The mechanism of Viagra action: nitric oxide and cGMP

Viagra's primary action involves the biochemical pathways in the body, particularly related to a substance known as nitric oxide. When the penis is stimulated, it releases nitric oxide. This chemical then undergoes a series of steps to be converted into another substance called cGMP. cGMP is essential for penile erections as it promotes smooth muscle relaxation in the penis, allowing more blood to flow into it.

Viagra's effect on smooth muscle relaxation and blood flow to the penis

Viagra's critical role is to inhibit the breakdown of cGMP, thereby enhancing its effects. By preserving cGMP levels, Viagra allows for extended smooth muscle relaxation, which results in increased blood flow to the penis. The increase in blood supply translates to harder and longer-lasting erections, as the erectile tissues in the penis fill up more completely with blood.

The role of Viagra in enhancing erection hardness

Research evidence indicates that Viagra can indeed increase erection hardness.

For instance, an increase in sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) dose from 50 mg to 100 mg has been associated with a higher proportion of completely hard and fully rigid erections.

Evidence from clinical trials: dosage impact (100mg and 25mg)

In clinical trials, Viagra has demonstrated efficacy in improving erectile hardness at different dosages. More than 82 percent of men with erectile dysfunction reported an improvement in their erections after using Viagra at a dosage of 100mg. Even at the lowest prescribed dosage of 25mg, Viagra produced improvements in erections for 63 percent of men with erectile dysfunction.

Efficacy of Viagra in men with erectile dysfunction

Given the clinical evidence, Viagra is now widely prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction. It helps improve the hardness and duration of erections, thereby enhancing sexual performance and satisfaction. However, it is important to note that Viagra does not affect the subjective feeling of sex.

Limitations of Viagra: Need for penile stimulation and unchanged orgasm or ejaculation time

While Viagra helps with blood flow to the penis and erection hardness, it does not cause erections without sexual stimulation. Men must still be sexually aroused to achieve an erection, even while taking Viagra. Furthermore, Viagra does not seem to affect the time to orgasm and ejaculation, indicating that it specifically targets the erection mechanism without influencing other aspects of sexual function.

Viagra's effectiveness on early or premature ejaculation

Regarding early or premature ejaculation, the effects of Viagra are less defined. It primarily focuses on erection hardness and doesn't directly address these conditions. However, by improving erection confidence, it could indirectly help men who may ejaculate prematurely due to anxiety over maintaining an erection.

Understanding the complete effect of Viagra on erection hardness

As for the question of whether Viagra can increase the size of the penis, the answer is no. While Viagra can help maintain a full erection, it doesn't permanently increase the penis's size. It works by promoting blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, allowing for a harder and more sustained erection, but it won't enhance physical attributes beyond this. In essence, Viagra is a tool to manage erectile dysfunction and improve erection hardness, but it does not substitute for natural arousal and sexual stimulation.