The physiological mechanisms responsible for erections have been extensively studied. Most men would be relieved to know that the medical world has figured out an effective method (or drug) to help improve the condition, and that is by administering phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitors or Viagra (1). Many patients take the drug orally, but snorting Viagra is likely a better idea.
Erectile dysfunction can be quite embarrassing but is not unusual. In fact, it affects at least 20% of all men and happens to be the most commonly treated sexual disorder. While this is not a life-threatening condition by any means, the public health implication, especially on the patients’ psychological effects, is pretty significant.
It also is a constant challenge – due to the feeling of embarrassment on the patients’ part – for the public health system to encourage patients to seek medical treatment because erectile dysfunction is indeed treatable.
What Exactly Is Erectile Dysfunction?
For the vast majority of men, the erect penis has always been a symbol of masculinity, sexual prowess, and virility. As benign as the condition is, the interest surrounding the condition and research to find effective remedies have always been constant.
Not only does a man need an erect penis to perform a sexual function, but one also has to maintain the erection sufficient enough to achieve satisfactory sexual performance.
Erectile dysfunction, therefore, refers to a condition in which a man is unable to get an erect penis and keep it that way for a subjectively adequate time and strength (2).
There is a strong link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, to the point where mean suffering from ED must be screened for heart conditions of any sort so that treatment methods can be adjusted accordingly (3).
Erectile difficulties are the most prevalent sexual problems in men (besides premature ejaculation, absent or delayed ejaculation, and lack of sexual desire). About 14% of all men are known to consume supplements, treatments, or medications to improve sexual function (4).
How Viagra Works
The biggest portion of erectile dysfunction patients is between 40 and 70 years. In this age range, ED is estimated to affect 50% of men (5). The condition is often associated with psychological problems such as poor self-esteem or stress due to compromised interpersonal relationships.
There is also a correlation between anxiety and depression. Specifically, in the aforementioned age range, erectile dysfunction is found in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (6).
Penile erection requires relaxation of the smooth muscles in the erectile tissues and related arteries. A crucial component of the relaxation is cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) stimulated by nitric oxide.
In simpler terms, an erection is the result of increased-and-retained blood flow into the penis. Increased blood flow also translates to increased length, firmness, and width of the penis.
In a man with erectile difficulties, either the arteries are too narrow that they cannot accommodate increased blood flow, or the veins drain the blood too quickly from the reproductive organ, which means he cannot maintain an erection for a reasonable period.
Viagra can help. Here is how the drug works (7):
- The patient takes Viagra
- Sildenafil nitrate enters his bloodstream and flows throughout his body
- Sildenafil citrate attaches to and inhibits most of the PDE5 enzyme in the penis. PDE5 is the enzyme that deactivates cGMP. Because the enzyme cannot function as it naturally will, cGMP (when it is produced) can do its work without obstruction.
- Sexual arousal triggers the man’s brain to send signals to nerve cells in his penis. This process produces nitric oxide, which then stimulates the production and relaxation of cGMP.
- Thanks to disabled PDE5, the cGMP in the penis remains active. In fact, it continues to build up and lets the arteries dilate to their maximum capacity.
- His penis is now inflated with blood, hence an erection.
Viagra can be taken with or without food. If you have to take it with food, avoid having a high-fat meal as it may postpone the reaction. The drug will still work, although it may take longer for you to gain the benefit.
How Long Until Viagra Takes Effect?
The dose and method of administration play a crucial role in determining the period until Viagra takes effect. Just like most other drugs for erectile dysfunctions – such as Avanafil and Vardenafil – the usual waiting period is about 30-minute, and the drugs will remain in your system for about 4 hours after being administered.
Tadalafil takes an even longer waiting time of approximately 2 hours, but the effect lasts for up to a day and a half.
If Viagra doesn’t work, you may need to either increase the dose or take another drug. Do not increase the dose on your own; ask your doctor if increasing the dose is the right thing to do.
Changing the method of drug administration may also work, although you need to use different formulations.
Snorting Viagra Is Safer
As the name suggests, Viagra works in the same way as other drugs that contain nitrates.
Men who take nitrate-based drugs to treat cardiovascular conditions should not consume Viagra as it will inevitably increase the dose of nitrate in their bloodstream and may induce dangerous side effects.
In some men, nitrate may cause headaches and trouble with recognizing specific colors as well. The good thing is that nasal inhalation or snorting Viagra can minimize those side effects (8).
Taken orally, Viagra has an absolute bioavailability of 40%, yet it can be improved by the nasal inhalation method.
Advantages of the nasal route include higher bioavailability (which therefore allows for lower doses without sacrificing efficacy), rapid absorption, reduced risk of overdose, ease of convenience, improved patient compliance, avoidance of gastrointestinal metabolism, and quick therapeutic action (9).
The risk of nasal ciliotoxicity (the characteristic of a drug or other substance that impairs ciliary activity) is non-existent as well.
Taking Viagra by Nasal Inhalation Is More Effective Too
A study by the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Medical University Hospital in Taiwan suggested that microemulsion of sildenafil consisting of 40% oleic acid, 10% H20, and 50% Tween 80:ethanol (at 1:4 ratio) resulted in reasonably rapid nasal absorption.
According to the study, snorting Viagra, in fact, delivered instant action. Thanks to the reduced side effects along with faster onset action, nasal inhalation of Viagra can be the most practical approach to treat erectile dysfunction (10).
Originally posted 2022-11-02 01:11:00.