Can Taking Viagra Regularly Ruin Your Sex Life?

Viagra or sildenafil is a drug that belongs to the class known as a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Dubbed the "blue pill," it has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) since its approval by the FDA in 1998. But will long-term use of Viagra affect your sex life? It does make erections possible, but that's only half the story. Does it really enhance libido? Will it get you to last longer?

Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, enabling men with ED to achieve and maintain erections during sexual stimulation. But contrary to popular belief, Viagra does not enhance sexual desire but enables the physiological process of achieving an erection.

When a man is sexually stimulated, the brain sends some signals and permits the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes the relaxation of smooth muscles in the blood vessels of the penis, thereby increasing the blood flow. PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra stop the degradation of certain chemicals that keep the blood vessels dilated so that the erection lasts longer. But when arousal decreases, the erection ends naturally.

How Does Viagra Enhance Sexual Performance?

Viagra has the capability to enhance significantly quality erections, orgasms, and sexual satisfaction as a whole. According to research, over 80% of the men who took 100 mg of Viagra were reported to have enhanced erections, while merely 24% of the receivers who took a placebo were also reported to experience the same. Viagra, neither enhances libido, emotional connection or stamina.

Some men who have performance anxiety may discover that Viagra indirectly serves them by alleviating performance anxiety premature ejaculation. But there is not enough scientific evidence to conclude whether Viagra can delay ejaculation or not.

Are there Risks to Regular Viagra Usage?

Even though Viagra is safe when used according to doctor's instructions, regular use may create a variety of problems that may adversely affect one's sexual life.

1. Psychological Dependence

One of the greatest dangers of regular use of Viagra is psychological dependence. Some men can become dependent on the medication, feeling that they cannot have sex without it. This can create performance anxiety and a lack of sexual confidence when trying to make love without the drug.

2. Decreased Natural Erectile Function

Viagra does not cure ED, it only manages the symptoms. Over time, some men discover that they cannot achieve an erection without the drug, even in situations where they had no issue previously. This can be particularly difficult for young men who use Viagra recreationally without medical necessity.

3. Potential Side Effects

Regular use of Viagra can lead to unwanted side effects, including:

Headaches: Up to 28% of users are affected by headaches caused by enhanced blood vessel dilation.

Flushing: Facial redness and heat occur in approximately 20% of users as a result of dilated blood vessels.

Upset stomach: Gastrointestinal discomfort is prevalent, occurring in 3% to 17% of users.

Nosebleeds: Enhanced blood supply to nasal tissue can cause nosebleeds in some users.

Longer Erections (Priapism): On occasion, Viagra may produce an erection longer than four hours, a painful situation that must be treated immediately in a hospital emergency room.

Viagra is usually ordered in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg, with a maximum dose being one tablet a day. An overdose may pose the risk of serious side effects such as excessively low blood pressure, visual impairment, and cardiac complications.

Daily use of Viagra has social and emotional consequences in addition to physical ones. Some partners might feel inadequate or pressured if they feel that their partner is unable to get an erection without the drug.

Can Viagra Work the Same Way for Women?

Viagra was originally tested in both sexes, but results for women's sexuality were found to be inconsistent. Viagra improved blood flow to the genitals and sensitivity in women, but sexual desire and arousal were not significantly affected. Due to the inability to ascertain definite benefits, Viagra has not been approved by the FDA for use by women.

Is it Safe to Take Viagra Regularly?

If you suffer from ED, Viagra can be an effective aid to enhancing your sex life if used responsibly. But it should never be considered a long-term sexual performance crutch unless prescribed by a physician.

For individuals who contemplate the use of Viagra recreationally, dependence, side effects and decreased natural erectile ability may eventually detract from sexual health instead of contributing to it.

Viagra is a strong drug that can restore confidence in sexual capabilities among men with ED. However, overuse or use without medical need can lead to long-term problems that will have adverse effects on sex life and overall health. If you are having erectile problems, seeking the help of a doctor to treat the underlying causes is the best option.