Here's how Viagra works step-by-step:
1. Sexual stimulation: Viagra is not a sexual stimulant. It only works when a man is sexually aroused.
2. Penile erection: During sexual stimulation, the blood vessels in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. This causes an erection.
3. PDE5 inhibition: Viagra blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). PDE5 breaks down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP relaxes the blood vessels in the penis. By blocking PDE5, Viagra increases the levels of cGMP in the penis.
4. Increased blood flow to the penis: The increased levels of cGMP relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. This causes an erection.
5. Sustained erection: Viagra helps men maintain an erection by preventing the breakdown of cGMP. This means that the erection can last longer.
Viagra starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking the medication. The effects of Viagra can last for up to 4 hours.
