Viagra is a prescription medicine prescribed to men to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), helping some men achieve and sustain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Viagra may also be used off-label to treat conditions like heart problems or high blood pressure – this practice is known as off-label use.

Viagra doesn’t cause an erection directly. Instead, it relaxes blood vessels in your penis to cause an erection to form – usually within 30-60 minutes after taking. Viagra works for around 4 hours after initial dosage is taken – although this won’t guarantee a lasting erection unless sexual stimulation reoccurs later on.

Viagra often causes headaches, so it is essential to learn how to best manage this side effect so as to reap all its benefits. Some individuals find drinking plenty of water or fruit juice is helpful; caffeine or alcohol should also be avoided to achieve maximum effect.

Viagra may lower your blood pressure to harmfully low levels, particularly if you have heart disease or have experienced stroke, heart attack or other heart surgery within six months of starting Viagra therapy. Therefore it’s essential that if this applies to you speak to your healthcare provider immediately about potential risks and discuss possible treatment plans with them.

There has been limited research conducted on how Viagra affects female users. However, some studies have demonstrated that Viagra can increase arousal and climax for some women taking it.