You can do a Google search for Viagra jokes and turn up over 30,000 webpages. But as most men (and women) know, erectile dysfunction (sometimes called ED or impotence) is no joke. Every guy has had a time where he cannot have or sustain an erection. The flu, exhaustion, a long bout of sex with no breaks, even other worries (work, finances, even sexual performance anxieties) can affect erectile abilities.

For some men, though, ED can become a recurring problem. Diabetes, high blood pressure, or clogged arteries can reduce blood flow to the penis. ED can also be caused by physical blockages (like prostate enlargement), hormonal imbalance, or medications (like antidepressants). For about 20% of men with ED, psychological issues may be contributing to the problem.

Its important to realize that many of these causes have nothing to do with age! If you are experiencing problems with ED, it doesnt mean youre getting old think of it as your body signaling for a change!

Fitting Viagra Into the Picture

For many of the causes of ED, managing the underlying illness or problem will be enough to improve sexual function. In some cases, however, Viagra can help with sexual activity.

Viagra works on some of the muscles in your penis that help control the blood flow (when were teens, the control over these muscles isnt always perfect which is why erections would sometimes pop up at inconvenient moments). Viagra encourages these muscles to let more blood flow into the penis when the time is right. The effect can last up to four hours, so taking Viagra the day that you would like to have sex will ensure that it can work effectively for you. Dont worry that it will cause you to have an erection before you are ready for one it works in conjunction with sexual stimulation.

Viagra Does Not Increase Sex Drive

While Viagra assists with developing with erections, it is not an aphrodisiac. In other words, it helps with the mechanics but not sex drive. If you dont feel like having sex, the drug isnt going to change your mind! Many men, however, do find that as they feel more confident about their ability to gain and maintain an erection they feel happier about being physically intimate. Viagra can also have side effects; many are mild (indigestion and flushing) but a few are serious, so make sure your doctor gives you a list of things to look out for!

Mix and Match Safely

Because Viagra is a very potent drug, your physician will ask you lots of questions before pulling out his prescription pad. Because Viagra affects your blood flow, if you have significant heart problems, history of stroke, or untreated diabetes or high blood pressure, Viagra may not be the best match for your other health needs.

Many drugs that affect your heart and circulation can interact in very harmful ways with Viagra, so make sure to take a list of all the drugs youre taking with you when you visit the doctor. Lastly, if you use recreational drugs, do yourself a favor and speak frankly with your doctor hell keep it confidential because some of these drugs (including poppers or amyl nitrate) can be a fatal mix with Viagra.

Are you ready?

If youve been experiencing ED youre ready to take the next step see your doctor to find out if Viagra is right for you!