What Does Viagra Do? Benefits, Side Effects And Availability

Viagra is a well-known medication for erectile dysfunction. ED is very common and more than half of all men over the age of 40 experience it at some level — but it can also affect younger men, too. It can be caused by a range of physiological and psychological conditions including stress, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

When a man experiences erectile dysfunction, it means that there’s insufficient blood flow to the penis, which makes getting and maintaining a full erection during sexual activity difficult. 

What does Viagra do?

Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It’s been prescribed by doctors for over two decades and has robust clinical evidence to prove its efficacy and safety. (1) Taking Viagra – or its unbranded generic version sildenafil – doesn't give you an instant erection. But it does help you to get and keep an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra has an impressive success rate and has been shown to help 80% of men who use it.

How does Viagra work?

The body produces an enzyme when aroused called PDE5. Its presence causes the smooth muscles at the base of the penis to contract, allowing less blood to flow into the penis. The active ingredient in Viagra – sildenafil –  is a selective PDE5-inhibitor. This means it stops PDE5 from being released during arousal, allowing the muscles at the base of the penis relax and improving the blood flow to the penis. This then improves erections and allows successful penetrative sexual intercourse. (2)

How long does Viagra last for?

The duration of time that your medication will last for can vary depending on your dosage and your body’s metabolism. But, Viagra usually lasts between 3-4 hours. In some cases it can last up to 5 hours or more. Cialis – another erectile dysfunction drug –has longer-lasting effects. Each pill can help you get and keep satisfying erections within a 36 hour window – which is why it’s nicknamed ’the weekend pill’.

What are the downsides of taking Viagra? 

As with most medications, there’s the possibility of experiencing adverse effects when using Viagra. Though typically they are short-lived and mild or moderate. The most common side effects of Viagra tablets include headaches, muscle aches, back pain, flushing, low blood pressure, abnormal vision, blurred vision and indigestion. If you experience any of these side effects for a prolonged period of time, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Where can I get Viagra? 

You can complete an online consultation with ZipHealth and if it’s the right medication for your needs and your medical history, you’ll receive your Viagra medication directly to your door. Delivered in discreet, unmarked packaging. 

While the brand-name drug Viagra is one of the most popular and well-known ED treatments, there are other options available including Generic Sildenafil, Cialis and Tadalafil (generic Cialis). Our healthcare professionals will recommend the right one for you during your free consultation. Click here to start yours now. 

‌1. Hatzimouratidis K. Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence. Clinical Interventions in Aging [Internet]. 2006 Dec 1;1(4):403–14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699643/ 

2. Langtry HD, Markham A. Sildenafil: a review of its use in erectile dysfunction. Drugs [Internet]. 1999 Jun 1 [cited 2020 Dec 7];57(6):967–89. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10400408/