Viagra is a well-known medication utilized in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It functions by promoting increased blood flow to the penis, which facilitates an erection. However, the same mechanism can also affect smooth muscle along your gastrointestinal tract, resulting in possible side effects such as an upset stomach. Studies suggest that between 3% and 17% of people report experiencing an upset stomach from Viagra usage.
While Viagra is highly effective, it does have some common side effects, including headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion. Light sensitivity or blurred vision are also frequent issues, along with skin rash and temporary vision problems, including changes in color perception.
Apart from the common side effects, some less frequent ones also exist. These include muscle aches, back pain, and dizziness. There have been cases of some men feeling lightheaded or even fainting. Furthermore, PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra have been reported to cause nasal congestion and nausea.
In rare instances, Viagra can cause more severe symptoms such as abdominal or stomach pain, abnormal dreams, anxiety, clumsiness or unsteadiness, and cough.
Severe or continuing diarrhea or stomach cramps have also been reported.
It's worth noting that these side effects are not common and typically appear in a small percentage of users.
Interestingly, some men experience muscle aches and back pain after taking Viagra. This might seem surprising, but many men who suffer from erectile dysfunction also report these symptoms. These aches can range in severity from a mild level of muscular pain to more significant, noticeable pain in a specific area, such as the lower back.
Clinical trials have indicated that the most common adverse reactions to Viagra are headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, and back pain. Notably, back pain is a significant side effect reported by some men.
In very rare cases, Viagra, especially in combination with other drugs, may cause significant neurological abnormalities. Some men have reported experiencing ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or even vision loss after taking PDE5 inhibitors. Although these side effects are not common, they are significant enough to warrant attention.
Managing the side effects of Viagra, including flushing, indigestion, dizziness, or back and muscle pain, can be facilitated with the guidance of healthcare providers. They can provide useful tips to manage these symptoms and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
For those who experience recurrent muscle aches and back pain after using Viagra, it's recommended to discuss this with their healthcare provider. There are various forms of pain relief available that can be recommended based on individual tolerance and the severity of the pain.
In some cases, using a lower dose of Viagra might be suggested to mitigate side effects. While this can help manage side effects like back pain, it's crucial to balance this with the drug's effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. This decision should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
16 AUGUST 2011: OUTCOME OF ARHA’S EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
An Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of the Australian Reproductive Health Alliance (ARHA) was held on Monday August 15th 2011.
The meeting was convened to consider the resolution that, in view of the continuing financial insecurity facing the Alliance and the decision of the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development to transfer its Secretariat to another organisation, the Australian Reproductive Health Alliance cease on September 30th 2011.
The motion was passed unanimously and ARHA will cease to exist in any form after that date.
The decision to close an organisation which has achieved so much over the past 15 years was taken in sadness. The Management Committee of ARHA would like to thank all those members and supporters who have sustained us in so many ways over that time.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact Susan Stratigos, ARHA President, on +61 (0)2 6278 6948 or 0402 957 259.
Member of ACFID & Signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct.
NGO Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations