The primary effect of Viagra is to improve erectile function in men who have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. This improvement is achieved through the action of its active ingredient, sildenafil citrate.
When a man is sexually aroused, Viagra helps to increase blood flow to the penis by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels in the penis. This increased blood flow facilitates the engorgement of the penis with blood, leading to an erection.
It’s important to note that Viagra doesn’t cause spontaneous erections; sexual stimulation is still required for it to be effective. Additionally, Viagra’s effects typically last for about four hours after taking the medication, during which time a man may find it easier to achieve and sustain an erection when sexually aroused.
Aside from its primary effect on erectile function, Viagra has also been used off-label to treat other conditions, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, which reduces the workload on the heart.
As with any medication, Viagra may have potential side effects and interactions with other drugs, so it’s crucial to use it only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
