Viagra: What it's for, uses, and contraindications

It has certainly changed the sexual habits of millions of men, but more and more scientific research shows that the Viagra, sildenafil is the name of the active ingredient and “blue pill” (from the color of the medicine), the most commonly used definition in consumer jargon, is not only a drug related to sex, specifically for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and improving the quality of sexual intercourse. According to some scientific studies, it also has several benefits that shouldn't be wasted, ranging from protection against Alzheimer's to treatment for pulmonary hypertension, to benefits for jet lag. However, its contraindications and risks should not be underestimated, including the fact that regular use can cause vision problems.

Index of topics

What is

Erectile dysfunction (ED), which does not necessarily mean impotence, affects 13 percent of Italians, 40 percent of those over 50, and approximately half of those over 70, according to data from the National Institute of Health. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, relaxing the muscles of the penile blood vessels, facilitating the blood flow necessary for an erection. Its effectiveness has led to 20 million "little blue pills" being sold in Italy each year, according to data from the Italian Society of Andrology. Obviously, to be effective during sexual intercourse, Viagra requires sexual stimulation, as it does not automatically result in an erection.

How to use

Viagra should also be taken, at least the first time, with the advice of your doctor and not the harmful do-it-yourself method. It is taken orally, with a simple glass of water. Other indications include:

Common dosage: 50 milligrams, avoiding counterproductive and risky overdosage. Generally, the dosage ranges from 25 to 100 milligrams, and is given based on the individual's response and tolerability.
When to take it: approximately 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse.
Duration of effect: about 4 hours, but it varies from person to person.
Food and alcohol: A high-fat meal can delay its effect. Alcohol can reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Viagra can be taken even at a very advanced age, after the age of 80, provided that there is always a medical evaluation.

As we were saying, Viagra may not only be used for sex, but may also be indicated for other problems or to prevent certain pathologies, even serious ones.

Protects against Alzheimer's

A study by the Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine Institute demonstrates how Viagra use can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease . According to the experts who participated in the research, sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, which increases cyclic GMP levels, resulting in vasodilation and increased blood flow to the brain, improving vascularization and thus overall health. Researchers also found that it can reduce phosphorylation of the tau protein, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

It can be used for pulmonary hypertension

Sildenafil is a vasodilator : it widens blood vessels to allow for smoother blood flow. This is why it is also used to increase blood flow to damaged limbs to prevent amputation , and to treat pulmonary hypertension , which is high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. Similarly, Viagra can be used to treat high-altitude pulmonary edema , and sildenafil can help overcome episodes of vasospasm in the fingers caused by cold or stress.

Helps overcome jet lag

Another strange effect of Viagra concerns jet lag , a disorder that affects circadian rhythms, the internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, following air travel across different time zones. Sildenafil appears to act directly on the hormones that interfere with the sleep-wake cycle.

Effetti collaterali

Like any medication, Viagra is not without risks. In people who have had heart attacks, strokes, or low blood pressure, sildenafil can significantly affect symptoms. Regular use can also increase the risk of serious vision problems: a study from the University of British Columbia explains how, after taking it, you may experience sudden loss of vision, or dark spots, flashes of light, or even floating spots.

The most common side effects are:

Headache
Facial redness
Stomach disorders
Nasal congestion
Altered vision (bluish color)
Dizziness

Contraindications and precautions

Viagra should not be used with nitrates (for heart problems) or other similar drugs (such as Cialis or Levitra). Consult your doctor before use, especially if you have:

Heart problems
Ipertension or hypotension
Liver or kidney disease
Retinitis pigmentosa or other eye problems.

Viagra is not just the love pill