effective if you're eating a big meal. It can also cause some side effects, such as a headache and stomach upset, which are generally mild. You should call your doctor if you experience serious side effects, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra treats erectile dysfunction (ED) in men by increasing blood flow to the penis. The blue tablet is prescribed to be taken by men an hour before sexual activity to help them achieve and maintain an erection during sex. Despite popular belief, Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and won’t make you get or keep an erection unless you are sexually aroused.

Taking Viagra with a high-fat meal or alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Likewise, some medications and health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney disease can negatively affect the way Viagra works. These conditions can also increase your risk of serious side effects. Talk with your doctor to see if Viagra is safe for you to take.

How long Viagra lasts depends on how much you take and your age. A higher dosage of Viagra will last longer, but it’s important to discuss with your doctor what dosage is right for you.

You should only use Viagra as directed by your doctor. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse immediately or go to the emergency room if they are severe.

Men can experience many mild side effects from taking Viagra, including headaches, stomach upset, and drowsiness. The severity of these side effects varies from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, call your doctor for advice or to schedule an in-person appointment to see if you need a higher dosage of Viagra or another type of ED treatment. You should also contact your doctor if you have any serious side effects, such as loss of vision or hearing, as they may be life-threatening and require medical attention.

Dosage

Viagra and similar ED medications work by inhibiting PDE5 and giving blood a green light to flow into the penis, which leads to an erection. But that's not all it does, and the exact mechanism of how this works varies from person to person, as is the dosage. This is why it's important to seek out the advice of a healthcare professional and always take your prescribed dose. Doing otherwise could increase side effects or lead to drug interaction.

A doctor will perform a full health assessment and determine your ideal dosage based on the severity of your erectile dysfunction, any medical history, or other medications you're taking that might interfere with its effectiveness. Often, this will begin at 50mg per day but can be increased or decreased depending on your needs.

When taken correctly, Viagra can be effective in as little as 30 minutes. Its effect will last about four hours. It's important to remember to take your medication about an hour before sex, but if you forget, don't worry! There are several ways to help keep track of when and how much you should take, including using an app or asking a loved one to remind you. It's also a good idea to limit your alcohol intake, as it can decrease the effectiveness of Viagra and potentially cause ejaculation.

A few people don't respond well to the medication, and if that happens, your doctor may recommend switching to an alternative erectile dysfunction medication, such as Cialis or Levitra, with a different onset and duration of effects. Never attempt to self-medicate or alter your prescribed dosage. This can lead to serious complications and long-term health risks.

Side effects

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction in adult males. It hasn't been studied in females or children.

You should take Viagra only with a doctor's prescription. It's important to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including any heart problems you have. Viagra may interact with some medicines, such as riociguat (Adempas) and nitrates. It's also not safe to drink alcohol while taking Viagra.

Viagra or Kamagra Malaysia starts to work between 30 and 60 minutes after you take it. However, it won't work if you're not sexually aroused. The medicine keeps working in your body for up to 5 hours. This is called priapism and can be serious.

Some people have had a heart attack, stroke, or irregular heartbeat while taking Viagra. These events mainly happened in people who already had heart problems.

Fatty meals can slow down the way it works. Avoid drinking more than two units of alcohol while taking it. You should also avoid nitrates and other drugs that lower blood pressure.

There are many treatments for ED, and other drugs may work better for you than Viagra. Talk to your doctor about what's causing your erectile dysfunction and what medications might help. Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction, such as anxiety or fear, can sometimes be treated with therapy. In some cases, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help with erectile dysfunction. If you have a vitamin deficiency, your doctor may prescribe supplements to help. Many natural and over-the-counter products claim to treat ED, but none of these have been tested for safety or effectiveness.

Precautions

Like any medication, there are some things to keep in mind when using Viagra (or tadalafil, or vardenafil). It is important not to take too much or too little, and to take it in the right circumstances. Also, it is best to not eat a large or fatty meal before taking Viagra as this can delay absorption and make the pill less effective.

The chemistry behind Viagra and other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors is complex but basically, it inhibits PDE5 which allows blood vessels to relax and enhances blood flow to the penis. This is why it works to help men with ED get and maintain an erection when they are sexually stimulated.

Unlike some of the other popular misconceptions about Viagra, it does not cause a man to have an erection immediately after taking it or prevent them from having sex. It simply helps to improve their sex life and can boost self-confidence, sexual satisfaction, and their perception of ejaculatory control.

In rare cases, Viagra can lead to a heart attack or stroke, which is why it isn’t recommended for people with underlying heart problems. If you have a history of a heart problem or are on blood thinners or have high blood pressure, speak to your doctor before taking Viagra.

Similarly, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any other medications or supplements, including herbal remedies and vitamins. This is because some can interact with the medication, causing dangerous or unwanted side effects. It is also a good idea to tell your doctor about any emotional or psychological issues you may have, as they can help you find ways to lower anxiety and stress that could be contributing to your ED.