How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra blocks an enzyme that prevents erections
from happening.
By Louanne Cole Weston, PhD, WebMD Answers to Questions
How exactly does Viagra work? Is it only for
guys who can't get erections? And can it work for premature ejaculation
to make the sex last longer (even though you may ejaculate you
can still continue to please your partner)? In other words, can
Viagra help a guy to keep an erection even after he orgasms?
There are two ways to answer the question of
how Viagra works. Here's the short answer: Viagra blocks an enzyme
that prevents erections from happening.
The longer answer is: When sexual stimulation
and arousal occur, they cause a chemical called cyclic GMP to
be produced. Cyclic GMP creates erections by causing the arteries
of the penis to expand and the veins to narrow. In other words,
it creates a "traffic jam" of blood in the penis with
blood entering faster than it leaves. That's what causes the penis
to get hard.
Viagra stops an enzyme that attacks cyclic GMP,
so more cyclic GMP can accumulate in the man's penis. With more
cyclic GMP present it causes the normal expanding of the arteries
and narrowing of the veins -- which produces an erection.
So in the presence of sexual stimulation, erection
occurs -- as long as the stimulation is perceived by the man's
body as sexual.
Some men have tried using Viagra in the way that
you are thinking. It works for some, but others find that they
cannot tolerate more stimulation after an orgasm.
Louanne Cole Weston, PhD, is a licensed marriage,
family, and child counselor and a board-certified sex therapist
in practice since 1983. Her work in the field of human sexuality
includes extensive experience as a therapist, educator, and researcher.
The opinions expressed herein are the guest's
alone and have not been reviewed by a WebMD physician. If you
have a question about your health, you should consult your personal
physician. This event is meant for informational purposes only.
Published June 13, 2005.
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