Viagra is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It increases blood flow and oxygen to the penis, helping you more easily attain an erection. It may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Though Viagra helps treat ED, it neither cures the condition nor increases sexual desire. Viagra does not protect against the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prevent pregnancy.

Viagra is available via prescription from a licensed health care provider. It has not been approved for over-the-counter use. It contains the drug sildenafil, which is also available in generic form.

Health care providers prescribe Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, often along with other forms of therapy, such as increased physical activity, a healthy diet, and counseling.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which you cannot achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. In some cases, men who experience ED are unable to get an erection at all, while others are unable to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. While many men experience some sexual performance problems occasionally, you should seek medical advice if you regularly deal with erectile dysfunction.

Various underlying physical and mental conditions can contribute to erectile dysfunction. It most commonly affects men over 40 and becomes more common the older a man gets. However, data from The Journal of Sexual Medicine finds that over 25% of men under 40 also deal with ED.

Aside from aging, other health conditions that may cause ED include:

• Poor vascular health (heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol)
  
• Performance anxiety (anxiety around being able to get and maintain an erection)
  
• Substance abuse
  
• Diabetes
  
• Obesity
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  
• Psychological problems (such as depression or anxiety)
  
• Peyronie's disease (scar tissue inside the penis)
  
• Spinal cord injuries
  
• Medications (like some blood pressure medications and antidepressants)
  

Viagra has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious reactions, seek medical attention immediately.

Common side effects reported from Viagra use include:

• Headache
  
• Heartburn
  
• Congestion
  
• Nasal bleeding (bloody nose)
  
• Nausea
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Muscle aches or pains
  
• Flushing
  
• Facial pain or tenderness
  
• Vision changes
  
• Light sensitivity
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Painful erections or erections that last longer than 4 hours
  
• Sudden loss of vision
  
• Sudden loss of hearing
  
• Ringing in the ears
  
• Chest pain
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Painful urination
  
• Increased urination frequency
  
• Fainting
  
• Dizziness
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Facial swelling
  
  

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a severe adverse reaction to this medication that require immediate treatment.

As with all prescription medications, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you currently manage. Tell them about any and all medications, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Viagra. Viagra can interact with bodily substances, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Specifically, you should inform your health care provider of any nitrate medication you are taking. Remember to mention any herbal products you use, especially St. John’s wort.

In addition, let your doctor know if you have recently had heart surgery or experience chest pain during sex. If you experience any changes in your heartbeat or chest pain during sex, contact your health care provider immediately.

Viagra is commonly supplied as an oral tablet to be taken an hour before sexual activity. Swallow the oral tablet whole. Viagra can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

The exact dosage of this medication will depend on the patient’s age and body weight. Take the medication exactly as ordered. Do not take more than a single dose of Viagra in a day. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting your health care provider.

If you notice any adverse side effects, notify your health care provider immediately.

Viagra is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write one or refill an existing one during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor's visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your local pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not this medication is right for you.

All prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Viagra to be picked up near you—often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered immediately for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.