What is herbal Viagra?
Herbal Viagra is a group of products available without a prescription that purportedly enhance male sexual function. Some of these products contain vitamins, minerals and herbal compounds that may have physiologic effects similar to those of Viagra. Many of these products actually contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, or compounds that are chemically similar to sildenafil.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra is only available with a prescription and for good reason. Viagra is in a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors that work by dilating the blood vessels that carry blood to the penis when men are sexually stimulated. The vasodilation improves blood flow and serves as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Is herbal Viagra dangerous? Yes, herbal Viagra can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Even genuine Viagra can be dangerous if not prescribed carefully by an experienced clinician. Men should be aware that erectile dysfunction may be the first sign of a serious underlying medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes. If they are having sexual difficulties they need a thorough medical evaluation. They shouldn’t go out and try to self treat themselves with dangerous OTC products or borrow a friends Viagra. Erectile dysfunction is a serious medical problem that warrants a serious medical investigation before implementing any form of therapy.
Why is herbal Viagra so dangerous?
Keep in mind that genuine Viagra can be a dangerous drug and has significant risks even when prescribed by a medical professional. Herbal Viagra is far more dangerous for a multitude of reasons, first and foremost, it isn’t being prescribed by a doctor who understands sexual dysfunction and the complexities of prescribing any drug. If you need some more reasons, read on below.
- Herbal Viagra is not regulated by the FDA which means the ingredients listed on the bottle may be completely inaccurate. Manufacturers of herbal Viagra can list pixie dust as an ingredient if they like without any scrutiny by the FDA. The purity and dosage of the listed ingredients are also grossly inaccurate in many cases.
- Some of the “natural” herbal compounds used in male sexual enhancement products may have Viagra-like activity in the body which can put certain patients at risk and interact with other drugs or OTC products they are ingesting.
- Many herbal Viagra products actually contain the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, or similar compounds. In some cases, dosages that far exceed the recommended clinical strength of Viagra are contained in these products.
- Herbal and counterfeit Viagra products are often tainted with some pretty awful stuff including blue printer ink, amphetamines, dry wall compound and rat poison. I don’t know about you, but these are not things I want in my digestive tract.
What are some of the dangers of real Viagra?
Viagra is a drug that dilates blood vessels. If combined with other drugs that lower blood pressure it’s use could be fatal. Drugs used to treat prostate enlargement can also cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with Viagra. Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors are dangerous in men who have unstable cardiovascular disease. They should not be used in men who have had a heart attack or stroke in the past six months. Other cardiovascular conditions may also preclude it’s use. Viagra is contraindicated in men with certain disorders of the eye and can cause blindness as well as hearing loss in some men. Viagra dosing needs to be adjusted in men who have kidney or liver disease. Viagra type medications can affect the way other drugs work and lead to dangerous side effects. Certain HIV drugs and antifungal medications to name a few.
How can a patient obtain legitimate Viagra?
Viagra should only be obtained via prescription. Men should be directed to see a physician with experience prescribing Viagra. Over the counter “herbal Viagra” should be avoided altogether. Take your Viagra prescription to a legitimate pharmacy. Don’t buy your Viagra from an online pharmacy in China. If you insist on using an online pharmacy make sure it’s a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites® (VIPPS®)-accredited online pharmacy.
The Bottom Line
Men with erectile dysfunction should seek out a medical professional with expertise in diagnosing and treating male sexual dysfunction. Avoid over the counter herbal Viagra or any other product that claims to improve sexual function. They are simply unsafe. If your doctor prescribes Viagra ensure that you obtain it from a reputable source. Deviating from these simple recommendations can have serious consequences.