“I have been taking Sildenafil for several years. Lately, I feel like my condition is getting worse, and I don’t know what to do.”
40-year-old Mr. Zhao has been experiencing a decline in his sexual function recently. Moreover, during intimate moments with his wife, she is unable to reach climax, which greatly troubles him. He has tried many treatment methods, even consulted doctors, but the results have not been satisfactory.
To improve his sexual function, Mr. Zhao searched for information online and after learning about Sildenafil, purchased a box for consumption. The day after taking Sildenafil, he felt a noticeable improvement in his sexual performance.
However, after long-term use, Mr. Zhao found that he still encountered issues in his marital life, and his relationship with his wife also became less harmonious. This caused him great distress, leading him to even doubt the effectiveness of Sildenafil.
Today, let’s talk about what Sildenafil is, what should be noted when taking Sildenafil, and what are the common side effects of Sildenafil.
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a first-line drug for treating ED. Developed in the early 1990s, Sildenafil was later put into clinical use. It belongs to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), which improve endothelial function by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, thereby promoting vasodilation.
Clinical studies have shown that taking Sildenafil can effectively reduce the incidence of male impotence and also help improve sexual function to a certain extent. Moreover, due to its stronger selectivity, Sildenafil does not have an impact on the heart and brain. It can be widely used in clinical practice.
What are the side effects of taking Sildenafil?
The effectiveness of taking Sildenafil varies for different individuals. Many people are unfamiliar with Sildenafil and think it is not useful for them, but there are specific considerations when taking Sildenafil.
Sildenafil is actually a medication for treating male sexual dysfunction, and it has good therapeutic effects for people of different age groups. However, if not taken properly, it may cause adverse reactions.
1. Headache: This is the most common side effect, as some patients may experience headaches after taking Sildenafil.
2. Rash: A small number of patients may experience symptoms such as redness and itching of the skin after taking Sildenafil, which is a common side effect.
3. Dry mouth and tongue pain: Some patients may experience symptoms of dry mouth and tongue pain after taking Sildenafil, as the medication may irritate the oral mucosa, leading to dry mouth and tongue pain.
4. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Some patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort after taking Sildenafil, such as bloating.
Is it not advisable to take Sildenafil for an extended period?
Sildenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor used to treat male erectile dysfunction. However, as PDE-5 inhibitors have certain side effects, many people are reluctant to take them for an extended period. So, is it really not recommended to take Sildenafil for an extended period?
Actually, it can be done, but it is important to note that when using Sildenafil to treat male erectile dysfunction, it should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, and the duration of intake is generally 4 to 6 hours. Taking it for too long could result in the loss of efficacy and hinder the treatment of the condition.
In addition to paying attention to the duration of intake, there are other considerations when using Sildenafil. Firstly, Sildenafil is a prescription medication, and patients should take it under the guidance of a doctor at a hospital. Secondly, Sildenafil is only suitable for treating male erectile dysfunction and not for female sexual dysfunction.
Lastly, Sildenafil is not suitable for everyone, especially those with heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney insufficiency, etc., should not take Sildenafil.
How to use Sildenafil correctly?
The main component of Sildenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor, which not only dilates blood vessels but also inhibits the production of prostaglandin, thereby restraining the contraction of penile smooth muscles to ultimately improve erectile function. However, there are many aspects to consider when using Sildenafil to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
Sildenafil should not be taken simultaneously with nitrates. Since Sildenafil itself is a PDE-5 inhibitor, taking it with nitrates may lead to excessive drug concentration, affecting its efficacy.
This is because nitrates, while dilating blood vessels, also expand vessels outside the heart, so taking both drugs together can cause the blood vessels outside the heart to contract, affecting normal blood supply. In severe cases, it could even lead to myocardial ischemia or angina.
Furthermore, Sildenafil is metabolized by the liver once it enters the body. Taking multiple medications simultaneously can burden the liver. Additionally, the metabolites of Sildenafil need to be excreted through the kidneys, which can also burden the kidneys, leading to renal impairment. Therefore, when using Sildenafil, it is crucial to strictly follow the doctor’s guidance.
