The little blue pill known as Viagra relaxes the muscles around arterial blood vessels. This process increases the flow of blood to target areas such as the penis,skin, head, heart and stomach. This ensures that Viagra is effective in treating impotence, pulmonary hypertension and, potentially, many other medical conditions. It also contributes to the effects of using Viagra.
Improving Sexual Dysfunction
Viagra's action begins about 30 minutes to two hours after taking it. The effects generally last for four to six hours. Viagra enhances the action of the chemical regulator, cyclic GMP, bringing an improvement in the sexual functioning of men and some women. Cyclic GMP triggers an increased blood flow to the penis in men who are sexually aroused, bringing about an erection. It also increases blood flow to the genitals in women, possibly increasing their state of arousal. Still, Viagra is primarily prescribed for men as arousal issues in women are more complex and therefore not fully addressed by medications such as Viagra, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dilation of Arteries
Many common side effects of Viagra are related to its suppression of the enzyme PDE5. It dilates the arteries, increasing the blood pressure in target areas, such as the head, skin, nose and stomach lining. Increased blood in the facial area can make the skin flush red. Blood clogging the stomach lining may lead to indigestion. Rising blood pressure in arteries of the brain gives some people a headache. Nosebleeds and congested sinuses can also occur due to the suppression of PDE5 in the nasal area.
Visual Changes
Viagra’s effects on vision may present a danger to driving and operating machinery. The medication diminishes the effects of the PDE6 enzyme of the eyes, inducing visual problems, such as red or bloodshot eyes, eye pain, double or blurred vision, abnormal sensations, and sensitivity to light. According to an alert issued in 2005 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some men have also suffered the temporary loss of sight in one eye after taking Viagra.
Sexual Problems
Serious problems with prolonged or painful erections can sometimes occur with Viagra. Also, the physical reaction caused by Viagra may happen sooner than a man can integrate his emotional reactions. This can result in a feeling of detachment from the sexual experience. Some men who don't have any medical need for Viagra use it as a recreational drug. This can cause dependency on the drug, making the individual unable to maintain an erection without taking Viagra first.
Sexual Problems
Serious problems with prolonged or painful erections can sometimes occur with Viagra. Also, the physical reaction caused by Viagra may happen sooner than a man can integrate his emotional reactions. This can result in a feeling of detachment from sexual experience. Further, some men who don't have any medical need for Viagra use it as a recreational drug. This can cause dependency on the drug, making the individual unable to maintain an erection without taking Viagra first.
