Viagra

Important disclaimer: This self‑check questionnaire is for educational purposes only. It does not diagnose any condition and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are unsure, have concerning symptoms, or take other medications, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Questionnaire

Use the checklist below to reflect on whether discussing Viagra (sildenafil) with a clinician might be appropriate. Answer honestly based on your recent experience.

• Have you experienced ongoing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity?
• Have these difficulties persisted for at least 3 months?
• Do erections improve sometimes (for example, with morning erections) but not during partnered sex?
• Do stress, anxiety, or relationship factors seem to trigger the problem?
• Have you noticed reduced sexual confidence due to performance concerns?
• Do you have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease?
• Are you currently taking medications that can affect sexual function (e.g., antidepressants, blood pressure drugs)?
• Do you smoke, use nicotine, or drink alcohol heavily?
• Have you had pelvic surgery, radiation, or injury affecting nerves or blood flow?
• Do you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness with exertion?
• Have you ever been advised to avoid sexual activity for heart‑related reasons?
• Do you take nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) or recreational “poppers”?
• Have you tried lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, stress reduction) without improvement?
• Are symptoms affecting your quality of life or relationships?

How to interpret answers

Count how many items you answered “yes” to and consider the context:

• Low reason to seek help: A few intermittent issues, short duration, clear situational triggers, no risk factors. Consider monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
• Medium reason to seek help: Persistent symptoms, mixed psychological and physical factors, or quality‑of‑life impact. A routine consultation is reasonable.
• High reason to seek help: Long‑lasting symptoms, significant medical conditions, red‑flag symptoms, or use of contraindicated medications. Seek medical advice before any treatment.

Next steps: what to do

1. Self‑monitor: Note when difficulties occur, their duration, and any triggers.
2. Review medications: Make a list of all prescriptions, OTC drugs, and supplements.
3. Assess lifestyle: Sleep, exercise, alcohol, smoking, and stress levels.
4. Choose a specialist: Primary care physician or urologist; cardiology input if you have heart disease.
5. Prepare questions: Safety with your conditions, dosing options, alternatives, and expectations.
6. Discuss mental health: Anxiety or depression can contribute; counseling may help.
7. Follow up: Reassess benefits and side effects; never adjust doses on your own.

FAQ

• What is Viagra? Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil, a medication that improves blood flow to help with erectile function when sexually stimulated.
• Does it cause an automatic erection? No. Sexual arousal is still required.
• How long does it last? Effects may last several hours; timing varies by person.
• Is it safe for everyone? No. It has contraindications, especially with nitrates and certain heart conditions.
• Are there side effects? Possible effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, or visual changes; discuss risks with a clinician.
• Are lifestyle changes helpful? Yes. Exercise, weight management, sleep, and reduced alcohol can support sexual health.
• Are there alternatives? Other medications, devices, counseling, or addressing underlying causes may be options.

For broader health reading and updates, explore our News section, practical wellbeing tips in Sober living, and general medical explainers under Uncategorized.

Sources

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Sildenafil prescribing information
• NHS (UK): Sildenafil (Viagra) overview
• European Medicines Agency (EMA): Sildenafil product details
• Mayo Clinic: Erectile dysfunction and sildenafil safety