Viagra has revolutionized the
way physicians treat men suffering from erectile dysfunction and
impotence. For the first time, a potent oral medication is available
that is able to markedly improve sexual activity in over 80% of
men with erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil. When sexual stimulation
begins nitric oxide (NO) is released into the spongy tissue of the
penis. NO then activates an enzyme that increases the production
of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) the substance that relaxes
the spongy tissue of the penis and facilitates an influx of blood.
As specific enzymes slowly degrade cGMP the penis will slowly loose
its ability to sustain an erection. Viagra works by inhibiting those
enzymes that degrade cGMP, thereby enhancing ones ability to obtain
and sustain an erection.