Before You Take Viagra

Impotence, or the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to enjoy intercourse, can wreak havoc with your sex life. Reactions to erectile difficulties can range from slight embarrassment to devastation, depending on your confidence in your self and the support you receive from your partner.

There are these little blue pills that promise to make the problem go away. Viagra can helpful to men with erectile difficulties if they are informed and it is used as intended. But Viagra is not the answer for everyone. In order to decide if this is the best course for you it is important to understand some basic information.

Erectile difficulties become more common with increased age. Only 5% of men at age 40 experience difficulties, compared to 20% of men at age 65. There are a variety of factors that contribute to impotence. These include:


Disease or Heath Problems:
• Diabetes
• Kidney
• Multiple sclerosis,
• Atherosclerosis,
• Vascular disease
• Neurological disease
• Heart Disease
• Surgery for prostrate or bladder problems

Lifestyle Choices
• Heavy alcohol use
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Insomnia

Side Effects of Drugs
• Antidepressants,
• Tranquilizers,
• Blood pressure drugs,
• Antihistamines,
• Appetite suppressants,
• Ulcer medication

Psychological Factors
• Fear of sexual failure
• Stress,
• Anxiety,
• Guilt,
• Depression,
• Low self-worth

Psychological factors account for up to 20% of cases of erectile difficulties. Disease and health problems account for up to 70%. In addition there are many medications that have sexual side effects. If you think that a medication that you are taking may be contributing to your problem consult your doctor to discuss an alternative.

Before taking Viagra, there are things that you could do that may reduce your need for chemical intervention.

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Increase your activity level; try walking regularly
• Stop smoking or cut down.
• Be informed about the drugs you are using.
• Get enough sleep.
• Learn to relax and find ways to reduce your stress level.
• Limit your alcohol intake; remember alcohol is NOT a sexual performance enhancer.
• During sex, think about pleasing your partner, rather than worrying about an erection. (sex manual for more ideas)
• Talk to your partner about how you are feeling, this may reduce the pressure you feel to perform.

Things to know if you choose to take Viagra
• Viagra is not intended to be used by women
• Men over 65 can be more sensitive to Viagra’s side effects, start with a low dose
• Do not use more than once a day
• Avoid dangerous drug combinations:
* Nitrate-based drugs + Viagra = sudden drop in blood pressure
* Alpha-blocker drugs + Viagra = sudden drop in blood pressure
* Protease inhibiting drugs + Viagra = prolonged effects from Viagra
* (There may be other drugs that affect the way Viagra works in the body or that are affected by Viagra. Ask your pharmacist before combining drugs.)
• Discuss other medical conditions with your doctor before taking Viagra. Viagra may put you at risk if you have any of the following:
Heart disease
* High or low blood pressure
* Stroke
* HIV
* Penis defects
* Eye Disease
* Blood flow problems
* Problems losing an erection once you have one
* Kidney disease
* Liver disease

All drugs have side effects that effect some of the people some of the time. To reduce the chance of negative side effects, take Viagra only as intended.

Side effects of Viagra

Common
• Flushing
• Headache
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nasal congestion

Occasional
• Abnormal vision including blurred vision, seeing shades of colors differently than before, or sensitivity to light
• Urinary tract infection
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Rash

Extraordinary
• Redness, burning, or swelling of the eye
• Decreased or double vision or other changes in vision
• Bleeding of the eye
• Seizures
• Prolonged, painful, or inappropriate erection
• Anxiety

As with any medication there are benefits and risks involved when using Viagra. It is important to be informed and if in doubt, consult a physician. There may be times when counseling or life style changes will bring more lasting and fulfilling results. There are times when using Viagra may endanger your health. Be informed and choose wisely.

Susan Derry
Professional Counselor & Life Coach

Co-Author of Reversing Erectile Dysfunction, an ebook that helps you reclaim your sex life without drugs.

Co-author of Intimate Sex: Manual for Lovemaking, a sex manual for couples

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