Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a familiar sexual problem in the US.
ED is the inability to get or hold an erection in men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB).
Viagra and similar ED medicines are the first lines of treatment for ED.
But taking Viagra without having Erectile Dysfunction may be risky.
This article will discuss whether you can take Viagra without having ED.
We’ll also talk about the risks of Viagra and who can take it safely.
Table of Contents
What is Viagra used for
Source: Alexander's-imageViagra treats Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men or Assigned Men at Birth (AMAB).
In 1998, Viagra was the first ED medicine to receive FDA approval.
A person with ED has trouble getting or keeping an erection on a regular basis.
Viagra contains Sildenafil Citrate as its active ingredient.
Sildenafil belongs to the drug class known as Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
It regulates the action of the PDE5 enzyme in the penis.
This enzyme softens the penile muscles, which makes it hard to get an erection.
By regulating this action of PDE5, Viagra promotes blood flow to the penis.
A better blood flow in the penis makes it easier to get an erection.
Can you take Viagra without having ED
No. You should not use Viagra if you don’t have ED.
Taking any medicine when your body doesn’t need it can be risky.
Like other drugs, taking Viagra when you don’t have ED can be unsafe.
According to an NCBI study, if you take Viagra when you don’t have ED, it might build up a tolerance in the body.
When you stop taking Viagra, this tolerance may actually induce ED symptoms.
It means that you might not be able to get an erection without Viagra.
Further, Sildenafil in Viagra may interact with other medicines you might be taking.
These interactions might be risky and cause several side effects.
To overcome them, you should not take Viagra without first consulting a doctor.
Risks of taking Viagra without Erectile Dysfunction
Source: Getty-imagesLike most medicines, Viagra may have some adverse effects.
Taking Viagra without Erectile Dysfunction increases your risk of getting side effects.
Depending on the cause, these side effects may range from common to rare.
- Body/ muscle pain
- Flushing
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Priapism
- Stuffy nose
Most of these side effects go away with time.
If the problem persists, seek medical help.
Sildenafil in Viagra may also interact with other prescription medicines you might be taking.
Taking Viagra without ED may increase the likeness of these interactions.
Viagra may have drug interactions with:
- ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril
- Angina meds like Metoprolol
- Anti-epileptics like Gabapentin
- Nitrates like Nitroglycerin
- Painkillers like Tylenol and Ibuprofen
- Other ED medicines like Cialis and Vardenafil (Levitra)
Avoid taking Viagra if you are on any of these medications.
If you still get side effects or your condition worsens, consult your doctor.
Why do men without ED use Viagra
Some men who don’t have ED still use Viagra.
There might be multiple reasons behind this.
Some may use it as a performance booster, while others for recreational use.
Common reasons why men without ED use Viagra include:
Improving sexual performance
Even if they don’t have ED, some men take Viagra to improve their sexual performance.
They may think Viagra can help them get and keep a firmer erection for longer.
Viagra might also apparently make their sexual experiences better.
Recreational uses
According to a study, some men might be taking Viagra for fun.
These individuals think it will make them more sexually satisfied.
They may also feel that Viagra helps them get an erection faster.
Dealing with performance anxiety
Some men may have performance anxiety or other psychological problems.
It makes it hard for them to get and keep an erection.
Such men might take Viagra to boost their confidence.
It is because they think Viagra helps them treat erection problems.
Who can safely take Viagra
One must ensure certain precautions before taking Viagra.
Before you take Viagra, remember:
- You should be an assigned male at birth (AMAB)
- You have ED symptoms frequently
- You talked to a doctor about it
- You told the doctor everything about your medical history
- Your doctor prescribed you Viagra to treat your ED symptoms
Even if someone is careful, they may still experience a few side effects.
You should see a doctor if you continue having side effects or your condition worsens.
Closure
Taking medicine for something you don’t have can be dangerous, and Viagra is no different.
Taking Viagra without Erectile Dysfunction can cause harm to your physical and sexual health.
You might have side effects like Priapism, which is when you have a prolonged, painful erection.
If you often have ED symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Taking Viagra or other ED medicines may be safe after your doctor prescribes them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Viagra for recreational use?
No. Taking Viagra without having Erectile Dysfunction is not recommended.
Like other medicines, taking Viagra without having ED can develop a tolerance.
This tolerance prevents you from getting erected when you don’t take Viagra.
This way, you end up with ED symptoms when not taking Viagra.
For what uses is Sildenafil taken off-label?
Your doctor may recommend taking Sildenafil for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Sildenafil is also used as a performance-enhancing drug by some individuals.
Occasionally, people without ED may take Sildenafil to enhance their sexual performance.
Why should I not take Viagra without having ED?
Taking Viagra without Erectile Dysfunction may experience trouble with erection.
When you take a medicine that isn’t needed by the body, you develop tolerance.
This tolerance may induce ED symptoms when you stop taking Viagra.
