If you’ve had any difficulty in the bedroom getting or maintaining an erection, you’ve likely heard about, or possibly considered, popping a little blue pill. Young men from their 20s into their 70s and beyond, have been plagued with bedroom difficulties and it’s no surprise they’re turning to Viagra and Cialis for some extra assistance.

But before heading to the doctor for a prescription, it’s important to get the facts and consider a few things – what are the potential risks and is there a better way to address the root cause of the issue? Let’s start at the beginning…

 

How Do Prescription Drugs Work?

Prescription drugs can offer a quick fix to an underlying impotence issue, but why do they work? These pharmaceuticals increase nitric oxide in your blood which allow the blood vessels, especially in the penis, to widen and therefore increase blood flow. With more blood flow to the area, erections are more likely to occur and be sustained for a period of time. Once the drug is out of your system, the desired effects diminish.  In theory this sounds good, but when you examine the side effects of these short-term drugs, you may be alarmed by what you find.

The Truth About the Little Blue Pill

Sildenafil, also commercially known as Viagra, is the most popular pharmaceutical on the market for treating erectile dysfunction. When taken, the  typically activate within half an hour and can last up to 4 hours. While Sildenafil does to the penis allowing for erections hard enough for penetration, there are some long-term side effects of Viagra you should know about including:

  • Priapism or a long-lasting erection
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of vision
  • Back and muscle pain
  • Tingling or numbness in legs, feet, arms or hands
  • Light sensitivity
  • Headache
  • Flushes
  • Loss of hearing
  • Dizziness
  • Stomachache
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Back and muscle pain
  • Tingling or numbness in legs, feet, arms or hands
  • Light sensitivity

*Sources https://www.viagra.com/learning/what-are-possible-side-effects and https://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health/recreational-viagra-why-its-not-good-idea/

These Sildenafil side effects can be short- or long-term so it’s important to consider before making a decision and consulting your doctor.

Cialis Side Effects

Tadalafil, most commonly known as Cialis, works similarly to Viagra in that it increases nitric oxide helping men get and maintain an erection, and can actually last longer – up to 36 hours!

However, Cialis poses its own risk factors for men looking to optimize bedroom performance. The long-term side effects of Cialis include:

  • Headache
  • Back and muscle pain
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Stuffy nose
  • Flushing
  • Decline in vision
  • Hearing loss
  • Ear ringing
  • Rash or itching
  • Breathing issues

*Source https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-77881/cialis-oral/details

The side effects of Viagra and Cialis can absolutely compromise a man’s quality of life, arguably more so than the original erectile dysfunction issue, so it’s incredibly important to speak with your doctor before making decisions related to prescribing away your ED.

Who Should Avoid These Drugs?

All medications have groups that should be especially aware of the complications that can arise from their use and administration. People with certain medical conditions should steer clear of Sildenafil and Tadalafil altogether including those with things such as:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver problems or disease
  • Nitrate drugs
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Peyronie’s Disease
  • Leukemia

*Source