In Perspective: Facts About Viagra

With more than 3 million prescriptions written since its approval by the FDA in late March, Viagra is making countless headlines in the media, and has become the topic of conversations and the butt of many jokes. While rumors about the drug abound, it is important to keep in mind the actual FACTS about Viagra, and what it can and cannot do for men suffering from impotence.

Dr. Roger Riechers, Urologist at MKMG, said that, since the drug was approved, his office has been swamped with patients seeking treatment with Viagra.

"The medical community has been pleasantly surprised by Viagra," Dr. Riechers said. "I think the drug has been very well researched. For most men, Viagra can be a completely safe and effective form of treatment."

What It Is; What It Does

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription-only, oral treatment for impotence available in various dosages. It works by increasing and sustaining blood flow to the penis, thereby enhancing the body's ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra does not "create" sexual desire; it simply increases a man's capacity for sexual performance.

Viagra runs about $10/pill, and, as yet, is not covered by health insurance or prescription plans. Viagra should be taken about an hour before sexual intercourse to maintain erection, and its effects can last up to four hours.

"It's very important to take Viagra only under medical supervision, within a prescribed dosage range," Dr. Riechers said.

Side Effects & Precautions

Side effects of Viagra are mild, and may include headaches, flushing, upset stomach, stuffy nose and mild and temporary visual changes.

Men who take nitrate medications, such as those for coronary insufficiency or angina, may not take Viagra due to the risk of significantly reduced blood pressure. The greatest risk for these men is the increased physical activity that newly resumed sexual activity can bring.

"These men can precipitate a heart attack with very small amounts of physical exertion, such as climbing a flight of stairs," said Dr. Riechers. "If they take Viagra and resume sexual activity, they are greatly increasing their risk of a heart attack."

Men with medical conditions that cause sustained erection (i.e., sickle cell anemia, leukemia, myeloma) or those with abnormally shaped penises should also not take the drug.

Effectiveness

Viagra can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction due to physical and emotional factors. However, because the drug is so new, little has been proven about exactly who can count on results, how often, and for how long. Dr. Riechers said that his experience with Viagra supports the drug's stated effectiveness: about 70%.

"Viagra has also been effective for some of my patients whose impotence stems from emotional causes, such as performance anxiety," Dr. Riechers added.

For some men, arousal and erection will occur, however orgasm and ejaculation may not; for others, erection will not be sufficient for intercourse. The highest failure rates occur with men who have had radical prostate surgery and those with long-term, insulin-dependent diabetes.

As yet, there are no conclusions as to the safety or effectiveness of Viagra when used in combination with other treatments for impotence.

Other Alternatives

For men whose impotence is caused by the underlying problem can be more effective.

For example, a man suffering from low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction may not be producing enough testosterone -- something a simple blood test and hormone treatment may cure.

Meanwhile, other companies are also working to develop drugs for impotence. One similar drug, Vasomax (phentolamine), went up for approval by the Food & Drug Administration in July and is already licensed and sold in Mexico.

For more information on erectile dysfunction, Viagra, and other treatments for impotence, contact your MKMG physician.