Can Viagra Cure Low Libido?
The introduction of Viagra by Pfizer as a cure for sexual dysfunction in men created quite a stir in the world. Considered to be 'the drug' for treating erectile dysfunction, it was soon followed by the launch of similar drugs by other competitors. But is Viagra a cure-all for all sexual problems in men, including low libido?
What Happens When You Take Viagra?
The key ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate. When men take this drug, they often expect to instantly feel something. However, the truth that most men realize on taking this drug is that nothing actually happens. You don't feel any out-of-this-world sensations, you just feel nothing.
Although you may not feel anything, there are things happening inside your body. Sildenafil citrate, which was first developed as a treatment for cardiac problems, begins to move into the bloodstream and blocks an enzyme called PDE-5. The penis, the nose and the skin are the areas where this enzyme is highly concentrated. Low blood flow to the penis is the usual cause of erectile dysfunction and this enzyme controls the flow of blood to the penis.
When the activity of this enzyme is blocked, there is an increase in the blood flow to the penis, thus helping men reach and maintain erections in a much better manner.
Does Viagra Work for Everyone and for Every Sexual Dysfunction in Men?
Studies have reported that the drug does not work for everyone. Doctors report that about 50% of the men dropout because they do not get the results they expected. It works best for men who suffer from a cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or have had their prostrate removed.
For many others, the drug just does not work. This usually means that men either give up on the drug too soon or are suffering from interpersonal problems. Another category of men who don't usually benefit from this drug are men with low libido.
Is There a Relation Between Low Libido and Erectile Dysfunction?
Men with erectile dysfunction may have a normal sex drive. They are just either not able to get an erection or they are not able to maintain it long enough to complete the sexual activity.
However, not able to reach or maintain erections can have a negative impact on the man's self-confidence. The fear that he will not be able to perform in bed or adequately satisfy his partner may turn him off sex. He may just lose interest in sex and avoid any activity or conversation that may lead to sexual activity. So, erectile dysfunction may cause low sex drive in men.
Men with low sex drive are usually able to have normal erections and even maintain it for a long enough time till the completion of sexual intercourse. They are just not interested in sex. Performance anxiety could be a reason behind their low sex drive but they usually do not suffer from erectile dysfunction.
They may be too stressed out, be depressed, have side effects of antidepressants and hypertension drugs, be suffering from cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, may have low levels of the sex hormones, or may have relationship problems with their spouse. But may not be suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Does Viagra Work for Low Libido?
No, it does not cure low libido in men. Viagra is a drug for erectile dysfunction and low libido is not just that. It is a complex problem that often requires a different treatment. In fact, it often needs a combination of treatments.
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, which is responsible for your lack of interest in sex, you may benefit for Viagra. However, if you are able to have normal sexual activities, but just don't want to, it will probably do nothing for you.
It is often argued that since the drug increases blood flow to the genital organs, it increases sensitivity in the area and a man with low libido may be more inclined to have sex. This may be true to some extent, but if a man does not feel like getting close to his partner because he is angry with her, he may still not want to have sex with her despite having increased sensitivity in the genital organs.
If Not Viagra for Low Libido, Then What?
The best way to treat low libido in men is to first find out the cause behind it. If you have an underlying medical condition, you may want to get it diagnosed and begin treatment. Heart diseases, diabetes and hypertension are major mood killers and if left untreated can just end your sex life as well as your relationship.
On the other hand, if you are suffering from chronic stress, anxiety or depression, you will not feel like having sex with your partner. You will need medications for anxiety and depression and you also need to take steps to control your stress. Simply taking a vacation or spending some quiet time relaxing and meditating could do wonders in managing these issues.
If you have low levels of testosterone, your doctor may prescribe testosterone therapy. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and plays a major role in increasing your sex drive.
Consulting a relationships or sex therapist, changing medications in case low sex drive is a side effect of medications, avoiding alcohol, street drugs, and smoking, and staying active are also some of the steps that will help improve your libido.
You can try a more integrated approach by taking daily supplements that will combat both the physical and psychological factors that hinder male libido. Such a product is the ProSolution Pills daily supplement that is designed to deal with deal with issues such as erection quality, stamina, and low libido.
The bottom line is that if you are thinking of taking Viagra for your low sex drive, you may not be pleased with the results. Get the right treatment for your problem and you will surely be happy with what you experience.