Sam Fields —
Is using Viagra safe?

Safety is a relative term, and we won't have long-term data for years to come. These drugs are generally well tolerated, although there exists the potential for dangerous interaction with certain heart medications. Side effects like headache, blurred vision, dizziness, flushing and dyspepsia are possible.

Still, these drugs sell, and they work well. They spark excitement by relaxing blood vessels in the penis. This is accomplished by raising a substance called nitric oxide. Yes, macho men, that is the same explosive element that's in bombs! The power of nitric oxide can be indirectly harnessed, purified and sold as a pricey pharmaceutical. Repeated doses are required because the effect is temporary.

A naturally occurring amino acid called L-arginine also boosts nitric oxide, just like pricey pharmaceuticals. Many over-the-counter sex pills enhance mojo because they contain arginine, but their effect on nitric oxide is also short-lived. The substance is rapidly degraded.

Different formulas are widely available in U.S. pharmacies and health food stores.

Arginine is not a cure-all. Treatment success depends largely on the cause of a man's problem. Good sex can be destroyed by drug side effects, hormonal imbalances, prostate problems, underlying disease, testosterone imbalances and free-radical damage from smoking and drinking. There's also "sexual alienation syndrome," the term I've coined for the condition of not wanting to sleep with the partner you're stuck with.

Another factor affecting men is their vascular health. Arginine increases the flow of blood through body tissues, so it fills a niche for men who suffer with both erectile dysfunction and coronary heart disease. One small study shows significantly increased blood flow to the heart, especially when combined with statin cholesterol-lowering drugs.

For those who are infected with herpes-type viruses, balance arginine with lysine to prevent an outbreak. Also, precautions are advised for those who take estrogen or progesterone (female hormones) and potassium-sparing water pills. Don't take arginine if you have ulcers or severe liver or kidney problems.

Sex Advice Staff
4-Men