Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a medical condition that impacts men for a number of reasons. A diagnosis of ED is given when a man reports an inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sex, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment for this condition can be provided by a pill called Viagra. Viagra was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998 to treat erectile dysfunction. It is available by prescription only. The Mayo Clinic recommends checking with your insurance before deciding on a treatment for ED, as some companies do not cover the expenses associated with the condition.
Step 1
Inform your doctor of all medications and health problems before accepting a prescription for Viagra. You should not take Viagra if you are using a nitrate drug, have had any heart problems or irregularities, high or low blood pressure, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, blood cell disorder, bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, or if you have been advised not to have sexual intercourse due to health reasons, according to Drugs.com.
Step 2
Fill your prescription at a pharmacy. The pharmacist may go over the drug interactions and side effects before providing you the medication. Listen carefully in case he provides information that your doctor did not. Viagra does have the potential for side effects and drug interactions.
Step 3
Take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity with a glass of water. Proceed with normal sexual activity. An erection will not just develop after taking the medication. Stimulation is still required. Viagra should wear off four hours after it was taken.
Step 4
Do not take more than one Viagra per day.
Step 5
Discontinue use and contact your doctor if, during sexual activity, you become dizzy, nauseated, experience numbness or tingling in any part of your body.
Step 6
Continue taking Viagra for as long as your doctor prescribed.
Tips and Warnings
- Viagra is not a permanent cure for ED. Continue any psychological counseling or stamina training suggested by your doctor.
- Do not drink alcohol while using Viagra.
