Erectile dysfunction is a condition best characterized by the inability to obtain or maintain an erection for sexual penetration. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in the United States is estimated to be around 30 million people, with many relying on erectile dysfunction medication such as Sildenafil to alleviate the symptoms.
The chance of developing erectile dysfunction increases as men get older. Certain factors, such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases may further contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction. The condition is not limited to older men as younger men may also experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Is alcohol linked to erectile dysfunction?
Alcohol consumption is fairly common among adults in the United States, with more than half of the adult population having consumed alcohol in the past 12 months. It’s a fair assumption that alcohol consumption is also common among people who engage in sexual activity, as alcohol may influence a person’s inhibitions and judgment.
In some cases, the inebriation caused by alcohol consumption may lead to erectile dysfunction. Sexual arousal is a blend of psychological and physiological factors, and both can be influenced by the effects of alcohol consumption. Being under the influence of alcohol may diminish a person’s ability to sense sexual stimulation, lose sex drive, or lose the emotional connection that motivates a person’s sex drive.
If a person already had symptoms of erectile dysfunction in the past, consuming alcohol may further aggravate the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. Alcohol consumption drastically slows down your brain’s activity to a point that the body can no longer react as it should towards sexual stimuli.
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What does sildenafil do to your body?
Sildenafil is a vasodilator, which primarily works by inducing better blood flow to the genital area to help induce erections. Sildenafil essentially relaxes the smooth muscles that control contractions in the blood vessels, and this widens the pathway of blood, leading to increased blood flow and volume, especially in the cavernous spaces in the penis.
An erection is triggered by sexual arousal. The brain sends signals to the various parts of the body to focus blood flow in the genital area to induce an erection. Sildenafil has no direct impact on sexual arousal, nor does it affect the triggers that influence sexual arousal. That’s why men who are not sexually excited cannot get an erection, regardless if they took sildenafil or not.
Can I drink alcohol with sildenafil?
It is generally not recommended for men with erectile dysfunction to consume alcohol in excess. Alcohol consumption can aggravate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and it would be best to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation if alcohol consumption cannot be avoided.
Taking sildenafil with alcohol may not produce the same results since an erection requires sexual arousal, which could be affected by alcohol consumption. Furthermore, sildenafil may cause side effects such as headache, flushing, dizziness, and vision impairment on their own, and all of these could be aggravated by alcohol consumption.
Alcohol consumption can also affect the cardiovascular system, which could lead to arrhythmia, skin rash, stomach pain, and chest discomfort, and all of these could be also aggravated by taking sildenafil.
Who should not take sildenafil when consuming alcohol?
Consuming a small number of alcoholic drinks may not be a factor, but in certain situations, consuming alcohol may make you more susceptible to the side effects of both alcohol and sildenafil. If you experience side effects when you take sildenafil, regardless if you take it with alcohol or not, let your healthcare provider know so you can be prescribed a more appropriate dosage or treatment.
Individuals who have a lower alcohol tolerance may also experience worse side effects when taking sildenafil with alcoholic beverages. Older men who have other health factors to consider, such as diabetes, hypertension, or other cardiovascular health problems, may experience side effects that could pose a threat to their health.
How should I take sildenafil for the best results?
Sildenafil is best taken 30-45 minutes before sexual activity, preferably on an empty stomach. Sildenafil is perhaps the fastest-acting erectile dysfunction medication, and a lot of it has to do with the recommended intake of the medication. Taking sildenafil on an empty stomach helps with the absorption of sildenafil, and this ultimately leads to faster, more impactful results. Taking sildenafil on a full stomach may delay its absorption and lessen its impact on erections.
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Is it okay to take 100mg of Sildenafil right away?
In medicine, the common practice is to prescribe the lowest dosage applicable to the patient’s preferences and current health conditions. Taking the full 100mg dose of sildenafil may not be a great idea for men who have never taken sildenafil before. Over time, as the symptoms progress, your healthcare professional may prescribe a stronger dosage to manage your symptoms.
If you experience certain side effects of Sildenafil after taking 100mg of sildenafil, you’ll need to inform your healthcare professional about what happened so you can be provided with a lower dosage to help reduce your symptoms.
Conclusion
Complications generally arise when you consume two products that have a significant side effect risk. Alcohol consumption and sildenafil can lead to more serious side effects when taken together, given that their effect on the body intersects at certain points, such as in the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system.
If you’re a person who suffers from the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it would be best to avoid alcohol consumption or keep your consumption of alcoholic beverages to a minimum if it cannot be helped. Sildenafil is a treatment that mainly acts on your cardiovascular system, and it should be a standard practice to avoid other products or activities that would negatively impact your cardiovascular health.
