Viagra medication is indicated for the treatment of erectile problems in men. The medication is not indicated for women and children. The generic name of Viagra is Sildenafil citrate, which belongs to selective inhibitors of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

The Viagra medication is produced in dosage form of tablets equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of Sildenafil to be taken orally when needed. Viagra 50 mg is the most common dose prescribed for patients when the therapy with Viagra is initiated. The lower or higher doses are prescribed based on the efficacy of the drug and individual state of health of a patient.

Physiologically erection process requires the production of nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum when sexual stimulation occurs. This stimulates the release of the enzyme guanylate cyclase, and enlarges the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), creating easy muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and providing blood supply.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Sildenafil inhibits selectively PDE5. Sildenafil makes the effect of nitric oxide better by restricting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), known for its ability to diminish cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil helps to increase the level of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum when sexual stimulation occurs and causes release of nitric oxide. Sildenafil is ineffective when a person is not sexually aroused.

Nowadays many effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction are available in the local pharmacies or online. The prevailing treatment is a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This class includes most popular Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra) and Tadalafil (Cialis). All these drugs are produced in a form of tablets. They work in most men and are generally safe if taken properly as directed by a doctor. Still it is necessary to review the risks for your health and side effects of these drugs with your doctor. Viagra and other oral ED drugs can interact with other medications and cause different side effects.

If oral ED drugs don’t work for you or you cannot take them because of potential dangers for your health, you may try other therapies.

Such injected medications as Caverject, Edex, and Muse containing Alprostadil provide blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection. The drugs are injected with directly into the penis or may be used in the form of suppository which is inserted into the urethra. These medications are effective in the majority of men still have some side effects.

For some men testosterone therapy may help improve sexual desire, but testosterone replacement usually has not beneficial effect on ED.

The other treatment option is psychological therapy (counseling, behavioral therapy, individual or couple therapy) which can be effective ED sufferers whose sexual problem is caused mainly by psychological issues such as stress, depression, fear or anxiety.

For those men who do not have any positive results from medical or psychological treatments doctors offer mechanical or prosthetic devices. Vacuum erection devices are safe and highly effective.

Another treatment option is a penile implant placed surgically into a penis.

Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of every treatment option and find the best and right for you.

How long your erectile dysfunction lasts depends upon its cause and how quickly the treatment is initiated. Fortunately, ED is treatable in all age groups. Nowadays there are lots of effective treatment methods to fight impotence in men; still in addition to any treatment you may help yourself by improving your general health. This may be done with simple changes in lifestyle. Besides, these simple improvements may help to lessen your chances of developing erectile dysfunction. The basic lifestyle choices that keep blood vessels healthy, maintain general health and prevent type 2 diabetes include:

• a healthy diet;
• regular physical activity of any kind – exercises, walking, running, dancing, etc.;
• quitting smoking;
• getting blood pressure under control;
• keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control.

Lots of recent studies devoted to ED have shown that men who maintained general health and made lifestyle improvements were more sexually active and demonstrated enhancements in erectile function.

There are many drugs which may potentially induce erectile dysfunction.

Various medications and illegal drugs can have a great impact on sexual ability of a man and his sexual performance. Still some men are more vulnerable or sensitive to the side effects of the different medications, others have no or minor sexual side effects.

If you suspect that a medication you regularly use has a negative effect on your sexual performance, discuss it with your medical professional. You should not stop taking any medication right away without first discussing it with your doctor because some medications such as antidepressants can provoke dangerous reactions if they are stopped abruptly.

The following incomplete list of drugs contains the medications which potentially may cause erectile problems in men:

Antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs:

• Amoxapine;
• Buspirone;
• Diazepam;
• Fluozetine;
• Mesoridazine;
• Tranylcypromine.

High blood pressure medications and diuretics:

• Bethanidine;
• Chlorothazide;
• Furosemide;
•  Enalapril;
• Guanabenz;
• Metoprolol;
• Phentolamine;
• Reserpine;
• Prazosin;

Antihistamine medications which used to treat heartburn:

• Cimetidine;
• Hydroxyzine;
• Nizatidine;
• Ranitidine.

Parkinson’s disease therapies:

• Benztropine;
• Levodopa;
• Procyclidine;
• Trihexyphenidyl.

Hormonal medications and chemotherapies:

• Busulfan;
• Ketoconazole;
• Cyclophosphamide;
• Antiandrogens.

Opiate analgesics

• Codeine;
• Fentanyl;
• Methadone;
• Morphine;
• Oxycodone.

Recreational and illegal drugs:

• Alcohol;
• Amphetamines ;
• Cocaine;
• Marijuana;
• Nicotine;
• Barbiturates

If the ED condition is treated in time and properly the outlook for men is very good.  Most cases of ED are caused by other medical conditions that cannot be completely cured such as diabetes or heart disorders. However, many treatments will help restore potency.

Several causes of ED can be corrected and cured. The ED condition afflicted by psychological factors, hormonal imbalance and traumatic injury to the penile arteries can disappear after the treatment of the underlying cause. ED caused by psychological factors may disappear by itself. However such things as depression or sexual traumas in the past need counselling and sometimes medical treatment.

Remember that if you have you have trouble getting or keeping an erection over three months or more you should immediately visit your doctor. It is necessary to do it as quickly as possible to put the correct diagnosis and initiate the proper treatment.

Your doctor will ask you several questions about your medical history. This investigation is made to learn if any medical conditions might be causing the problem.

Then your doctor will ask you what medications you take. Try to mention all the medications you use regularly or periodically.

Sex life is a delicate theme, hard to discuss, but you have to do it. Your doctor will ask you about the quality of your sexual relationships and if you have any difficulties in your relationships.

The physical examination is the next thing your doctor will make to look for signs and symptoms of medical problems or confirm his/her suggestions. This will include a penis, rectal examination, evaluation of your blood pressure and special tests. Usually blood is tested for blood sugar, cholesterol and levels of certain hormones.

Sometimes doctors order additional testing and procedures such as nocturnal penile tumescence study, evaluation of the rigidity of a penis or an ultrasound of the blood vessels in the penis.

Very often doctors cannot give a specific reason why a patient has erectile problem. Nevertheless many of the treatments work well no matter what the cause of ED is. One of the best ED therapies which can be taken regardless of the affliction of impotence is Viagra which helps men with diabetes, atherosclerosis, vascular disorders, nerve damages and other conditions.

It is know well that erection difficulties are age related. Most men have difficulty getting or keeping an erection as they grow older. But growing older does not mean that you will face ED problem. It is natural that sexual responses in men become slower and less intense with age. Most of men require more time to achieve an erection than when they were in their 20-35s. If a man has persistent problems with erectile function, it is important to have a medical evaluation. This can help diagnose any underlying disorders demanding treatment and the proper treatment may improve sexual function.

There are lots of treatment options for ED. You may discuss them with your doctor to find the right and best –suited for you. Most doctors prefer recommend and prescribe clinically tested, approved and highly effective medications so as their patients can get the beneficial results from the therapy. That is why the majority of the medical professionals prescribe Viagra for men with erectile problems.

Viagra is a brand name of a chemical compound Sildenafil Citrate, used to treat even severe cases of ED. The medication was approved by FDA and is manufactured by Pfizer the well known pharmaceutical company.

Sildenafil Citrate mechanism of action involves complex processes in the human body; it activates the production of natural chemicals responsible for erectile function and relaxes muscles. The main effect of the medication is the increase in the blood flow to the penile tissue which provides a natural erection.

Sildenafil has undergone a variety of clinical studies and has proved its high efficacy, safety and potential in the treatment of overwhelming disorder – male impotence. Discuss with your doctor a possibility to be treated with Viagra.

Erectile dysfunction is a medical term for a more common – male impotence. This condition belongs to sexual disorders and has particular symptoms that differentiate it from other sexual disorders. ED occurs when a man’s penis doesn’t erect or get hard to have sexual intercourse with a partner. The other symptom of this condition is when a man is able to get an erection, but cannot maintain it. ED can occur suddenly or develop gradually. Some men slowly lose the rigidity of their erections or the time of erections; this becomes more visible with age.

The major causes of this condition include:

• Vascular diseases involving problems with blood vessels. Vascular diseases can limit or even prevent the necessary amount of blood flowing to or staying in the penis.
• Neurological disorders or in other words nerve damage. Nerves play a great role in a process of getting and keeping an erection. Damaged nerves cannot work properly and a person has erectile problems. Nerve damage may be caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, prostate surgery or damage to the spinal cord.
• Psychological factors – depression, anxiety, guilt or fear very often cause sexual problems. Doctors believe that physical factors cause impotence in most men but the situation gets worse when a person is depressed due to the previous failures.
• There is a variety of medications which may provoke sexual problems.

Erectile dysfunction is a serious problem requiring special treatment. Fortunately doctors can diagnose the underlying cause of the problem and adjust the necessary treatment which can help to restore and renew sexual life of many men. So it is absolutely right to visit a medical professional and tell him about your symptoms and your concern, and your expectations from a treatment.