Keeping It Up with the Joneses: Top 5 Questions and Answers about Erectile Dysfunction and Viagra

Monday, December 15 2008

In March of 1998, something happened that would change the world: Viagra was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Viagra, which helps men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction (ED) achieve and maintain an erection to enable sexual intercourse, has changed the lives of millions of men and has saved countless relationships.

Have questions about Viagra and ED? Well, we have some answers for you.

1. Q: I’m having a problem keeping an erection, and I think it may be the ED I hear about in the Viagra commercials. What exactly is it, and what makes this happen?

A: ED occurs when blood flow into the penis to create or keep an erection isn’t satisfactory. There can be a number of reasons depending on your age, lifestyle and health. They can include stress, smoking, alcohol or illegal drug use, fatigue, depression, obesity and more.

2. Q: What can I do about it?

A: ED is largely a medical condition, so erections often will not improve without treatment or medication in most cases. Viagra is the leading one of these ED medications (Cialis and Levitra are the two others). Viagra is an oral prescription medication that has helped countless men achieve satisfactory erections and regain their male confidence.

3. Q: Just how does Viagra work?

A: There’s a big scientific explanation, but simply put, Viagra helps allow for greater blood flow to the penis when it is manually stimulated. This increased blood flow is what creates an erection. Viagra works within 30 minutes for some men, and normally lasts in the body for 4 to 5 hours.

4. Q: I heard Viagra can make you see colors or even go deaf. Is this true? Are there side effects from Viagra?

A: First of all, with just about any prescription drug, there is going to be some sort of side effect. There have been reported cases of Viagra causing the eye to see various tints, and in a miniscule number of cases (fewer than 30, out of hundreds of millions of prescriptions) men have reportedly lost their hearing. Ask your physician about the risks of using any prescription drug.

5. Q: I don’t always have trouble. Will my body depend on Viagra all the time to get an erection if I use it too often?

A: No, but as you mention, if you don’t always need it, don’t always use it. But using Viagra regularly will not make you more dependent upon it, and other factors that you improve in your life – i.e., getting in shape, quitting cigarettes – may help improve your condition so you may not need it as often.

If you’re having trouble with ED, consult your physician or order your Viagra through a reputable online pharmacy that requires medical information from you, of which there several. You don’t need to live with ED. There is help out there!