Viagra is a medication that treats erectile dysfunction. Taking this drug without the prescription of a doctor can cause health complications that, in some cases, may even cause death.
Viagra is one of the most common medications doctors prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This medication is part of a class of drugs called the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.
Viagra is the branded form of the drug sildenafil. It helps relax the blood vessels and improves the blood flow in the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection.
Viagra is a prescription-only medication, and people should take this drug only after attending a consultation with a doctor. However, many people with a penis who do not need Viagra take this medication as a recreational drug, exposing them to a higher chance of side effects and health complications.
Risks and side effects
Berena Alvarez/Stocksy United
Viagra is a vasodilator. It relaxes the blood vessels in your penis and reduces your blood pressure. This improves the blood flow in your penis and helps you get and maintain an erection. Taking Viagra, particularly without a prescription from a doctor, may cause several side effects, including:
If your blood pressure drops too low, it can be life threatening. While it’s uncommon in people taking Viagra, it is possible, especially if you also take other medications.
This is why, as with any medication, it’s important to get a prescription from a doctor. Only a medical professional can determine if Viagra is suitable for you to take.
Taking any non-FDA-approved medication without a prescription can also put you at risk of poisoning. This includes Viagra that you may get from the Internet. This is because you may buy counterfeit pills that have been produced in an unsafe environment and may contain potentially dangerous ingredients.
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Many people with a penis may use Viagra without receiving a prescription from a doctor. However, using this medication without first speaking with a doctor and using it alongside other substances can put you at risk of several side effects and increase the chance of health complications.
For example, a 2021 study in Ghana found that 66.2% of the 65 participants took Viagra for recreational purposes, and in 33.8% of cases, the dosage of the drug was higher than what doctors would typically prescribe for medical purposes.
What’s more, selling counterfeit sexual enhancement drugs online is a very large market, but it is unregulated. This means you may not be getting what you think you are, even though they might be marketed as Viagra.
The concern is that it may not be Viagra at all. It’s likely to be the wrong strength, or it may not even contain the correct amount of the active ingredient, if at all. It might also contain contaminants or substances used to bulk up the produce, any of which may be harmful and cause serious reactions. There is no way for you to know.
Many people who use Viagra, whether properly or improperly, report dizziness and headaches. However, combining this medication with other substances or taking this drug if you have certain health conditions may even cause death, although this is rare.
Taking Viagra for recreational use may also cause psychological dependence on the drug over time. This is because you may develop the belief that you cannot have satisfying sexual intercourse without taking this medication first. This may also lead to lowered sexual self-confidence and several physical health problems.
If you think you may need Viagra, you should speak with a doctor to make sure it is safe for you to use and that you take the correct dosage. They can give you tips about how to maximize its effects, such as:
taking it on an empty stomach
giving yourself plenty of time for it to work
avoiding drinking alcohol after taking the drug
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ED diagnosis
If you experience difficulties maintaining or getting an erection, this may be a sign of ED, and you may consider speaking with a doctor. They can diagnose the cause of your difficulties and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
The diagnosis of ED typically starts by checking your medical and sexual history, looking for any underlying conditions that may have a link with ED, including atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or hormonal problems, such as low testosterone.
A specialist will also perform a physical and mental health exam. Doctors may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to help diagnose any emotional or mental health issues that may lead to ED. In some cases, they may also interview your sexual partner to collect more information that may help address the causes of ED.
A healthcare professional may also ask you questions about your sexual life, such as:
how confident you are in getting and keeping your penis erect
how firm your penis is and how often you can maintain the erection during an intercourse
how often you can find satisfaction from sexual intercourse
if you experience an erection when you wake up
how you would rate the level of your sexual desire
how often you are able to have an orgasm and ejaculate
if you are currently taking any medications
if you regularly drink alcohol, smoke, or use recreational drugs
A urologist may recommend you undergo additional imaging tests to check the structures in your penis, a nocturnal erection test to assess how many times you get an erection while you sleep, and an injection test to verify for how long you can maintain an erection.
Doctors can prescribe several different medications for ED, including:
You may find it difficult or embarrassing to talk with a doctor about ED, but remember that this is a very common condition, and no one will judge you.
In a UK survey, about 41.5% of people with a penis and who are over the age of 18 reported signs and symptoms of ED. This was more common in older adults and those with other risk factors. The more the doctor knows about you and your symptoms, the more likely they can help you treat your condition.
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Viagra is a prescription-only medication used for treating ED. However, many people use it as a recreational drug. Viagra is a vasodilator and it can cause a drop in your blood pressure. This can be particularly dangerous if you have certain cardiovascular conditions or if your blood pressure drops too low, and it may even cause death.
Taking any prescription medication without first speaking with a doctor can be incredibly dangerous. Buying counterfeit drugs online can also pose a risk to your health as the market is unregulated, and you cannot guarantee the safety of the drug you’re buying.
Always speak with a doctor if you have ED or before taking Viagra to make sure it is safe for you to use and that you take the correct dosage.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
