Frequently Asked Questions about Viagra Answered

What Does Viagra Do?

The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil citrate, works by relaxing muscles that function to constrict blood vessels. Relaxing these muscles causes the blood vessels to open up and allow more blood to flow, particularly to the penis. This way, when you become aroused, you will be able to achieve and maintain a harder erection.

Viagra will not affect the size of your penis or the frequency of your arousal—it simply allows men to achieve an erection with ED caused by blood-flow issues.

How Should I Take Viagra?

Viagra comes in pill form and only needs to be taken before sexual activity (ideally 30-60 minutes prior). Once consumed, you will be ready for sexual activity for up to 4 hours. It can be consumed with or without food, although it will kick in faster on an empty stomach.

Doctors recommend you avoid alcohol while taking Viagra.

What Is Different About An Erection With Viagra?

Nothing. Except for you get one. Viagra simply allows the body to do what it ought to do naturally—bring blood to the penis when you become aroused. An erection achieved with Viagra is no different.

Are There Health Risks?

The most common side-effects of Viagra are back pain, nasal clogging, indigestion, muscle pain, flushing, headache, and stomachache.

Uncommon but serious side-effects include an erection lasting more than 4 hours, known as priapism, blurred vision, and temporary sight/hearing loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

You should not take Viagra if you are on MAO inhibitors, alpha blockers, or nitrates, since Viagra lowers blood pressure. Combining it with these drugs could reduce blood pressure to unsafe levels.

You will need to speak with your doctor to receive your prescription for Viagra, and he or she will inform you about any specific health risks you may have. Just make sure you are honest and share your medical history for safety.

Does Viagra Ever Not Work?

For some men, ED is a psychological condition relating to stress, anxiety, or other distractions. In these cases, Viagra will be less likely to work, since it treats specific physical ailments. Instead, practicing stress management and/or seeing a counselor to help manage your psychological hurdles are the most effective treatment.

There have been some reports that Viagra may not work the first time it is used. If this happens, don’t despair—if you’ve been prescribed Viagra then it should work. It may just take a few tries.