Sildenafil, or generic Viagra, is a popular medicine for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Is Sildenafil a Performance Enhancing Drug?
It is among the first medicines to get FDA approval for treating ED.
ED is an inability in men and assigned males at birth (AMAB) to get or hold erections.
But Sildenafil is often taken off-label by people with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
Similarly, Sildenafil may have other uses but is not medically approved for them.
One such benefit might be its use as an enhancement drug.
In this article, we will outline if Sildenafil is effective as an enhancement drug.
Also, we will discuss the pros and cons of taking Sildenafil for other uses.
Table of Contents
Is Sildenafil a performance enhancing drug?
No.
Sildenafil is a popular ED medicine that may increase blood flow.
According to a BMJ journal study, Sildenafil is not known to enhance one’s performance.
Sildenafil can help you get an erection but does not increase your time in bed.
It means that Sildenafil won’t help if you have problems ejaculating early.
FDA approves Sildenafil only for treating ED and PAH.
It does not recommend Sildenafil for other uses, including Premature Ejaculation.
Sildenafil is available as Viagra for ED in men or AMAB.
Whereas Revatio is the brand name of Sildenafil for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
What is Sildenafil?
Source: Getty-imagesSildenafil is the active ingredient in the brand and generic Viagra.
Sildenafil belongs to the class of drugs called Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
According to Drugs.com, Sildenafil was first made to treat people with heart problems like high blood pressure and Angina.
Later, scientists found that Sildenafil helped people get better erections.
It led to the introduction of Viagra for treating ED in 1998.
Viagra is the first-line treatment for ED in men and AMAB.
Later in 2005, the FDA approved Sildenafil for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
It is marketed as the brand Revatio to treat people with PAH.
This is how Sildenafil was put to use for ED and PAH.
How does Sildenafil work?
Sildenafil belongs to a class of Phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors.
It acts by blocking the working of the PDE5 enzyme in the penis.
This enzyme controls the penile blood flow, making it difficult to get an erection.
Now let’s discuss if this action can help enhance one’s physical performance.
According to Medline Plus Sildenafil’s action widens blood vessels in the arteries.
It helps in increasing blood flow through the heart.
This action works even at places higher than sea level.
At higher altitudes, the oxygen content in the air reduces.
It is why your lungs cannot breathe enough oxygen.
Sildenafil dilates the blood vessels in the heart, boosting blood flow through them.
Higher blood flow enables more oxygen to pass through your lungs.
This action improves oxygen supply throughout one’s body.
A study indicates that improved blood flow allows a person to become physically active.
This is how Sildenafil promotes overall physical activeness, not specifically of the penis.
Despite Sildenafil’s ability to provide such amazing results, remember it is a prescription medicine.
Hence, do not take Sildenafil without first consulting a doctor.
Who can take Sildenafil safely?
Source: studioromanOne needs to consider some caution before taking Sildenafil.
Here is what you should keep in mind:
You can take Sildenafil if you fulfill all the conditions mentioned below:
- A man or an AMAB
- Experience erection problems
- Discussed your symptoms with a doctor
- Disclosed your medical history to the doctor
- The doctor prescribed Sildenafil for your ED
It is essential to follow these safety precautions.
If you skip these cautions, taking Sildenafil may be unsafe.
Always buy medicines from reliable pharmacies like Cheap Medicine Shop.
Risks of taking Sildenafil off-label
The FDA only approves Sildenafil for treating ED and BPH in men or AMAB.
Sometimes the doctor may prescribe it off-label for other purposes.
These include Hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
According to WebMD, your doctor may also recommend Sildenafil for BPH.
But taking Sildenafil for other purposes is not entirely safe.
Most medicines have some side effects, and Sildenafil is no different.
Sildenafil may have common to rare side effects, including:
If your condition worsens, seek medical help.
Key Takeaways
Sildenafil is an FDA-approved medication for treating ED.
It helps to boost blood flow throughout one’s body.
For the same reason, it can offer several ofter benefits.
Although not backed medically, one may use it to enhance physical performance.
But as with most medicines, Sildenafil may have some side effects.
Consult your doctor about how to use it for the best results.
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are medicines that regulate the action of the PDE5 enzyme in the penis.
