The way Viagra solves this poor sexual health problem is pretty ingenious.
To increase blood flow to the male organ you have three options:
1. Increase the amount of nitric oxide produced in the arterial blood vessels.
2. Increase the amount of cGMP produced in response to the nitric oxide.
3. Eliminate the PDE that converts cGMP back to GTP so that cGMP builds up. This causes the smooth muscles of the arterial blood vessels to properly relax and fill with blood.
Viagra uses option 3 to achieve an erection.
Why PDE?
Because there are 11 different kinds of PDE with only one type of PDE found in the male organ. That type is called PDE5.
Talk about creative design. All Pfizer had to do was find a chemical that would selectively block PDE5 and nothing else.
This chemical is sildenafil citrate. Here's how it works:
1. A male takes Viagra.
2. The sildenafil citrate is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body.
3. The sildenafil citrate attaches to the PDE5 enzyme in the male's organ to disable it.
4. The male is sexually aroused and the man's brain does its job. A signal is sent to the nerve cell in the male's organ which produces nitric oxide.
5. The nitric oxide turns on the cycle creating cGMP to relax the smooth muscles of the arterial blood vessels.
6. Since the PDE5 is disabled the cGMP doesn't break down but builds up allowing the arterial blood vessels to fully dilate.
7. The man achieves a full erection.
Great stuff when it works perfectly but there are a few minor problems.
Side Effects of Viagra!
Almost every drug made by man has side effects and Viagra is no exception. Viagra blocks PDE5 but can also affect PDE6 which is used by the cone cells in the retina. This can affect color vision. For some it changes the way they perceive green and blue colors. For others they see the world with a bluish tinge for several hours. Because of this pilots cannot take Viagra within 12 hours of a flight.
The other two main side effects are headaches and flushing. The blocking of the PDE5 can spill over to other areas of the body causing vasodilatation and increased pressure. This raises the risk for stroke and heart attack. Because of this Viagra is a prescription drug rather than an over-the-counter drug.
Additionally, you need to be careful not to combine Viagra with nitric oxide producing drugs like nitrates. Always consult a qualified physician before taking any product like Viagra for poor sexual health issues.
Next post will include details of a safe alternative to Viagra.
About the Author
Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology. He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years. His website www.Aging-No-More.com provides current information on how to slow down the aging process. Labels: anti-aging, health |
