Viagra, also known as Sildenafil, has been around for ages. It was first launched way back in 1998, so it’s been helping improve the sex lives of men for over 20 years!
However, despite this long history, there are plenty of misconceptions about what happens when you swallow that famous pill. This is likely because taking the drug can, understandably, be a very private experience. So there’s little conversation about its realities. Instead, we often expose ourselves to viagra through film, tv and other media, where it’s commonly used for comedic purposes, and that can build up false notions of Sildenafil’s effects.
Well, fear not – we’re armed with the truth here at Cornerstone HQ, and we’re about to bust some myths!
The spontaneous erection
This is perhaps the most common myth about Sildenafil. The idea that the moment you pop the pill, you’ll magically achieve an instant erection.
Au contraire! Unless you live inside a Hollywood film, where the rules of the universe don’t apply (Scary Movie 4 anyone?). The reality is that Sildenafil will merely improve the blood flow to your penis, so you’ll find it easier to get an erection once you’re aroused.
The never-ending erection thanks to Viagra
Related to the spontaneous erection is the notion that you’ll have an erection that lasts for hours. Again, this is not true – just as you’ll still achieve an erection in the same way, it will also fade after sex, just as it usually would.
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A heightened libido
Another rumour we’ve heard on the grapevine is that Viagra (Sildenafil) will improve your libido… Or that taking the pill will make you more likely to want to have sex.
This is another to file under ‘myths and legends’. The truth is that arousal is controlled by hormones, which Sildenafil does not affect. Instead, it will merely make it easier to get and maintain an erection. You still need to be sexually stimulated for it to work.
If you do have problems with your libido, Viagra is unlikely to provide any benefit, and it may be worth visiting your GP to pinpoint the problem.
The improved sexual performance with Viagra
This final one is unusual, as it is both a myth and right – stay with us!
So firstly, Sildenafil has no scientific benefit for premature ejaculation – it will only help with your erectile dysfunction. However, this, in turn, can help to improve your sex life. For example, if you have problems or anxieties around maintaining an erection, viagra can help you feel more in control and in turn, more confident with your sexual performance.
In fact, a study done in 2005 found that, although Viagra (Sildenafil) did not directly prevent premature ejaculation, it did improve confidence. Overall sexual satisfaction, and the time needed to achieve a second erection after ejaculation.
So, depending on your circumstances, you may find that sildenafil can improve your confidence around sex, and in turn, the level of enjoyment for both yourself and your partner.
Scott McDougall (MPharm) is a clinical pharmacist and in addition to being Cornerstone’s senior in-house pharmacist, is the co-founder of The Independent Pharmacy, one of the UK’s leading independent online pharmacies.