The Effects of Viagra on Prostate Gland
During their 40s, men tend to have an increase of cellular growth in the prostate (the gland that produces semen), which in turn constricts the urethra and restricts urine flow. The difficulty in urination caused by the enlarged prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The medication sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is most often prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), but because there is also a positive effect on BPH, it may be prescribed for BPH when ED is not a factor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Less Erectile Dysfunction
Northwestern University in 2005 reported a study of men 45 years and older with both ED and BPH who all reported a significant improvement in maintaining an erection when their ED had been associated with an enlarged prostate 1.
Reduced Urinary Symptoms
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Those men over the age of 40 who took part in the study at Northwestern University also reported a significant improvement in urination in spite of their enlarged prostate 1. The study noted a lessening in both the stoppage of urinary flow and the pain involved in urination resulting from BPH.
Increased Blood Flow
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which lets blood vessels relax in order to increase blood flow and maintain an erection. PDE5 inhibitors keep the PDE5 enzyme from working too quickly, which would restrict blood flow. According to Drugs.com, it also relaxes muscles such as those around the prostate gland to allow urine to flow more easily for those suffering from BPH
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References
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Writer Bio
Richard Nilsen writes poetry, fiction, features and news stories in upstate New York. He was an emergency mental-health consultant for 20 years and directed a mentoring agency for a decade. Nilsen is a black-fly control technician in the Adirondack Park, where he enjoys hiking, biking and boating.