Common knowledge, truths, and anti-aging effects of Viagra

41. Common Knowledge about Viagra: False and True

To prevent hair loss, there is an enzyme inhibitor that blocks "5α-reductase". Similarly, to help with erectile dysfunction (ED), there is an enzyme inhibitor called "PDE5" (such as Viagra and Levitra).

These PDE5 inhibitors were first marketed in the United States in May 1998 and approved in Japan in March 1999, just 10 months apart. Previously, the approval process for new drugs in Japan was notoriously lengthy and frustrating, but this time it was resolved with astonishing speed. This made me realize once again how important this issue was for men (especially for someone from a certain era involved in the approval process).

While Viagra enjoys exceptional brand recognition, it's undeniable that many people still hold negative perceptions of it as a "dangerous drug" and "harmful to the heart." It's true that combining Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates or other nitrosamines can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, making it unsuitable for people with angina or other heart conditions. However, this doesn't mean all men will experience heart problems after taking it. Ignorance is the most dangerous thing.

What is the second-generation Viagra "Cialis"?

Viagra or Ivanda's effects last for about 4 hours, but Cialis, an erectile dysfunction blocker often referred to as a second-generation Viagra, has a higher residual concentration of its main ingredient, tadalafil, in the blood, and can last up to 36 hours. However, during that time, without stimulation, it feels normal, so there's no discomfort. Viagra is rarely effective unless taken on an empty stomach, while Cialis can be taken before or after meals.

This product began to be sold in the United States in 2003 and received manufacturing and sales approval in Japan in 2007.

42. Can Viagra increase male hormones and prevent aging?

In the December 2008 issue of the Journal of the Japanese Society for Anti-Aging Medicine, Professor Shigeo Horie, Head of the Department of Urology at Imperial University School of Medicine, published a review entitled "Anti-Aging Considerations from the Perspective of Erectile Dysfunction." The review focused on university research on erectile dysfunction (ED) and its relationship to oxidative stress and male hormones.

This study included 128 healthy men with partners (who had not sought medical attention) with a mean age of 40.5 years (range 25–59 years). Erectile dysfunction (ED), oxidative stress, and salivary testosterone levels were measured. Men with "no ED or mild ED" were compared with men with "moderate to severe ED." The results showed that the latter had significantly higher levels of oxidative stress and lower salivary testosterone levels.

If you had read this far from the beginning, you might have fully imagined this result, but the unique aspect of this study begins here.

The gentleman said, “I read a New York Times article that said, ‘In Europe, taking PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra on weekends is as relaxing and enjoyable as having a nice glass of red wine on the weekend,’ which inspired me.” He then conducted an experiment in which men who tested positive for “moderate to severe ED” on the right side of the test took one Viagra tablet (50 mg) regularly every week for six months.

In this situation, sexual activity was irrelevant. The condition was simply spending time together with a partner watching TV, reading, or leisurely enjoying time in a room. Unexpectedly, a surprising result occurred.

Comparing those who took Viagra before and six months afterward, the testosterone levels in their saliva increased by up to two times. Furthermore, indicators of oxidative stress decreased by one-third. This finding, published in an international academic journal, reportedly generated a significant response.

Viagra reduces oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is the biggest cause of aging. When we generate calories, we also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause inflammation and degradation of DNA and proteins. High levels of oxidative stress indicate that cells and organs are more susceptible to damage. Reducing this level to one-third would be a significant anti-aging effect.

Viagra, the savior of erectile dysfunction, not only helps during those crucial four hours in an emergency, but it is also effective in combating aging itself. Furthermore, there are reports that continued use of the second-generation Viagra, Cialis, can revitalize blood vessels.