Is Viagra an Aphrodisiac? What Have Studies Revealed?
Millions of men use Viagra and many of them think that this pill has aphrodisiac properties. Some patients may indeed feel a surge of sexual energy after using the medication, but this effect is placebic in nature.
How Does Viagra Work?
The human body contains the enzyme phosphodiesterase type five, which affects blood flow in the cavernous bodies of the penis and in the blood vessels. If enzyme is blocked and not allowed to work, then the blood flow will increase. This is how sildenafil works: it relaxes smooth muscles, blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis. This helps to keep the male organ in an erect state.
What is an Aphrodisiac?
It is believed that the term aphrodisiac originated from the name of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Drugs and supplements containing this word in their name are very popular nowadays. Aphrodisiacs are often components of (rare) plants or herbs. But some are of animal or mineral origin. Aphrodisiacal agents have been used in many different cultures for thousands of years. Often people are skeptical about these natural substances But they can work. And also, eating aphrodisiac products has many health benefits.
But aphrodisiacal pulls, unfortunately, is something of a fantasy world. Legends about magic drugs are eagerly fueled by manufacturers, and many people, brought up in the era of advertising, of course, believe in magic pills. But that’s not true. The actual effect that these supplements can have on the body is limited by the functions of sedative remedies: reducing stress, relieving irritability, increasing energy levels, and improving mood.
Why Cannot Viagra be Classified as an Aphrodisiac?
As you could understand from the text above, Viagra acts locally and symptomatically. This medication cannot increase libido and sex drive. An increase in libidinal characteristics is one of the key signs of aphrodisiacs, therefore Viagra cannot be classified as an aphrodisiacal medication. It only works when a male has developed a sexual desire and does not induce spontaneous erection. Official leaflet contains no information about potential influence of Viagra on male sex drive.
What Do Scientifical Studies Say?
There are almost no scientific studies which explore potential aphrodisiacal effects of Viagra. Indian scientists (Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2014) explored scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs and mentioned Viagra, but they said no word about its influence on libido.
However, some studies have shown that treatment with sildenafil can indirectly affect male libido. According to a randomized clinical trial performed by Christina M Dording and others at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (results were published in Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 2013), there was a significant association between sildenafil use and improvement sexual drive by month 6 of treatment with this medication. However, erectile dysfunction in patients who participated in this study was linked to the use of antidepressants. It is unknown whether Viagra can improve libido in males with other etiologies of erectile disorders. However, it can boost sex drive indirectly, simply by elevating confidence.
MD Philip Schein is an oncologist and Hematology Specialist primary located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is over 55 years of experience in the medical field and more than 20 years of practice. He is skilled at the treatment & diagnosis of a large array of ailments & diseases in adults. Board certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine Certification in Internal Medicine / American Board of Hematology Certification in Hematology / American Board of Medical Oncology Certification in Medical Oncology
*Consulting with a licensed healthcare professional in your own country is always recommended before considering purchasing medications online.
