Viagra for men: instructions for use, effects and contraindications | The USA Print

Viagra, also known as the blue pill, is a vasodilator which acts specifically on the yard. This medication oral was put on the market in 1998 in the United States and then in Europe: “It has been around for 25 years and continues to be used. Its effectiveness in erectile dysfunction has been widely demonstrated”, adds Antoine Faix. He adds: “In France, this tablet is only issued on medical prescription.”

Viagra is medically indicated for erectile dysfunction in men. Its intake, in the form of tablets, will allow you to have a satisfactory sexual activity. “It is mainly men aged 40 to 50 who take it because the average age of erectile dysfunction is 57, but it is variable”, nuances the urologist. “However, be careful not to believe that it triggers an erection, Viagra only has an amplifying effect and can only be effective if there is sexual stimulation,” adds the specialist.

The usual recommended dose for a “normal” patient is 50 mg. The tablet should be swallowed in a glass of water about 1 hour before having sex. Regarding its frequency of taking, if it is true and safe to take it daily, “for regular use, other solutions can be considered, such as Cialis, which we detail below. It will really depend on each individual: genetics, age, psychological disorders…” adds the urologist.

“The difference between Viagra and these other drugs also indicated against sexual impotence is minimal. They belong in fact to the same pharmacological family of phosphodiesterase inhibitors type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme responsible for breaking down nitric oxide that allows erection. “What changes above all is their active ingredients: Cialis (Tadalafil), Spedra (Avanafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil)” specifies the surgeon, adding: “In France, Levitra in its original version is no longer marketed since 2021 but its generic which bears the name of the molecule yes.” Regarding their effectiveness, it will depend on the patients who will just be more receptive to one or the other, it is random. “

Another distinction is their speed of action: “Viagra, generic Levitra (Vardenafil) and Spedra are to be taken approximately 30 to 45 minutes minimum before sexual activity. They are reserved for occasional use since they require a certain anticipation.” Cialis, on the other hand, is more suitable for people with daily or very regular active sexuality, several times a week: “It will act as treatment background, taking 5 mg per day. »

“Today, we must resonate in terms of generics, because Viagra in its original version is rather rare in regulated points of sale”, indicates Antoine Faix. Its active ingredient, sildenafil, however, remains the same, and its price is much more advantageous. “From €10 per Viagra tablet, the price of a generic is divided by 5 or even 10. With an average of two sexual encounters per week, the choice is quickly made in terms of budget.”

Not to mention that the credits also bring more discretion and for some men it is important: “When your doctor prescribes you a generic Viagra, he notes on the prescription: sildenafil… In pharmacies, especially in villages where everyone knows each other, it is then more comfortable to be given a box that doesn’t display the word Viagra.” If generic Viagra has nothing to envy to its original model, its side effects, which are rather rare, resemble those of Viagra: muscle pain, facial redness, slight fatigue, watery eyes… “They are in most non-dangerous and reversible cases, which does not exclude medical monitoring” adds the specialist.

Contrary to what some might believe, Viagra is not a miracle drug capable of transforming a penis at half mast into a triumphant phallus. The specialist specifies: “Viagra makes it possible to increase the blood flow in the penis but does not trigger an erection, it is not than an amplifier. It is also necessary a context, a sexual stimulation so that it can act effectively. It’s a bit like the electric bike, to move forward you have to pedal, the same with Viagra”, explicitly humors Antoine Faix.

The Viagra tablet works quickly. “Maximum effects usually occur about 45 minutes to one hour after taking the drug and the potential duration of action is 4 to 5 hours“, defines Doctor Faix. “That does not mean 4-5 hours of erection. This means a window of 4-5 hours during which, if the man is in a situation, he will have his erection facilitated.”

In France, this drug is only sold by prescription. “It is therefore not normally possible to obtain one without. And, it is also not desirable because of the contraindications, the dosages to be respected and the necessary medical follow-up”, recalls Antoine Faix.

As for the points of sale, the pharmacy is the indicated shop to get it. On the other hand, you will have to avoid all other forms of purchase, sex shop stores, websites… unless it is an online pharmacy, registered with the Council of the Order of Pharmacists. “Otherwise, at the risk of ending up with a counterfeit that is badly dosed and dangerous for your health. Many pills are sold under the coat and some are made with pirate molecules as is the case with Kamagra”, illustrates the specialist. This drug is made, like Viagra, based on sildenafil citrate but has not received any marketing authorization in France. And this is just one example…”

“Contrary to what is often said, Viagra does not present cardiac risks; “It is combination with other drugs containing nitrates, which can cause problems at this level”, develops Antoine Faix. A patient with cardiovascular concerns will therefore be able to take it, provided of course that he has the approval and follow-up of his cardiologist. Ditto for diabetics, it is not inadvisable to take it but vigilance and medical monitoring are mandatory.

Another problem related to taking Viagra: priapism,painful erection that lasts several hours. This phenomenon is very rare. It may affect men who take Viagra in conjunction with other substances such as cocaine or poppers. And also, those who will abuse Viagra in overdose and/or take it without really needing it, but with the idea of ​​achieving sexual exploits. “If the erection lasts too long, you must urgently consult a doctor, at the risk, in the most extreme cases, of losing your penis. I have already had the case with a patient who abused it too much during a party. , he arrived too late for medical attention Viagra is not not a sexual performance drug. It is imperative to respect the prescribed doses and not to abuse them” insists the urologist.

It is also important to highlight the risks of Viagra in the couple relationship. Indeed, when Viagra is taken “in secret” and the man is caught taking it by his partner, the latter can take it very badly and feel betrayed. Frustration and sexual impotence may then be even more present”, continues Antoine Faix.

Finally, if taking Viagra excludes any form of addiction and addiction, it will always be necessary to reassess your intake regularly in terms of efficiency both at the individual level and at the level of the couple.

“Erection problems are not always linked to a loss of desire or a psychological blockage. Sometimes they can also be symptoms of a pathology the most serious condition suffered by men without knowing it, such as high diabetes, testosterone deficiency….” In this case, you should not hesitate to consult a specialist, beyond the general practitioner who sometimes maintains a close link with his patient, preventing him from talking about sexuality with him, or the patient not daring to talk about it with his doctor.

“It is true that there is a precautionary principle vis-à-vis a link with Viagra and an ophthalmological disease in humans which can lead to changes vision (source 1). But this remains very exceptional and concerns the people Already suffering from retinitis pigmentosaa very rare hereditary eye disease”, confides the urologist. If in doubt and for reassurance, do not hesitate to consult your general practitioner or ophthalmologist.

“No, there is no equivalent in women,” replies the doctor. However, there is a drug called flibanserin marketed in the United States, intended for increase sexual desire, by acting on the cerebral level.” In France, it is prohibited. And if other hormone-based treatments exist, they are still rarely taken and do not prove to be as effective as that.