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If you lead an active sex life, you would probably not be a stranger to sexually-enhancing drugs like Viagra. These drugs claim to help you last longer in bed by relaxing the muscles and enabling increased blood flow to the penis.
However, consuming such drugs like Viagra without a prescription could result in you experiencing unwanted side effects. If taken wrongly, these drugs may cause severe or even life-threatening side effects.
As two in three men currently use Viagra recreationally, there’s a higher likelihood of cases wherein the sexually active populace may suffer from Viagra-related side effects.
The most common Viagra side effect, flushing, occurs in 30% of the cases too. That said, this particular side effect is mild and can go away on its own. However, there are some cases wherein Viagra can pose an even greater risk to your health.
This article will be discussing the more alarming side effects of recreational Viagra use, and what can be done to remedy ED instead.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate.
This form of medication is part of a drug class called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This class inhibits the enzyme of the same name, which regulates blood flow in the penis.
The purpose of Viagra is to treat erectile dysfunction and help men last longer in sex. Erectile dysfunction is a condition wherein a man has great difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Viagra does not directly cause an erection; rather, it enhances the natural response to sexual stimulation. By increasing blood flow to the penis, Viagra helps relax blood vessels and improve the ability to achieve and sustain an erection.
5 Alarming Side Effects of Viagra
That said, not all is smooth sailing for this erection drug. Here are some of the most alarming side effects of Viagra.
1. Allergic Reactions
While allergic reactions to Viagra are uncommon, they are not totally unseen. Allergic reactions can be serious and potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to get immediate medical attention if you suspect an allergic reaction to Viagra. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rash or hives
- Itching or skin irritation
If you have a known allergy to sildenafil or any other ingredients in Viagra, you should inform your healthcare professional as they may be able to prescribe safer alternatives.
2. Cardiovascular Issues
Viagra can affect cardiovascular function and blood pressure, and may even cause cardiovascular issues.
The most common symptoms include:
- Angina pectoris: Viagra can cause a slight decrease in blood pressure, which may cause chest pain or discomfort, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Irregular heartbeat: Though unlikely, Viagra can cause changes in heart rhythm, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Individuals with a history of arrhythmias or other heart conditions may have exacerbated symptoms.
- Heart attack or stroke: There have been few reports of heart attacks and strokes occurring shortly after taking Viagra. This is why people with severe heart failure are not recommended to take Viagra.
If you have a history of or are at risk for cardiovascular disease, consult with a healthcare professional before taking Viagra.
3. Priapism
Priapism is a prolonged and painful erection lasting over four hours and is not related to sexual stimulation. Priapism occurs when blood traps abnormally in the penis. Untreated priapism can cause permanent damage to penile tissues and affect future erectile function.
If you have a history of priapism or any conditions that may predispose you to priapism, Viagra may exacerbate your condition. Determine if Viagra is appropriate for you by consulting with a medical professional.
4. Vision or Hearing Loss
In rare cases, Viagra has been associated with sudden vision or hearing loss. These sensory losses can be permanent problems if untreated.
If you experience any sudden changes in vision or hearing after taking Viagra, you should stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
These side effects are not exclusive to Viagra and can occur with other medications in the same class (PDE5 inhibitors).
5. Additional Side Effects
While the list above covers the most nerve-wracking symptoms, Viagra is teeming with many potential side effects.
Additional side effects that erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra may induce include:
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion
- Upset stomach
Alternative Treatments to Consider Instead of Viagra
If you have ED and have solely relied on ED drugs in the past, know that you’re not a lost cause.
There are several alternative treatments that you may consider instead of using ED medications.
1. Make Positive Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on erectile dysfunction. If you’re not eating right, switch up your diet to a more positive one.
If you lack sleep every night, change your sleep routine to ensure you get at least 7 hours of sleep. Exercise at least three times a week.
2. Counseling
Psychological factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Undergoing counseling or sex therapy, either individually or with your partner, can help address any underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be affecting your sexual performance.
3. Replace Current Medication
Oral medications similar to Viagra that belong to the class of PDE5 inhibitors, such as Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), can help with reducing your erectile dysfunction symptoms. These recreational drugs work similarly to Viagra in the sense that they improve sexual function.
That said, you don’t have to rely on other drugs to cure your sexual dysfunction if you don’t want to.
Penile injections or suppositories can be injected directly into the penis to improve sexual function. These medications increase blood flow, helping men gain erections.
4. Surgical Procedures
Non-invasive vacuum erection devices create a vacuum around the penis to draw blood into it and facilitate an erection can help with erectile dysfunction. A constriction ring is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Doctors may also prescribe RestoreWave therapy, which uses sound waves to break down plaque in the arteries, thus improving blood flow to the penis.
If none of these above treatments works, more invasive methods may be considered, such as penile prosthesis surgery.
Improve Your Sex Drive with the Top Men’s Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, Precise Men’s Medical Center
Taking Viagra recreationally can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful. Even just a handful of them may pose serious health risks that can affect much more than just your sex life.
If you are worried about your erectile dysfunction without using Viagra, you should seek the assistance of your healthcare provider, who may prescribe other medication or other treatment, or consider other alternative treatments.
Concerned about the side effects of Viagra? Don’t worry. Our professionals at Precise Men’s Medical Center in Cleveland can lend a hand in providing advice on managing your sex life.
Besides local ED treatment, we also offer other treatments for low testosterone, premature ejaculation, and hormonal issues.
