Viagra is a treatment primarily used for erectile dysfunction. It has helped treat many men’s sexual performance and helped reduce the stigma against male impotence. By becoming more mainstream, medical experts have uncovered more uses for the popular drug. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis making it easier to maintain an erection. For some men, they can maintain it for up to four hours. The effects it has on blood circulation have made Viagra work for other conditions. However, some people shouldn’t take Sildenafil.
Who should and shouldn’t take Viagra
When taking Viagra for sexual dysfunction, only men over 18 can take it. Only take Viagra for other conditions when recommended by a medical professional. If you have the following conditions, you shouldn’t take Viagra:
- Allergy to Viagra or its ingredients
- Taking nitrates for angina—chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
- Liver problems
- Recently experienced a stroke or heart attack
- Low blood pressure
- Retinitis pigmentosa—a genetic eye condition where the back of the eye wall is damaged leading to vision loss
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Blood cancer
- A deformed penis, such as a curved penis
- Stomach ulcers
- Haemophilia
Pregnancy and Viagra for pulmonary hypertension
If you’ve been prescribed Viagra during your pregnancy because of pulmonary hypertension, continue taking it throughout your pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor. This is because PH can be deadly to you and your baby without treatment. Let your doctor know if you become pregnant when you have PH because your pregnancy could be high-risk. You should also continue taking it when you’re breastfeeding. It only passes into the breastmilk in tiny amounts. There won’t be any risk to your baby.
Other uses for Viagra
1. Pulmonary hypertension
This is a condition that affects blood flow to the lungs. It happens when the blood vessels in the lungs narrow and tighten. By taking Viagra, the medication relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs making the flow easier and more relaxed. Doctors can prescribe 20mg of Viagra to be taken in 4-6 hour intervals to patients over 18 years with pulmonary hypertension.
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2. Menstrual cramps
If you have moderate to severe menstrual cramps, Viagra can provide pain relief. Menstrual cramps are predominantly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. However, constantly relying on painkillers can lead to ulcers or kidney problems. Women have tried other treatments like herbs or birth control. One more solution is Viagra. It works by dilating blood vessels in the pelvis. In a study, women who experienced severe menstrual pains took Viagra administered vaginally and got pain relief without side effects. Taking it orally can cause headaches which can make taking it orally impractical over long-term use.
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3. Mountain sickness
Hikers can use Viagra to reduce blood pressure in high altitudes. It can also be used by people athletically training in high altitudes.
4. Raynaud’s phenomenon
This is a condition where exposure to the cold causes spasms in the small arteries that supply blood to the extremities such as the fingers and toes. They then become pail, painful and cold. Since this can lead to numbness, people who do physical labour in extremely cold areas and experience this condition can take Viagra.
Side effects
Common side effects of taking Viagra include headaches, nausea, hot flashes, indigestion, stuffed nose, or dizziness. These are side effects that can be managed with other medical aids or wear off over time. If you keep experiencing them even after you’ve stopped taking Viagra, see a doctor.
Serious but rare side effects of Viagra include vision loss, seizures, prolonged erection (more than two hours), chest pain, and anaphylaxis. If you experience these conditions, go to the emergency room immediately.
Check out:
What Is Erectile Dysfunction And The Best Ways To Treat It
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