Viagra: Do The Benefits Outweigh The Risks?

Viagra

Erectile dysfunction can be both physically and emotionally devastating for a man and for his partner. Fortunately, Viagra has been developed to help men overcome ED and to remain sexually active adults. However, like any other prescription medication, Viagra has side effects and risks that make some people wonder if its benefits outweigh the risks.

Risks and Side Effects of Viagra

The majority of men who use Viagra only experience mild side effects. These side effects, which include things like upset stomach, headaches, light sensitivity, flushing and blurred vision, are generally caused by a sudden drop in their systemic blood pressure. While uncomfortable, these side effects fade quickly without creating any long term damage.

Unfortunately, not all of Viagra’s side effects are this benign. In 1998 the FDA and Pfizer issued new labeling which warned Viagra users of new risk factors associated with the use of Viagra. For example, it was discovered that a larger percentage of patients using Viagra than first thought, had significant drops in their systemic blood pressure after they took Viagra. This sudden drop in systemic blood pressure was shown to lead to serious cardiac problems like heat attacks, hypertension and even sudden cardiac deaths. Another 1999 health risk identified by Pfizer and the FDA was priapism. If you have seen Viagra commercials then you may know that priapism is an erection that lasts longer than four hours. This erection is painful and can lead to permanent damage to the erectile tissues in the penis.

In July of 2005 the FDA issued another warning about erectile dysfunction treatment medications including Viagra. This warning exposed a new risk factor for NAION, which stands for non-arteric anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. In short this is optic stroke. Optic stroke is the development of sudden blindness when the blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted. In cases of Viagra users who developed NAION, it is suspected that the drug caused such a significant drop in the patient’s systemic blood pressure that the optic nerve lost its supply of oxygen rich blood and died, causing the blindness.

Another health risk that has a similar onset of sudden sensory loss is the sudden loss or impairment of hearing after taking Viagra. Again, this risk is most likely caused by the sudden drop in systemic blood pressure, causing disruptions in blood flow to the auditory nerves.

Benefits of Viagra

Viagra is a very affective treatment for erectile dysfunction, and this alone may be reason enough to take Viagra regardless of the risks associated with it. However, Viagra has several other benefits that make it a beneficial prescription medication.

As most people know, Viagra is used to treat ED. This not only allows men to improve their sex lives, but it also helps to improve their self-esteem and to renew their interests in their mate and in social activities. This in turn helps them to establish more fulfilling relationships with their mate, as well as the other important people in their lives.

In addition to sex and relationships, Viagra also has several positive effects on a man’s health. First of all its main ingredient, a PDE5 inhibitor, encourages the body to create higher levels of nitric oxide which improves the efficiency and capabilities of the man’s blood vessels and heart. This in turn improves his physical performance during exercise, which in turn, encourages many Viagra patients to develop a more active lifestyle. Viagra also seems to encourage men to take their heart medications more regularly, according to a recent study. This also helps men taking Viagra to improve their overall health.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks

While the risks associated with taking Viagra are scary, there is a relatively low chance that you will develop one of the above problems. To reduce your chances of developing a known Viagra risk you can stop smoking, exercise and follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to taking prescription medications. By taking care of your health you will lower your chances of developing a serious side effect when taking Viagra.

When you weigh the pros and cons of Viagra it is easy to see that this medication is not right for everyone. However, for the men who are right for this medication, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Useful Link:
http://www.edrugstore.md/Viagra.jsp

Gabiel White - Search Engine Optimization expert, boasting over 7 years of algorithmic search and paid search advertising. Helping a number of Online Pharmacies like: edrugstore.md. To learn how to select a reliable online pharmacy, visit the online pharmacy knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.

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