Quickly, commercialization reached high levels, especially for the time: in about 2 weeks, more than 150 thousand prescriptions left the doctor’s offices and arrived at pharmacies.
It didn’t take long for the medicine to arrive in Brazil, because after 2 months, in June 1998, Viagra could already be found in pharmacies here.
A survey estimated that, until June 1999, almost 14,000 pills were purchased per day in Brazil. This is equivalent to more or less 5 million in the first year alone.
And the effect was not only immediate, as in these 2 decades the drug remains on the agenda, although now there are other options to reduce erectile dysfunction .
Contents
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a medication that contains the substance Sildenafil Citrate , used to combat erectile dysfunction, improving erection capacity and male sexual health.
There are other names, a little more informal, like pill or blue medicine.
The use is, in general, quite popular. Although initially over 60 years old men were the target audience, now young adults and even teenagers are looking for the remedy to improve sexual performance.
However, Viagra is only indicated when there is a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction .
As the urologist Dr. Mark Neumaier states, “the use of the medication by people who do not have erectile dysfunction will not be of benefit” . This is because the substance has no influence on the time to reach orgasm or any other aspect of sexual function.
After ingested, it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour for Viagra to take effect. But, even so, there needs to be sexual stimulation – that is, the medication does not cause a spontaneous erection.
Its use can bring risks and, therefore, should always be guided by a professional. For example, allergies, headache , palpitations and vision disorders can occur.
Although pharmacies do not retain a prescription, a medical prescription is important because there are some cases in which it should not be used, such as patients taking vasodilator drugs or suffering from cancer .
If necessary and well oriented, the use of the drug promotes improvements in the patient’s sexual life.
Following the recommendations on the package insert, Viagra is, in general, safe and can be used frequently, as long as it does not exceed the dosage of 1 tablet daily.
The drug’s popularity is great among consumers and traders, so much so that an analysis indicated that the drug is at the top of the list of the most counterfeit, being sold mainly over the internet.
It is worth noting that, in addition to not having an erection action, several toxic substances may be present in the fake pill, such as amphetamine stimulants and even pen ink, to give Viagra its characteristic blue color.
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History: where does Viagra come from?
The discovery of Sildenafil Citrate for erectile dysfunction was somewhat haphazard.
The active principle, patented by the Pfizer laboratory in 1996, began to be studied for other purposes, a little more distant from sexual health.
Initially, it was reported as a side effect of tests seeking treatments for pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure that leads to overload of the heart) and angina ( chest pain due to weakened heart).
The side effect affected all study participants, causing a dilation of the blood vessels in the penis. That is, more blood was driven to the region and, as a consequence, it was easier to have and maintain an erection.
With more studies, the drug won the certificates of efficacy and began to be marketed in the United States. In a short time, men around the world were relying on medications to treat sexual changes.
Is Sildenafil Citrate Viagra?
-Yeah . Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, which acts to facilitate erection, used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
To understand this relationship, it is necessary to think that the name of the substance that acts on the body – that is, it promotes erection – is Sildenafil citrate.
But, in order for it to reach consumers, laboratories need to register the right to sell it to pharmacies. For this, they use a trade name – in this case, the Pfizer laboratory registered it as Viagra.
As it was the first commercial name of the substance, popularly, the drug is known as Viagra.
But today it is possible to find other brands that sell the drug, including generic and similar options.
That is, you can find drugs with the same substance as viagra, but with other names.
What is Viagra for?
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate, is indicated for patients with erectile dysfunction.
It works to relax the muscles of the penis, more specifically the smooth muscle of the corpora cavernosa, which is the main structure of the erectile penis.
Along with this, the medication promotes the dilation of the arteries that lead the blood to the organ. This causes more blood to migrate to the region and, thus, the erection is facilitated.
That is, the drug acts to promote erection and, therefore, is used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Sexual anatomy: what is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as a difficulty or inability to have an erection .
But a sporadic episode is not enough, the difficulty must be persistent, usually being present for at least 6 months.
The causes of dysfunction can be quite diverse, but in general they are divided between organic and emotional.
In the first group are those related to pathologies or changes in the body, such as:
- Prostate cancer;
- Vascular problems;
- Low testosterone production;
- Neurological complications (usually related to diabetes or alcohol abuse);
- Use of medications that affect sexual performance.
But there are some episodes related to the emotional, which are the cause of most diagnoses of erectile dysfunction, such as:
- Stress;
- Depression;
- Low self-esteem;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Anxiety.
Emotional impotence
Psychological conditions and male sexual performance are directly related:
The penis is formed by erectile structures, that is, which are capable of filling with blood.
But the erection starts far from the penis. That is why emotional or psychological problems can interfere with sexual health.
Also in the brain, a stimulating signal is sent to the spinal cord, running through the spinal cord to the pelvic region. When the signal reaches the tissues of the penis, it causes a relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels.
With this, more blood reaches the organ, circulating up to 50 times faster than normal. A complex integrated system starts to work: veins that should drain the fluid close, containing the blood in place.
The fluid fills the structure of the penis and increases the pressure, making the organ erect.
After intercourse, the mechanisms that send signals to the penile nerves cease and stop the erection.
When any of these mechanisms fails, causing difficulty in starting or maintaining an erection, the condition is called erectile dysfunction.
Read more: Male contraceptive pill shows positive initial tests
How does Viagra work?
As the erection depends on the increase of blood flow to the penis, the mechanism of Viagra – or sildenafil citrate – is exactly this: to allow more blood to reach the penis.
But it is worth mentioning that it does not work if there is no sexual stimulus. Viagra alone does not cause an erection.
The mechanism of action is by blocking a substance capable of inhibiting erection. That is, it does not act directly on the production of the erection, but on the inhibition of the substance that harms it.
It is as if he prevented the erection from being prevented from occurring. This generates a dilation of the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to reach the site.
How long does the effect of Viagra last?
On average, after ingested, Viagra starts to act between 30 and 60 minutes, and can have effects for about 4 hours . That is, in those hours after ingestion, it will be easier to have an erection when there is a stimulus.
This does not mean that there will be an extremely long erection at all times.
When an external stimulus occurs, the mechanisms of sexual action are activated.
The brain sends signals to the nerves in the penis and, as the mechanisms that would hinder an erection are blocked, the process occurs normally.
What happens if I take Viagra and don’t have sex?
In general, not having sex after taking the drug is not a problem. What happens is that, in the absence of sexual stimulation, the erection does not occur.
There may be only a few side effects, such as headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, etc. However, urologist Dr. Mark Neumaier warns:
“If the erection occurs even without stimulation, and lasts for more than 3 hours, seek immediate assistance”.
Does Viagra need a prescription?
The pharmacy does not retain a prescription for Viagra, but a medical prescription is necessary for purchase .
It is worth remembering that Viagra is a medication and that its use can bring a series of side effects.
In addition, the substance is not a sexual stimulant or an aphrodisiac, as many think. It is used in cases of erectile dysfunction that need treatment, after medical diagnosis, commonly done by a urologist.
How to take?
The tablet, according to the package insert, should be taken orally, in a single dose, about 1 hour before sexual intercourse .
Remembering that the dosage must be evaluated by the professional, who considers the patient’s clinical condition and health status to determine the milligrams.
But, according to the package insert, you can start with doses of 50mG, adjusting to a maximum of 100mG or decreasing as needed.
Preferably, it should be taken with water and without taking the opportunity to swallow another medication together, as there may be interference with absorption.
Although the Viagra package insert indicates that the use of alcohol does not affect the expected action, it is important to note that some men may suffer motor or sensory changes when consuming alcoholic beverages.
In other words, alcohol can generally interfere in the organism, leaving the man more drowsy or dispersed. This ends up, indirectly, impairing sexual performance.
The maximum allowed use is 1 tablet a day.
Is Viagra bad?
It depends . Viagra is a medication, so its use can be very beneficial for people who suffer from erectile dysfunction or it can be harmful if taken without medical advice and without need.
According to urologist Dr. Mark Neumaier, frequent use does not pose risks when there is a medical evaluation.
” There are indications of daily use for patients recovering from surgery to ‘remove the prostate’ from cancer, for example, ” he says.
But each organism reacts differently to the substances, therefore, it is always worth reinforcing to only use some medicine with specialist supervision, as side effects may occur.
All medications can have adverse effects, which range from mild symptoms, such as headache, to cardiac arrhythmias.
Side effects
In general, Viagra is well tolerated by the body, but some side effects can occur.
It is common for symptoms such as headache to arise. More than 10% of patients report some degree of headache.
Priapism
Priapism as a side effect of Viagra is quite rare. Characterized by a very prolonged erection (more than 4 hours) and quite painful, the condition is urgent.
In addition to severe pain, if there is no emergency intervention, thrombosis and ischemia in the penis (reduced blood circulation at the site) may occur .
In general, the condition associated with Viagra occurs when used without medical prescription, by younger men and together with other synthetic drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine.
Allergies and itching
In up to 10% of patients, reddish plaques on the skin may occur, resulting from allergic processes or sensitivity to the medication.
In response, itching, skin irritation, tenderness and swelling on the surface of the tissue may appear.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea, nausea and vomiting may occur after taking Viagra. The condition tends to be aggravated if there are gastric disorders or reflux.
Pressure drop and palpitation
It is possible that dizziness, fast heart rate, palpitations and drop in pressure affect up to 10% of patients.
Due to tachycardia (acceleration of the heart) and low blood pressure, fainting, pallor, cold sweat or malaise may occur.
Vision changes
In addition to the distortion of vision, which can affect about 10% of patients, other less frequent changes may occur.
Eye pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), photopsia (seeing lights or sparkling colors), altered color perception, eye irritation, redness and visual glare can occur between 1% and 10% of patients.
Contraindications
In general, men over 18 who suffer from erectile dysfunction can take Viagra. However, there are some contraindications.
Anyone using medications that contain nitric oxide, organic nitrates or organic nitrites is contraindicated to use.
These substances are usually contained in vasodilator drugs, such as those used for pulmonary hypertension or angina, as there may be an exacerbation of the effects, causing a dangerous drop in pressure.
An example is the medicines based on sodium nitroprusside , indicated for cardiac alterations.
In addition, those who are allergic or sensitive to sildenafil, children under 18 and women cannot use it either.
It is still important that men with shortness of breath, chest pain when practicing activities are also contraindicated to use.
In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the restriction list is a little more extensive.
Therefore, it is always worth the medical recommendation for use if the patient suffers from:
- Liver problems;
- Changes in the heart;
- Recent cases of stroke;
- Hypotension;
- Presence of stomach ulcers;
- Hemophilia;
- Cancers;
- Sickle cell anemia.
- Presence of retinitis pigmentosa.
Who has high blood pressure can take Viagra?
It depends . There are some factors that prohibit or allow a patient with high blood pressure to use Viagra. Only a doctor, with an individual assessment, can safely determine if the use is indicated.
But in general, if the patient does not have controlled pressure or uses nitrate medications, Viagra is contraindicated .
That’s because nitrates act exactly by dilating blood vessels (vasodilation), making them relax and lowering blood pressure.
Viagra accentuates this effect, which can cause severe pressure drops and even a heart attack . But if the patient uses another class of drugs, controls the pressure and does not fall into other risk groups, the doctor can prescribe Viagra.
Is Viagra addictive?
Chemistry, no. But an emotional addiction can occur.
In other words, no substance present in the medication is capable of causing chemical dependence or aggravating the condition of erectile dysfunction.
However, the patient may enter a psychological cycle, in which the fear of not having an erection prevents him from trying to have sex without taking the medication.
Therefore, the man makes use of Viagra even without need.
Cialis or Viagra?
The 2 are drugs to treat erectile dysfunction and, in general, act in a similar way. The main difference is in the time of action.
Viagra was the first drug treatment on the market for erectile dysfunction, in 1998. Cialis is more recent, launched in 2003 by the laboratory Eli Lilly.
Formulated from Tadalafil , Cialis starts to act about 30 minutes after ingested, but its action lasts for up to 36 hours (longer than Viagra, 4 hours).
In this sense, Cialis is even called the weekend pill.
In the body, the substance has the same mechanism of action as Sildenafil, facilitating erection by increasing the blood flow in the penis from. There must also be sexual stimulation.
In general, the main differences are in the time of action, side effects (lower in Cialis) and price (Cialis has lower cost).
To choose the treatment, you need a medical evaluation. Possible allergies or sensitivity can occur (for example, side effects), which serves as a parameter for maintaining or changing the treatment.
Generic Viagra
In 2010, the Brazilian pharmaceutical market received 2 options for Viagra, a reference brand for the substance Sildenafil citrate.
Currently, there are several options for those who want an alternative to Viagra. Although they are not blue, as the reference brand, the acceptability of the public is great. The price varies, on average, between R $ 2 and R $ 12.
Among the brands are:
- Medley;
- EMS;
- Legrand;
- Germed Pharma ;
- Geolab;
- Sandoz .
Price and how to buy
It is possible to compare Viagra prices in search engines such as Consulta Remédios .
The medicine is available in boxes with 1, 2 and 4 tablets, in the dosages of 25mG, 50mG and 100mG.
Check the average price:
- 25mG (4 tablets) : between R $ 65 and R $ 93;
- 50mG (1 tablet): between R $ 18 and R $ 25;
- 50mG (2 tablets) : between R $ 38 and R $ 46;
- 50mG (4 tablets) : between R $ 40 and R $ 94;
- 50mG (8 tablets) : between R $ 154 and R $ 205;
- 100mG (4 tablets) : between R $ 120 and R $ 160.
But it is worth the alert for care when buying Viagra. Considered one of the most counterfeit drugs, several advertisements on the internet can offer products that endanger the health of those who consume them.
Therefore, the search and purchase of medicines should always be done through licensed websites and portals.
Attention!
NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to tell which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for his specific case. The information contained in this website is only intended to inform, not in any way intended to replace the guidance of a specialist or serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.
Viagra feminino
Problems related to women’s sexuality are not new and generate a lot of debate.
It is not new that the pharmaceutical industry invests in drugs and research to help women’s health and sexual satisfaction.
Amid the options launched on the market in recent years, women’s Viagra has gained prominence.
Due to the popular name given to flibanserin , it is believed that the substance would have the capacity to solve sexual problems and dysfunctions. But not quite.
In recent pronouncements, the manufacturer Addyi, the commercial name of the drug, said that the term “Viagra” is used incorrectly, because flibanserin does not act in the same way.
Around 2016, the substance was approved in the USA. In Brazil, it has not yet been released for commercialization .
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Does the pink pill work?
When launched, the manufacturer bet on the popularization of the drug flibanserin, denominating it the pink pill – what would, supposedly, be a female version of the blue pill.
But calling it Viagra is another story.
That’s because Viagra is indicated for erectile dysfunction, a change in the blood’s ability to fill the penis tissue properly.
That is, a man who suffers from pathological erection changes will show improvements. This no longer occurs with female Viagra.
Flibanserina, in fact, has an indication much more focused on the treatment of low sexual desire. Thus, it is a use associated more with psychological therapy than with sexual dysfunction .
Basically, if the patient has, in fact, some pathological alteration, it will not solve much.
In addition, interviews with doctors and patients have pointed out that, in general, the risks and side effects do not outweigh the benefits.
Headaches, nausea, tachycardia and drop in pressure are some symptoms reported by patients.
For those who have liver problems or use other medications, such as steroids, the drug has shown to be even more harmful, and may result in damage to health.
Thus, the substance is indicated when, due to falls and hormonal variations, the woman still wants to have sex, but is unable to express desire.
As this drop in libido is quite common in perimenopause (months before the arrival of menopause ), the drug is especially indicated at this stage.
In the package insert, the substance’s mechanism of action is by stimulating brain regions, promoting greater release of the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine, in addition to reducing serotonin , which is related to the drop in libido.
Can a woman take male Viagra?
If a woman takes Viagra, the risks involved are the same as those possible for men. That is, in itself, the medication does no more harm or has more risks for them.
However, Viagra is thought to act on the male sexual system, which is quite different from female stimulating mechanisms.
This means that, basically, although they can take Viagra, it will not have much effect on them, as explained by urologist Dr. Sérgio Bassi:
“Viagra is a medication to increase circulation in erectile tissue. In the case of women, the erectile tissue is in the clitoris, which with the use of Viagra will have more rigidity and greater sensitivity, but this fact is not an essential condition to consummate the sexual act, penetration ”.
Some studies have already analyzed the effects of the pills on women, but the results do not provide many positive indications.
In general, there may be an improvement in blood flow in the clitoral region, which can promote more sexual satisfaction due to greater sensitivity.
But the woman’s pleasure involves other, much more complex mechanisms, which are also closely linked to the emotional state.
That is why female Viagra is a medication aimed at the patient’s mental and emotional condition.
It is worth remembering that Viagra is not a sexual stimulant.
Therefore, although there is an improvement in blood flow in the region of the vagina, the woman’s sexual satisfaction does not undergo major changes, as there is no need for an erection.
Read more: What is masturbation: feminine, masculine, infantile, anal, is it sex?
Viagra natural
Sexual health is one of the themes that are always on the rise.
The proof of this is that food or aphrodisiac products are highly sought after by those who want to give a boost to libido and sexual disposition.
It may even be that they are not very effective in pathologies such as erectile dysfunction, but there are options to help sexual appetite and many of them are investigated in scientific research.
Many studies suggest that foods can be integrated into the routine and strengthen health (physical and sexual).
Hence much is said about aphrodisiac effects. Foods, teas, aromas. After all, is there a natural Viagra? Not with the same potency and effect as the medicine produced in the laboratory, no.
To then analyze the action of the famous sexual stimulants, a study by Guelph University evaluated the achievements of plant and animal aphrodisiacs. That is, the ones we usually call natural.
Homemade or natural options that can help include:
Ginseng
Indicated to give more disposition, relieve fatigue , reduce tiredness and stress , ginseng is a herb famous in oriental medicine and that for years has carried the title of aphrodisiac.
Many say that it really works, but some argue that consumption helps to make you more willing and, therefore, improves sexual performance.
Saffron
The root has several functional properties, making it a good ally to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. But some use it as a sexual enhancer and libido stimulant.
Muirapuama
Muirapuama is a plant native to the Amazon. Among indigenous peoples, it is used as an aphrodisiac with a high capacity to stimulate libido. Some studies indicate that consumption can help a little in the disposition and sexual appetite.
Peruvian Maca
Originating in the Andes, the Peruvian Maca has gained ground in recent years due to its functional properties.
Because it is a source of some vitamins , the product helps to strengthen the body. But aphrodisiac effects are highly sought after by consumers.
Supporters indicate that Maca can increase libido, provide more disposition and even improve semen concentration.
Homemade Viagra: is it possible?
You can’t always make homemade Viagra. There are those who do not see many benefits in plants or prefer something more natural. In this case, many experts give a valuable tip: affection and passion.
Sex is closely linked to affectivity, closeness and intimacy.
Read more: Sex in menopause: 5 tips to combat libido reduction
Therefore, a good tip to help with sexual performance is to feel comfortable and happy beside your partner. For this, bet on behaviors such as:
Change the routine
Tiredness and routine will not necessarily cause sexual problems or affect the quality of sex, but they can impact pleasure and satisfaction.
Therefore, a good measure to deal with the lack of interest in sex is to change the routine, de-stress and understand that the emotional factor weighs heavily on satisfaction.
Converse
Expressing feelings, fears and frustrations may be the best way to improve your sexual routine. In general, most cases of erectile dysfunction are associated with emotional or psychological factors.
Therefore, talking and maintaining emotional bonds can be enough to reduce or improve sexual satisfaction.
Read more: Sexologist: what is it, online, course, questions, tips, when to go?
Discover new stimuli
Even if a man takes Viagra, there is still a need for sexual stimulation. This means that as important as the functioning of the body, it is the sensitive perception.
That is, smell, sight, touch and taste are ways of perceiving stimuli and arousing sexual desire.
Using these senses and exploring new sensations is a way to find more pleasure and deal with low sexual interest.
In order to mitigate the impacts that functional changes or pathologies generate on the patients’ routine, the pharmaceutical industry invests in research and drug advances.
Viagra, for example, is a medication that helps to improve sexual routine by treating erectile dysfunction, which can have major impacts on the well-being and emotional health of the patient.
Read more about treatments and news in the Healthy Minute!
