Viagra is a small pill popular with men because of its influence on male potency. The medical name for the drug is Sildenafil. Alongside other (Phosphodiesterase type 5) PDE-5 inhibitors, Sildenafil can treat male impotence, commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction. Apart from this renowned use, Sildenafil is turning out to be more versatile than what researchers earlier thought. Today, the drug is being investigated for the treatment of a number of other problems. Conditions that could respond to the drug include heart failure, jet lag, diabetes, heart failure, poor memory and learning disorders, among others. Below are the probable uses of the drug in detail.
1. Adaptation to Jet Lag
Universidad Nacional de Quilmes from Argentina conducted a study that suggested that Sildenafil could accelerate recovery from jet lag. It is believed that the brain has a master clock, which controls the cycle of sleeping and waking. Scientists believe that the enzyme cGMP is part of the compounds that regulate this clock. Using animals as samples, the researchers concluded that Viagra could enhance the adaptation of the body to jet lag.
2. Treatment for Memory and Learning Disorders
Several studies have shown that Viagra can enhance learning skills and memory. Several theories seek to explain how the drug manages to do this. The first theory is that Sildenafil triggers an increase in the amount of glucose and blood that goes to the brain. Another theory suggests that for learning ability to remain at the peak, cGMP has to be maintained at a high level. Viagra increases the levels of this compound. Since cGMP declines with age, Sildenafil could provide an answer for age-related memory loss and learning disability.
3. Heart Failure Patients
Italian scientists found out that Sildenafil enhanced the ability of heart failure patients to exercise. The explanation behind this effect is that Viagra helps the lungs to work, increases the uptake of oxygen, and reduces artery pressure.
4. Eases Menstrual Pain
A U.S. National Institutes of Health funded study found out that women suffering from menstrual cramps could benefit from Viagra. In earlier studies, researchers also discovered that Sildenafil eases pelvic pain. Most interestingly, the drug produced fewer side effects than the orally administered drugs. If the trials are successful, the drug will become a good alternative for ibuprofen and similar drugs.
Viagra is easily one of the most popular drugs in the world today. The drug has helped millions of men overcome erectile dysfunction problems for better sex lives. The fairly tale of Viagra continues with new uses of the drug emerging.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.