Viagra, whose scientific name is Sildenafil citrae, is a drug commonly used for treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is also used to treat pulmonary artery hypertension, abbreviated as PAH. For many years now, it has been the primary drug used to revert erectile dysfunction in men. It functions by inhibiting the enzyme which delays degradation of cGMP, whose function is to regulate the flow of blood in the penis. Viagra was first introduced to the market by Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company based in the United States. The medical uses of Viagra can be summarized as the diagnosis of:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Altitude sickness

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, simply referred to as ED, is a condition in which a man is incapable of developing an erection, sustaining an erection or having an erection hard enough for sexual penetration. It results when insufficient blood is flowing to the male genitalia. According to the conducted research, over half the men beyond forty years old suffer from different degrees of erectile dysfunction. ED is usually associated with negative social effects such as low self esteem, stress and strained relationships. This is one of the reasons why Viagra was developed, to help men find a way around this problem.

Other Benefits

The benefits of Viagra are not just limited to solving bedroom issues for men. With congestive heart failure being one reason for erectile dysfunction, many patients were coy about taking heart medication. The introduction of Viagra nearly a decade ago killed two birds with one stone, with the drug being safe for heart patients. Many heart patients are now more apt to taking their medication along with Viagra. In addition, Viagra lowers blood pressure and slows down heart rate, resulting in in improved production of the respiratory gases.

Precautions

To date, over 25 million men have benefited from this marvelous drug. However, as is the case with anything good, moderation is key. You should only take Viagra between an hour and half an hour prior to sexual activity, and not as daily medication. It should also never be taken more than once on the same day or by chest pain patients taking nitrates.