If you have erectile dysfunction, you may be prescribed Viagra. But what if the medication doesn't work? Let's look at what Viagra is, why it may or may not work, and what to do if it doesn't improve your erections.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is a well-known drug taken by men suffering from erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, which is a PDE5 inhibitor.
Viagra works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which relaxes smooth muscles and increases blood flow to the penis. This increases blood flow and makes it easier to get and maintain an erection.
As a result, sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors address blood flow issues that can result in erectile dysfunction.
Viagra May Not Be Effective for Everyone
While the majority of men who take Viagra experience improved erections, some men find that the drug does not have any effect on their erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, it can be due to Viagra may not be the right medication for some men. In other cases, another underlying condition may be interfering with the drug's effectiveness.
For example, if you have low testosterone or low androgen receptors density, you may also have a low sex drive, which can make achieving an erection difficult. If this is the case, you may require both testosterone therapy and medications to treat erectile dysfunction. There is a common misconception that taking sildenafil always results in an erection, but this is not the case. You must be in a good mood and be stimulated, whether physically, mentally, or visually. So, before you try Viagra, make sure you're aroused.
Diabetes-related nerve damage can also interfere with your erection response. Diabetic nerve damage is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves. This type of damage can affect any nerve in your body, but the nerves in your penis are especially vulnerable.
Clogged arteries could be a possible reason for Viagra's failure to work, which the condition can prevent sildenafil from increasing blood flow.
Another possible reason Viagra does not work for everyone has to do with anxiety and emotional health. This can make it difficult to get sexually excited from a neurotransmitter perspective.
When Viagra Doesn't Work: What's Next?
If you've tried Viagra more than five times and it hasn't worked, it's possible that it's not the right treatment for you. It could mean that the problem isn't vascular, in which case increasing blood flow won't help.
If Viagra isn't working for you, talk to your doctor about other options. Other medications may be more effective for you. It's also possible that you have an underlying health condition that's causing your erectile dysfunction, in which case you'll need to be evaluated further.
Make Lifestyle Modifications A Top Priority
In addition to medical interventions, it is critical to address lifestyle factors that contribute to ED. Some common factors that can lead to blood circulation problems include:
Absence of activity
Cigarette smoking habits
Alcohol consumption
Stress
The good news is that some of the most effective treatments for ED symptoms are nonprescription. Consider the following changes to help improve your overall health and ED symptoms such as circulation:
Stop smoking.
Reduce your daily stress.
Control your weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Exercise and physical activity should be done on a daily basis.
Reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption.
Is Viagra Not Helping You? Don't be Disheartened.
If Viagra isn't working for you, don't give up hope! There are many possible reasons why it might not be effective, and fortunately, there are also many potential solutions. Talk to your doctor about what might be going on and explore all of your options. With a little bit of trial and error, you're sure to find a treatment that works for you.
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