Category Archives: Viagra

Viagra and the Long Term Effects

Patients using Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction may consider using it for a short term period, to deal with short term erectile dysfunction or to achieve an erection every time that sexual activity is initiated.

Long term erectile dysfunction and short term erectile dysfunction can equate to different treatment plans, different diagnoses and different dosages of Viagra for each patient that is undergoing treatment. Learning to distinguish between the two types can help the physician and patient create a treatment plan that can be used to regain the ability to achieve an erection and obtain sexual pleasure and can determine whether the patient can expect to use Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications for an extended length of time.

Long term erectile dysfunction, where medications are required to allow the male to achieve an erection,  often means that medications like Viagra are going to be used for an extended period of time. Patients should be aware of the concerns of using Viagra for extended lengths of time at the beginning of the treatment, to determine the right course of treatment for their needs.

The long term concerns for extended use of Viagra include:

Dependency
Dependency is perhaps the leading concern for physicians that are prescribing Viagra to patients for the second, third or even the tenth time. Patients can easily become dependent on the effects of the Viagra and therefore lose the ability to achieve an erection without the medication.

To avoid dependency and to ensure that the erectile dysfunction requires medical treatment, it is recommended that the patient try other techniques, natural methods and home remedies, as well as not rushing to get the Viagra prescription filled before the patient chooses Viagra. This way, the patient can rule out the other causes such as stress, smoking and other common causes of erectile dysfunction.

Medication Contraindications
At the time when most men start using Viagra there are very few medications that are being taken as part of the daily routine to treat illness or disease. However, there are many medications that Viagra cannot be used in conjunction with – and therefore the patient should ensure that the physician is kept up to date regarding the medications that the patient has been prescribed.

The patient should ensure that the prescribing physician is aware of the Viagra use, including the correct dosage and the instance of use of Viagra to ensure that there are going to be no indications from the medications being used together. Ensuring that the physician is aware can allow the patient to avoid adverse side effects that can be potentially serious or even life threatening to the patient.

Patients considering Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction should ensure that they fully understand the side effects, indications and the long term effects of using the medication. Understanding this information can ensure that the patient is going to make informed decision regarding the course of treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Treating Erectile Dysfunction without Viagra

The stigma that has been associated with erectile dysfunction is the fast has been quickly fading with the introduction of the popular medications that are used to treat erectile dysfunction like Viagra. Though the medications are readily available, more and more patients are trying alternative health remedies before rushing off to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for the ‘little blue pill’.
With the many natural remedies that can be used to treat erectile dysfunction, patients have many options.

The most effective natural options that can be used to treat erectile dysfunction without Viagra include:

Gingko and Zinc Herbal Supplements
Gingko and Zinc are used effectively as a treatment to increase the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. In previous studies, Gingko through long term supplementation has been effective in reducing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction when taken daily. More than fifty percent of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction have seen success in the herbal supplements that can mimic the results of the Viagra, opening the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis to increase the ability to obtain and erection and partake in sexual activity.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture works two ways to reduce the symptoms that are associated with erectile dysfunction. The first aspect of the acupuncture is to reduce the stress that can cause short term erectile dysfunction and increase the blood flow throughout the body by opening the areas of the body responsible. Opening the blood vessels through acupuncture can help to increase blood flow to the penis and help to achieve and erection. Making an appointment with a natural health doctor that specialized in acupuncture can be an effective and pain free way to reduce the stress of the lifestyle and increase the ability to achieve an erection.

Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the main reasons that men may have trouble achieving an erection. Reducing the stress of the lifestyle, leaving the stress of the day at the office and learning techniques to manage the stress without internalizing it can be an effective way for patients to regain the ability to achieve an erection.
For many men, stress is one of the reasons that the erectile dysfunction has appeared and therefore is worth the investigation and the investment in relaxation techniques before the prescription for Viagra is picked up.

Hormone Therapy
Hormones are widely responsible for the ability of men to achieve an erection. Having the hormone levels checked to determine whether any hormones are low can be an effective way to avoid using the prescription for Viagra. Using hormone therapy, men can ensure that the body has been regulated and therefore the ability to achieve an erection has been regained.

Quit Smoking
One of the adverse effects of nicotine, and other drugs, is erectile dysfunction. Smokers suffering from erectile dysfunction should stop smoking immediately to determine whether this is the cause of the inability to gain and erection. Quitting smoking can be achieved with medical assistance, using prescriptions, inhalers and even gum that can help to reduce the cravings for cigarettes.

Viagra and Alcohol Use

Viagra is one of the most popular erectile dysfunction drugs, and more commonly known as the little blue pill. Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction can achieve and maintain an erection with the use of the popular medication – reducing the stigma that has been associated with erectile dysfunction in the past.

Patients using Viagra are often warned of the potential side effects that are associated with the medication, as well as any adverse reactions to prescriptions that are being taken by the patient being prescribed Viagra. However, the issue of alcohol use and Viagra is not something that is widely discussed between doctors and patients – and yet should be addressed.

The manufacturers of Viagra have claimed that there is no contraindication between the consumption of alcohol while simultaneously using Viagra to achieve an erection. However, this is the indication for a regular or moderate amount of alcohol. Men that use an excessive amount of alcohol and are simultaneously using Viagra to achieve and erection should speak with a health care professional to ensure that the adverse side effects are not going to cause harm to the patient.

Through the assessment where the patient speaks with the health care physician to obtain the prescription for Viagra, alcohol use is one of the concerns that is often addressed. Though many patients are hesitant to be honest about the alcohol use and habits, it is essential that patients are honest about the habits, the amount of alcohol and types of alcohol that are consumed. Using the information provided, the health care professional can determine the usage, dosage and any potential issues that occur while using Viagra. In addition to the alcohol and Viagra combination, patients should consider the other medications that are being used to treat illness, disease and conditions. Though there may not be indications that are caused from the Viagra, there may be side effects that are caused by the other medications that are being taken.

At the time of the assessment to determine the best course of treatment for the erectile dysfunction the physician will ask whether there are any other medications that are being taken. The physician should have a complete list of the medications that are being taken, to determine whether there are any indications between the medications, the Viagra and the regular consumption of alcohol.

If the patient has any concerns regarding the use of alcohol and Viagra, they should contact the doctor or pharmacist to determine whether the extent of alcohol use is going to affect the dosage. Patients should also remember that all patients are different when it comes to the effects of combining Viagra and alcohol. The patient should note the effects of alcohol use and combined Viagra to treat the erectile dysfunction to determine how alcohol and Viagra will affect them.

How to Maximize the Results of Viagra

Viagra is an effective way to achieve an erection and help to maintain the erection for men suffering from the disorder – but it’s important to follow the instructions while using Viagra to ensure that the maximum effect is obtained. Learning the methods that can be used to maximize the results of Viagra can enhance the sexual activity, and ensure that the Viagra is going to be used safely and effectively.

Five ways to maximize the effects of the Viagra include:

Proper Stimulation
A common misconception surrounding the use of Viagra is that the erection is just going to occur naturally without stimulation. Though this is true in some cases, most men will require stimulation from their partner, or self-stimulation to obtain the full results of the medication. The proper combination of Viagra and stimulation can ensure that the full potential of the erectile dysfunction drug has been reached.

Proper Timing
It’s essential to have the proper timing when taking Viagra. The drug is going to remain active and in the system for four to six hours, and therefore it needs to be timed appropriately when the dosage should be taken. The dosage of Viagra should be taken one hour before the expected sexual activity to get the best results from the experience. Following the instructions of the physician, and voicing any concerns regarding timing can help to heighten the results.

Proper Dosage
Though it may be tempting to up to dosage of Viagra to up the performance, so to speak, it is important to refrain from doing so. Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction should ensure that the proper dosage has been obtained and that the correct dosage prescribed is followed. In addition, patients using Viagra should ensure that they are following the limits that are recommended for use and not over-using the product (which can cause heightened increased side effects, or cause the drug to lose its effectiveness in the system).

Relaxation
Just as stimulation is an essential part of maximizing the performance that comes with the use of Viagra, it’s important to be relaxed and ready for the sexual encounter. Being relaxed and using relaxation techniques can be an effective way to increase the results of the Viagra and gain a better sexual experience. Massage, visualization, acupuncture and therapy are all methods that can be used to increase the relaxation of the patient, and increase the sexual experience that is going to be obtained.

Avoid Over-Use of Alcohol
There has been no proven data that alcohol will reduce the effectiveness of Viagra, in moderation, but extreme levels of alcohol and other drugs should be avoided to increase the effectiveness of the drug.

Using these methods to increase the effectiveness of Viagra can lead to an enhanced sexual experience for the patient. Additional information to increase the effectiveness of the popular erectile dysfunction drug can be found from a simple talk with the physician that has prescribed the drug or through questions that are asked of the pharmacist when the prescription is picked up from the local drug store.

Common Side Effects of Viagra

Every medication comes with side effects, and patients should discover these side effects before beginning the medication that has been prescribed by the doctor. Patients should also learn to distinguish between common and serious side effects.

Common side effects occur in many patients and are often non-threatening to the patient. More serious side effects occurring can cause health issues, adverse effects and life-threatening illnesses and the patient should not take these side effects lightly.

Common side effects of Viagra include:

Nasal Congestion
Patients using Viagra often complain of suffering from nasal congestion. The same effects causing the blood vessels to dilate in the penis, alleviating the erectile dysfunction can often cause congestion in the nose. This minor side effect leaves patient with a low level of discomfort and most patients will overlook the side effect to continue the regimen of the Viagra.

Vision Changes
Vision changes such as a blue tint to the vision or blurred vision should be considered a side effect that warrants medical attention and an appointment with the physician that prescribed the Viagra, but patients experiencing sensitivity to light are more commonly reported with men that have been using the popular erectile dysfunction drug. Any vision changes should be reported to the physician to determine the cause, and to reduce the blurriness or other affects that can permanently affect the vision.

Common Headaches
Viagra is used to dilate the blood vessels in the body, which can increase the blood flow to the penis. Patients using Viagra on a regular basis have been known to report headaches while using the medication. Patients suffering from headaches can alleviate the pain with common headache medications, but should check with the pharmacist or physician to determine which medications are safe to take to treat the headache.

Redness of the Skin
Skin redness that can appear as flushing through the face or even hives on the body is another common side effect of men that are using Viagra. The common side effect often is nothing more than a physical side effect to the medication but should be reported to the physician in the case that the flushing is accompanied with an increase temperature, or if a moderate to severe rash develops on the body of the patient.

Increased Urination
Many men that are using Viagra to achieve or maintain an erection may experience an increase in the frequency of their urination. Increased urination is not often serious, and has been reported directly after the Viagra dosage has been consumed. Though a common side effect, it should be reported to the physician as it can indicate intolerance to the regular use of the Viagra.

These common Viagra side effects should be reported to the physician to determine whether the side effects are considered common, or more rare. Rare side effects can occur and can be potentially harmful to the patient using Viagra and in the case that any uncommon side effects occur the patient should discontinue the medication and seek medical attention.