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Viagra seems to be the miracle drug for those who are dealing with erectile dysfunction. But partly due to the adverse effects associated with it, taking this drug may seem intimidating. This guide will teach you how to use Viagra for the first time.
Talking about this is significant for many reasons, but it is mainly because of these two facts. Many people are not aware of what Viagra is and its overall effects on the human body. Also, not many people know what the side effects and contradictions of this drug are.
For first time Viagra takers, learning about the fundamentals of this drug will help them anticipate what’s to expect when they consume this drug. It is also essential to learn about the potential adverse effects of this drug and possible contraindications against actually taking it.
What Is Viagra?
For people new to Viagra, it would be nice to have a crash course on the basics of this drug. Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil, a drug originally developed for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. Viagra (and other brand names of sildenafil) are prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction.
Viagra works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. This is made possible by relaxing the chambers of the corpora cavernosa, the bodies of the penis where blood flows during an erection. With these chambers adequately filled with blood, the person gets bigger and fuller erections as a result.
This, combined with adequate sexual stimulation, will help men get bigger and stronger erections when they need it. It also helps in increasing recovery time after orgasm, allowing them to get back to sexual activity faster. It has blown away a lot of Viagra’s first-timers just how effective this drug is.
Multiple studies have been done to see if the effect of Viagra and other similar medications can be further enhanced. For instance, in a study done on penile tissue, modulating hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathways can potentially increase the effectiveness of PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra for enhancing penile erections (1).
Viagra has become the subject of a lot of clinical trials over the decades because of its efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction. Most studies have shown that men who use this product had improved sexual functions. Many men can also attest to how Viagra has significantly boosted their sexual performance.
The Benefits of Using Viagra
Given the many advertised benefits of using Viagra, many people are attracted to using this product. The number of people searching on how to use Viagra as first-timers is surprisingly high. For starters, here are some of the benefits you can expect when you take Viagra.
The main effect of this drug is it allows men to have bigger and firmer erections. Because the blood vessels and chambers of the penis get better blood flow, this results in stronger erections and enables them to get harder quicker. It does not make you hard by itself, but it makes getting harder much easier.
Most Viagra first time users overlook the fact that Viagra has many health benefits that go beyond sex. For instance, sildenafil is being marketed as a medication for managing pulmonary hypertension, albeit using different brand names. It can be used for this purpose as early as in the pediatric age (2).
Possible Side Effects of Viagra
There are some side effects associated with using Viagra. Any Viagra first-time user should be wary of them, so they know how to respond when they encounter such effects. These effects can range from transient discomfort to life-threatening complications.
Erections should come and go normally even when you take sildenafil before sexual activity. However, there are rare scenarios where erections do not go away and become painful. If your erection becomes painful and it refuses to subside even after 4 hours (or even after orgasm), seek medical help immediately to avoid penile injuries.
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First-time users of Viagra should also watch out for symptoms of hypotension (excessively low blood pressure). You may start feeling flushed, dizzy, and light-headed within 4 hours after taking this product. If you start feeling unwell while using this drug, discontinue and seek medical help.
Another side effect to watch out for in Viagra use is heart disease. Symptoms to watch out for in this situation include chest pains, palpitations, or rapid and irregular heartbeat. There are also cases wherein Viagra used is linked to deep vein thrombosis (3).
An overdose of Viagra can cause potentially lethal effects. If you (or someone you know) have ingested excessive amounts of this drug, accidentally or otherwise, you should seek medical help immediately.
How to Use Viagra
Using Viagra for the first time should not be that intimidating method-wise. Just like with other tablets, you take this product by mouth, with or without meals. While taken on an as-needed basis, most doctors would only recommend that patients to only take this drug once a day.
It is recommended that the person should take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual contact. This will allow enough time for the drug to enter the bloodstream and take maximum effect. You can take it beyond that, but it should never be above 4 hours before sexual activity.
There are multiple factors that can dictate your response to treatment. Your metabolic rate, the medical conditions you might have, the medications you are currently taking, and even the food you ate on the day you took the drug can alter Viagra’s effects and the time you feel its effects.
Who Should NOT Take Viagra
Just like with other substances, some people are contraindicated from taking Viagra. As a first-timer using Viagra, this is something you should know.
People who are taking drugs for lowering blood pressure are discouraged from taking Viagra. An absolute contraindication is given for those who are using nitrates, as the combination of these two drugs can cause severe drops in blood pressure that can be potentially lethal.
Also, people who are taking recreational and illicit substances are not allowed to use Viagra. Some of these substances may have adverse interactions with sildenafil and can cause some severe complications.
What Should First-Timers Do?
The first thing that potential Viagra first time users should do is to consult a physician before purchasing. Because of the potentially dangerous complications of taking this drug, one cannot take unnecessary risks when using this substance.
During your consult with a doctor, you should be upfront about any questions that they may have. Among the questions, you are expected to be asked the type of medications you are taking, past and present medical conditions, and the nature of your sexual dysfunction.
Once you get a first-time prescription, keep in touch with your doctor, and continuously update them with how you’re feeling while using the drug. This is not only for safety, but also to see if Viagra indeed resolved your erectile dysfunction problems or you need an alternative approach.
Conclusion
Viagra is a highly effective drug for treating erectile dysfunction. And while this drug alone cannot resolve all of your sexual problems, it should be able to help you get erections, a crucial step in performing the sexual act.
Now that you know how to use Viagra for the first time, you can now see for yourself if this product is the answer to your erectile dysfunction problems. Just make sure that you make a prior consultation with your physician and never go beyond what was recommended for you.
