Few medications have received as much attention and praise as Viagra™, partly due to massive and expensive marketing campaigns by the pharmaceutical companies. Everybody knows, Viagra™ works. But at what cost to your health? Like with all chemical drugs, there are risks and side effects in Viagra™.

Viagra™ has potential side effects that every man should be aware of when considering using this drug. Viagra™ side effects range from mild to moderate. They usually last a few minutes to a few hours after dosage. The most common side effects are:

Viagra™ side effects will occur more often as the dosage increases. The most serious reported side effect is blue tinted vision. Viagra™ can block the breakdown of cyclic GMP in the cone cells of the retina leading to perception of blue. Viagra™ can also cause dilation of blood vessels in other body parts, causing fainting and headaches.

Rare instances of prolonged erection have been reported but this phenomena is indeed rare. Prolonged erection can be painful, and even lead to blood clotting in the vital area, harming the erectile system. Should it occur, medical attention should be sought if an erection persists for more than four hours.

Nobody knows the long-term effects of large doses of Viagra™. Although it is a relatively safe drug, there is a possibility that users will become psychologically dependent on it, unable to achieve an erection without Viagra™.

Many are turning to alternative and safer, natural herbs that also demonstrate aphrodisiac properties and work without side effects. These Viagra™ alternatives are not medications, but herbal supplements, that offer a more natural and mild approach toward positive sexual health.

Stamitrol-A Natural Alternative to Viagra

How does Viagra™ Work?

When a man is sexually excited, the penis will fill with enough blood to cause an erection. Viagra™ works by increasing blood flow to the penis, as well as causing penile muscles to relax. It does not, however, initiate an erection. This is a common misconception that has led to widespread disappointment.

Scientists have found that in men suffering from erectile dysfunction, an enzyme constricts blood flow to the penis. This enzyme is called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Viagra™ stores blood flow in an already-stimulated penis by inhibiting the action of this enzyme.

By inhibiting PDE5, smooth muscle in the penis remains relaxed for a longer period. This allows for increased blood flow into the cavernous tissue of the penis thereby generating an erection. Sexual stimulation is still required to get an erection, but often times, less than would be normally required.

For Viagra™ to be effective, one must be able to initiate a partial erection in response to sexual stimulation. In the absence of this partial erection, or without sexual, tactile stimulation, Viagra™ will not work. Also Viagra™ can only be effective if the erectile dysfunction is due to neurological factors rather than emotional or psychological factors. If a man who doesn't have circulation problem uses Viagra™, it will not increase his response. In other words, Viagra™ is not an aphrodisiac which might increase sexual response, although it is an enhancer of circulation and that's why it's effective.

Viagra™ works best when taken at a dosage of 100mg, approximately one hour before sex on an empty stomach and is effective for about 4 hours. Studies show that it may take six to eight tries before it works optimally, as it may require time to overcome performance anxiety.

Viagra™ is an effective medication in restoring erectile ability, but it does not care about other aspects of sexual health. Viagra™ only gives erections for a limited time, not without risks and side effects. It does not treat the actual cause of erectile dysfunction.

People, who prefer non-drug alternatives, should reflect on what they can do for their sexual health to never need Viagra™, or consider natural Viagra™ alternatives to achieve a mild approach toward positive sexual health.