News story: People have long misunderstood the powers of the wonder drug Viagra, treating it simultaneously with a certain degree of awe and suspicion. Perhaps the biggest misconception of all is that the treatment turns the ordinary Joe Bloggs into a love making machine by provoking an instant erection capable of lasting for hours on end without any signs of their turgid tool flagging. Others believe Viagra to be an aphrodisiac which causes sex desire to go through the roof, making men into insatiable romping beasts. The truth, however is oh so far removed from these urban legends and whilst most men wish the drug were capable of endowing them with such powers, most women are thankful to find this is not the case.
Analysis: Now here’s the science bit. When taken about 60 minutes before intercourse one tablet can help to increase blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, a reaction called vasodilation. This occurs because the active ingredient in the drug (sildenafil) can temporarily inhibit the enzymes in the body which cause blood vessels to contract. During this temporary period, which typically lasts up to 4 hours, a man will find it easier to gain and maintain an erection until ejaculation and orgasm providing he is sexually aroused. The treatment can therefore be said to restore or enhance the normal natural erectile process. It is also worth mentioning that the manufacturers make no claims on the efficacy of the medication when used by those who do not suffer from a medical condition called erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a fully recognised medical condition characterised by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It can occur at any age, though prevalence increases with age. An estimated 40% of men over 40 suffer from the problem and millions of Viagra tablets have been taken worldwide.
Viagra, and its makers, the US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, should be credited with having restored a great many intimate relationships. Instead newspapers are littered with stories describing how Viagra enables married men to cheat on their long suffering wives. Only yesterday a court heard of how Sally Challen, 57, plotted to kill her husband after discovering he was having an affair. She had carefully recorded his Viagra use in a diary in order to build a catalogue proof he was engaging in extra marital sexual affairs. In another story last month, the former chief of the IMF was accused of trying to rape a hotel maid whilst wielding a packet of the blue pills in his hand. These are just two of a long list of similar stories linked to Viagra, which only continue to fuel embellished truths on the treatment and its effects.
Here at MyOnlineDoctor UK we want to put the record straight on Viagra:
Viagra does not automatically give you an erection – you and your partner will still need to put effort into foreplay.
Viagra will not make an erection last for 4 hours – that would be seriously painful and is medical condition called a priapism.
Viagra will not stop you from coming – it only aids a natural process, one which ends in orgasm and ejaculation.
Viagra does not make men cheat on their wives – it may help a cheating husband get an erection, by which time he has already made the decision to stray.
