Buying Viagra Online And Is It Effective?
Viagra, the brand name for the drug Sildenafil, was the first oral treatment developed to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra was launched by Pfizer in 1998, and since then the medication has completely revolutionised the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
The definition of erectile dysfunction and it causes.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to obtain and maintain an erection to allow the satisfactory sexual activity.
The primary cause of erectile dysfunction can be used in its classification, either primary organic, primary psychogenic or mixed. There is usually a combination of causes that lead to erectile problems.
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction, in which there is a decrease of blood flow to the penis, include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, injury, or surgery.
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include anxiety, depression, relationship problems and tiredness.
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The problem of erectile dysfunction and associated complications.
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a massive problem worldwide. Predictions show that the incidence is increasing each year. It is estimated by the year 2025 322 million men around the world will suffer from the problem. The incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with increasing age. This is due to age-related changes, chronic disease, and comorbid conditions. However, the condition can affect men of any age. It has been shown that erectile dysfunction is becoming an increasing problem in men under 40.
Effective treatment of erectile dysfunction is important to help prevent some of the complications that can occur because of erection problems. Erection dysfunction can impact the sufferer physically, emotionally, and psychosocially.
Physically erectile dysfunction can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Emotionally and psychosocially erectile dysfunction can cause complications including anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, and problems in relationships. A study showed that 62% of men with erectile dysfunction said their self-esteem had declined, 29% of men said erectile dysfunction had a negative impact on their relationship and 21% said their relationship had ended because of erectile dysfunction.
It is important for men suffering from erectile problems to be aware of treatment options for them and how to best access these effective treatment options, including treatment with Viagra. Effective treatment of erectile dysfunction can have positive benefits on a man’s physical and mental health.
Viagra and the other phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor drugs are a first-line treatment (so long as not contraindicated) for erectile dysfunction of any suspected cause. It is important that risk factor and lifestyle changes accompany treatment with medication for erectile dysfunction. This is especially important in men with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension where positive lifestyle changes can have major clinical benefits.
How effective is Viagra?
Viagra has been taken by millions of men since its launch in 1998. Well over 64 million men have now take the drug worldwide. These huge numbers of men using Viagra use around the globe mean that the long-term safety and effectiveness of Viagra can be assessed.
The European Association of Urology conducted a recent study in 2017 of erectile dysfunction which included the use of PDE-5 inhibitors in its treatment. The European Association of Urology collated all the most up to date and relevant data. This was appraised, and their findings included the following: –
PDE5 inhibitors (including Viagra) are effective. They have shown to be effective in nearly every population of men with erectile dysfunction including difficult to treat groups, such as men with diabetes mellitus.
PDE5 inhibitors are well tolerated. Side-effects are generally of a mild nature and self-limiting.
Relatively safe. Studies in animals have shown the benefit of long-term PDE5 inhibitor use on an intracavernous structure. The long-term use of PDE5 inhibitors can improve or prevent structural changes due to age, diabetes, or surgical damage.
Data from NHS Digital showed that the number of prescriptions issued for Viagra in the UK has nearly tripled in a decade. Figures showed prescription items for Viagra shot up to 2,958,199 in 2016 compared with 1,042,431 in 2006. Along with an increase in awareness of Viagra this rise in Viagra prescriptions could be due to the reduced stigma associated with erectile dysfunction. Men may now feel much more comfortable in asking their Doctor for help with erection problems.
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra)
Viagra is part of the drug family phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Viagra, or generic name Sildenafil, was the first drug in this group to be launched in 1998 by Pfizer. Since then other drug companies have launched different PDE5 inhibitors.
In 2002 Eli Lilly launched Tadalafil followed by Vardenafil by Bayer in 2003, finally Avanafil by Vivus in 2012. In 2013 the UK patent of Viagra expired. This meant that drug manufacturers could start producing a generic version of the drug.
PDE5 inhibitors all share the same mechanism of action. PDE5 inhibitors are drugs that selectively target and inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5. The action of this enzyme inhibition causes an increase in the concentration of cGMP in the penis tissue. Increased penile cGMP levels cause smooth muscle to relax due to the action of nitric oxide and with that increased arterial blood flow. During sexual stimulation, there is increased blood flow to the penis which allows an erection to occur.
Although the PDE5 inhibitors have the same mechanism of action and are all effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction there are differences in the speed of their onset of action and the duration of action, which is determined by their half-life.
Can I buy Viagra online?
Yes, it is possible to buy Viagra online. Men wishing to buy Viagra must always ensure they buy from a regulated website.
Buying Viagra from a UK registered online pharmacy with a GMC registered Doctor can be a very convenient and accessible way of a man having a consultation with a Doctor about his erectile problems and obtaining the medication if it is appropriate for him. After completing a confidential online health questionnaire, if the treatment is suitable, the online Doctor will prescribe Viagra or Sildenafil. This prescription can then be dispensed from the online pharmacy and posted out.
However, buying Viagra online from an unregulated site can be very risky and should be avoided. There is no guarantee with unregulated sites that the Viagra being sold is not fake.
There is an increasingly dangerous problem of counterfeit drugs being sold on the internet. Millions of fake PDE5 inhibitors are seized each year. Fake Viagra tablets can pose a host of health risks. These risks range from incorrect labelling of tablet strength, the range of active ingredient in the tablets ranging from none to double the labelled strength, to the counterfeit medication containing harmful contaminants. Talcum powder, commercial paint and printer ink has been found in fake medication for erectile dysfunction.
Using a trusted UK regulated online pharmacy with a GMC registered Doctor means men can avoid these dangerous health risks.
How can I find a reputable online supplier of Viagra?
When buying Viagra online always check that the website is reputable. Always ensure the Doctor is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Viagra supplied is dispensed from a pharmacy registered in the UK.
Any further questions about erectile dysfunction or taking Viagra?
This article has discussed the problem of erectile dysfunction and information regarding Viagra or Sildenafil as a possible treatment option. If you have any further questions or concerns our Doctor and Pharmacist are available to answer these either via email or telephone.
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References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387281/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/male-sexual-problems/
- https://cks.nice.org.uk/erectile-dysfunction#!backgroundsub:3
- https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/viagra-little-blue-pill-1043#
- https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/infographics/three-decades-of-viagra/20202847.article?firstPass=false
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3069491/
- https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/news/viagra-prescriptions-almost-triple-in-a-decade/20203430.article
Mens Pharmacy is not liable for the currency or accuracy of the information contained in this blog post. For specific information about your personal medical condition, please contact our doctors or pharmacists for advice on [email protected].