Patients using Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction may consider using it for a short term period, to deal with short term erectile dysfunction or to achieve an erection every time that sexual activity is initiated.
Long term erectile dysfunction and short term erectile dysfunction can equate to different treatment plans, different diagnoses and different dosages of Viagra for each patient that is undergoing treatment. Learning to distinguish between the two types can help the physician and patient create a treatment plan that can be used to regain the ability to achieve an erection and obtain sexual pleasure and can determine whether the patient can expect to use Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications for an extended length of time.
Long term erectile dysfunction, where medications are required to allow the male to achieve an erection, often means that medications like Viagra are going to be used for an extended period of time. Patients should be aware of the concerns of using Viagra for extended lengths of time at the beginning of the treatment, to determine the right course of treatment for their needs.
The long term concerns for extended use of Viagra include:
Dependency
Dependency is perhaps the leading concern for physicians that are prescribing Viagra to patients for the second, third or even the tenth time. Patients can easily become dependent on the effects of the Viagra and therefore lose the ability to achieve an erection without the medication.
To avoid dependency and to ensure that the erectile dysfunction requires medical treatment, it is recommended that the patient try other techniques, natural methods and home remedies, as well as not rushing to get the Viagra prescription filled before the patient chooses Viagra. This way, the patient can rule out the other causes such as stress, smoking and other common causes of erectile dysfunction.
Medication Contraindications
At the time when most men start using Viagra there are very few medications that are being taken as part of the daily routine to treat illness or disease. However, there are many medications that Viagra cannot be used in conjunction with – and therefore the patient should ensure that the physician is kept up to date regarding the medications that the patient has been prescribed.
The patient should ensure that the prescribing physician is aware of the Viagra use, including the correct dosage and the instance of use of Viagra to ensure that there are going to be no indications from the medications being used together. Ensuring that the physician is aware can allow the patient to avoid adverse side effects that can be potentially serious or even life threatening to the patient.
Patients considering Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction should ensure that they fully understand the side effects, indications and the long term effects of using the medication. Understanding this information can ensure that the patient is going to make informed decision regarding the course of treatment for erectile dysfunction.