“Viagra”: how does this pill work and is it worth taking?

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In fact, “Viagra” is the trade name of the original drug, and the drug itself is called sildenafil. We tell you everything you need to know about it.

Is the drug effective?

Yes, but not always and not for everyone: in clinical trials, it improved erections in 71% of men compared to 18% in the placebo group.

How does this drug work?

Sildenafil relaxes muscles, blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis. This maintains an erection. The drug does not treat the cause of dysfunction itself, it simply helps to cope with the consequences.

And yes, it does not increase sexual desire. If you are not attracted to your partner, the drug will not work.

Is it safe?

Yes, if you follow the instructions and consult a doctor beforehand. The drug is full of non-obvious contraindications: for example, Viagra should not be taken by men who start to suffocate when climbing stairs.

And an overdose can cause blindness, heart attack and painfully prolonged erections, which sometimes lead to the development of gangrene with subsequent amputation of the penis.

What are its side effects?

Here are the most common:

• headache (15.8%);
• sudden redness of the face and neck (10.5%);
• lack of smell (5.5%) and redness of the nasal cavity (4.2%).

Dizziness, heartburn, indigestion and pain during urination are also common. But all these symptoms are usually mild and go away quickly.

Stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects: chest pain, sudden vision loss, difficulty breathing, wheezing, facial swelling, seizures, or loss of consciousness.