Viagra is a drug that is most commonly associated with use for erectile dysfunction; however, there may be other medical situations where Viagra could be prescribed. It has also been used to treat some cases of prostate cancer and pulmonary hypertension. There are numerous serious medical conditions, including heart problems and diabetes complications, that can contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you or a loved one is suddenly facing erectile dysfunction, it’s important to determine the underlying cause. In certain situations, some people may even qualify for free home healthcare services if they worked in any sort of Deparment of Energy capacity for the US government.
Overview of Erectile Dysfunction
According to the Mayo Clinic, the sexual arousal process for a male involves a mixture of the brain, emotions, hormones, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. A problem with any one of these can lead to erectile dysfunction, or ED, as can mental health concerns or added stress.
There is a myriad of health conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction, including:
- Sleep disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Multiple sclerosis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Alcoholism
- Enlarged prostate
- Surgeries
- High cholesterol
- Clogged blood vessels
- Heart disease
How Viagra Works to Help Erectile Dysfunction
Viagra helps men with erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to the penis, allowing it to get hard and keep an erection long enough for sex. While each person’s results will vary, the drug has been proven to help men with all levels of ED. It typically will start to work within 30 minutes to one hour.
A man’s penis will become hard when the nerves are stimulated. The corpus cavernosa, which are the muscles around the two cylinder-shaped compartments of spongy material, will relax and start allowing blood flow. This is what causes the erection.
For a man with erectile dysfunction, Viagra will relax the blood vessels, allowing more blood flow into the parts of the penis that create the erection.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Viagra Lasts
A number of factors can affect how long Viagra will last. Some of these include:
- Age — the older you are, the longer it may work
- Dosage — the amount you take will also alter how long it lasts
- Psychological — If you have anxiety, or feel stressed or depressed, it can influence how well it works
- Medications — Some medications can interact with Viagra, altering how long it will last
- Diet — Eating a huge meal or one in high-fats can cause Viagra to more slowly metabolize since it’s metabolized with your meal. Drinking alcohol can decrease Viagra’s effectiveness since it decreases blood flow
- Person’s overall health — Your underlying health issues can determine how long Viagra will last
Viagra only works if you are getting aroused. You won’t necessarily have an erection all the time. It’s important to speak with your health care provider if you don’t feel Viagra is working right for you. Getting the underlying health problems under control can also potentially improve a problem with ED so it’s important to seek regular medical care.
Get the Most Out of Your Benefits
At United Energy Workers Healthcare and Four Corners Health Care, our mission is to help qualified individuals receive the free home healthcare services they are entitled to. To find out more about the services we offer and who can qualify for DOL EEOICPA, contact us at 888-298-8126 today.