Can taking Viagra cause erectile dysfunction?

What’s covered?

A careful choice of erectile dysfunction drug is critical to avoid permanent damage to erectile tissues.

What is erectile dysfunction?

In this condition, the penis cannot achieve the desired level of erection for successful intercourse. According to King's College London, 4.3 million men in the UK have ED, which constitutes 20% of the total male population. According to the British Association of Urological surgeons, 50-55% of men aged 40-70 years old suffer from ED.

Given the enormous numbers, don't feel ashamed if you have ED. It is a condition, not a disease. What are the causes of ED? How does Viagra help in ED? Can the prolonged use of Viagra cause permanent ED? Healthcare professionals often ask these questions.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

No single cause is responsible for ED. The causes of ED range from lifestyle factors to a variety of infections. Besides various diseases, the following factors have an essential role in the development of ED:

• Advancing age

• Smoking

• Pelvic injuries

• Low testosterone levels

• Chronic stress

• Use of certain drugs, e.g., diuretics, muscle relaxants, etc... (drug interactions)

• Sleep disturbances

• Depression

• Cardiovascular problems

• Hypercholesterolemia

• Obesity

• Peyronie's disease

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Genetic predisposition

Many of these factors can influence young men too.

So how does Viagra help in ED?

Viagra (Sildenafil) was approved by FDA in 1998 for the treatment of impotence due to ED in men. It is a high-prescription medication for treating ED worldwide. It is one of the most prescribed ED medications throughout the world. Since its approval, many people have started using it for ED treatment. This number far exceeded the number of people who were previously using medicines for ED. According to NHS, the number of prescriptions for Viagra tripled from 2006 to 2016.

The erection is due to increased blood flow through the erectile tissues of your penis.

It increases the flow of blood to the penis. During an erection, cycle guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) relaxes the blood vessels and increases blood flow towards the penis. An enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) destroys this cGMP, and the erection ends. Viagra (sildenafil) acts by deactivating the enzyme PDE5. Thus a more extended stay of cGMP will result in a longer duration of the erection. Usually, the erection attained will last for 2-3 hours. Besides this, the prescription drugs of ED are also used to treat high blood pressure and pulmonary arterial hypertension, and high blood pressure.

Is Viagra completely safe?

Besides the prescription, over-the-counter use of this sexual medicine is also reported. It was also reported that some people were using it as a recreational drug, i.e., to enhance their sexual performance even though they don't have ED.

So, what would happen if you use Viagra without any complaints of ED? Can it cause permanent damage to the muscles of your penis and permanent erectile dysfunction? To answer this, you should understand its possible side effects and how its long-term off-label use affects the erection.

What would happen if Viagra is used without ED?

The use of Viagra as a recreational drug is not recommended. The registered pharmacies provide Viagra only if you have a prescription. If you are going to purchase it off-label, there are chances that you will buy a substandard product from illegal and unregistered pharmacies. So, the chances of side effects significantly increase as such pills may have inaccurate doses.

Besides this, people's access to the out-of-label Viagra could be due to online pharmacies.

Viagra causes a variety of side effects, e.g.,

• Rashes

• Congestion

• Digestive disturbances

• Vision problems and sudden hearing loss

• Severe allergic reaction

• Muscle pain (particularly back pain)

• Facial flushing

• Headache

• Dizziness

• low blood pressure (sudden decrease)

• Priapism

Severe symptoms may require urgent medical attention

Consequences of unnecessary use of Viagra

Remember that Viagra is a treatment for ED. Priapism is a very painful erection that is often long-lasting. It may last for more than 4 hours. Priapism needs emergency medical care and can cause permanent damage to your erectile tissues. So, an out-of-label use of Viagra can increase the risk of priapism due to an inaccurate dose.

The impact of priapism on erectile dysfunction was elaborated by a study published by the National Library of Medicine in 2016. The study covered 19 patients with priapism due to ED medications. The average duration of priapism was 96.7 hours. However, the follow-up revealed that only five patients out of 19 preserved their erectile function.

So, more use of Viagra to improve sexual performance can increase the risk of priapism, which can cause permanent ED. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice before using any ED medication.

There is no convincing evidence to support the claim that using Viagra without ED can influence sexual performance. Although it can help achieve and maintain erection, some studies claim it can't affect a person's interest in sex and sexual arousal. However, another study in 2013 found that a six-month use of Viagra can improve sexual drive and libido.

Is a Viagra user at risk of developing ED?

The use of Viagra to treat ED is often questioned. It is, however, relatively safe with manageable side effects. A 2014 study found that it is safe and has good efficacy. In addition, its short-term or long-term use was not associated with any addiction or dependence. So, the use of Viagra under the advice of a healthcare professional is safe and well-tolerated.

Bottom-line

A variety of drugs are used to treat ED. The ED treatments work by improving blood flow in the penis. However, careful use of Viagra under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals is necessary to avoid serious side effects. To prevent untoward side effects, you can start from a smaller starting dose and should not exceed the maximum prescribed dosage.

Although it is safe and well-tolerated, its regular use before sexual intercourse can increase the chances of painful erections, which may cause permanent damage to penile tissues.

Despite all the benefits, the blue pill is risky. Therefore, it is also advised not to drink alcohol while using Viagra or other ED medications.

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