Men who are suffering from prostate cancer can live a life free of the disease by getting their prostate removed. However, there is a major side-effect of such a surgery. A man can start suffering from erectile dysfunction once his prostate is removed. However, a new study has raised hopes for men. According to studies, Viagra can also restore erectile fiction caused by the surgery. However, the results can vary among the patients.

Prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction

Every year, there are about 200000 cases of prostate cancer reported. In 50000 cases, men need to undergo a surgery to get the prostate removed. Be the surgery has two major side-effects: impotence and incontinence. In fact, many patients end up suffering from erectile dysfunction even if the surgery involved nerve-sparing techniques.

Is Viagra effective?

The study which discovered the effectiveness of Viagra involved around 80 men. Their ages ranged from 47 to 76 years old. All of these participants were prescribed this drug after they had undergone a prostate removal surgery. They responded to a series of questionnaires. As per the responses, it was discovered that 53% of them experienced an improvement in their erections. 40% found that their ability to have sex had improved. The effectiveness was linked to the nerves that were spared during the operation.

  • Both sides of their prostate: 60%
  • Single Side of their prostate: 40%
  • None of the sides of the prostate: 10%

63% of the participants had experienced at least one of the many side effects of Viagra. The most commonly noticed side effects were nasal congestion, heartburn, headaches, and flushing.

See also  Priapism: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Impotence Treatment

Research on impotence treatment

The results of this study are certainly beneficial for treating erectile dysfunction. After all, patients who have developed ED because of prostate surgery will be able to regain their sexual function with the help of oral medications in most cases. It also gives a reason for the surgeons to spare the nerves during the surgery. Viagra should be taken 6 months after the surgery.

Side effects of Viagra

Since Viagra can be ordered online without a prescription, many patients do not consult a doctor before making the purchase. This should be avoided as the patients may not have the requisite information about the potential side effects of this drug. It is important that you know all side effects so that you can take the proper steps if they do occur: contact a doctor and get medical help as soon as possible.

Common side effects of Viagra:

  • Flushing;
  • Headache;
  • Indigestion;
  • Upset stomach;
  • Back pain;
  • Muscular pain;
  • Rash;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Dizziness;
  • Nausea;
  • Abnormal vision;
  • Loss of hearing;
  • Loss of vision;
  • Abnormal heartbeat;
  • Chest pain

Allergic reactions are a common problem. Consult your doctor to determine if you have allergies to this medication before buying it. Another possible effect of Viagra is an erection that lasts for over 4 hours.

Contraindications for Viagra

In spite of the effectiveness of Viagra, there are some situations in which this drug can lead to severe complications. The most important contraindication is heart conditions. Sildenafil does affect the cardiovascular system. As a result, it can put patients with heart conditions at extra risk.

Patients who are using nitrates for heart conditions cannot take Viagra. Nitrates lower the blood pressure, and Viagra has the same effect. Therefore, using both remedies together can lead to a drastic drop in blood pressure which can be fatal. For the same reason, this ED drug cannot be taken with alpha-blockers.

See also  Post Penile Prosthesis Implantation Surgery

What can you use instead of Viagra?

There are other popular oral medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction:

  • Levitra;
  • Cialis

However, these medications work in the same way as Viagra. Therefore, they have the same contraindications and side effects. You may also use natural remedies for erectile dysfunction.