HEALTH LINE
Sex and Viagra
Of course you can use Viagra but be ready to expect its possible adverse effects. Though rare, the effects are: headache, occasional ‘green-like’ vision and stomach discomfort
(The following is part of the writer’s upcoming book, “Fit to Run, Fit to Win–The Election Campaign Health Primer” which is dedicated to all political candidates. Of course, our readers can also relate to this).
Sex sells! Even during the election campaign. A candidate’s sex aura excites voters who are craving for a heroic figure. Someone who is masculine enough to uplift them from life’s troubles. Someone with a commanding voice and a lean body. A warning: Too much mustache and muscle bulk can be offensive. Many cerebral voters choose candidates who have the “X-factor” on top of their physical traits.
Even a small child can spot a sexy candidate. What is deep inside your heart readily spreads, striking those around you. Feel sexy, feel naughty, and feel horny (only in your mind, please) and these feelings will add to your libido. Libido refers to your appeal to other humans, not necessarily sexually, but socially.
Short of emitting primal pheromones, a sexually healthy candidate emits a bouncy personality that is recognized by his voters. The bottom line therefore, is (pardon the pun), at the bottom. The capacity of the bottom in erecting solid platforms can affect results.
29 And Normal. Can I Use Viagra?
This is a question frequently asked every time I lecture on men’s sexual health. My usual answer is: “Of course you can but be ready to expect its possible adverse effects. Though rare, the effects are: headache, occasional ‘green-like’ vision and stomach discomfort.”
A 35 year-old doctor uses it for “derby” purposes and swears it shortens the refractory period or the time spent before the next erection. Some would say that the ‘green vision’ adds to the thrill.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequently asked questions that I’ve encountered were:
1. “Will I become a sex maniac? The answer is “no” because Viagra does not affect the libido but the normal erection process by opening the penile blood vessels).
2. How fast will the effect start? Earlier studies showed that Viagra can effect for one hour while newer studies showed 14 minutes.
3. How long will its effect last? Earlier studies showed 6 to 8 hours while a recent study by Moncada and co-workers showed that it could last for 12 hours. But not the continuous erection, of course, but the usual erection-ejaculation-refractory period-erection cycle.
4. Viagra for women? The results of latest studies are not encouraging. Sorry, ladies!
Sex and the Heart
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart diseases are almost always closely linked. ED, if noted, signals the presence of heart diseases and possibly diabetes. So, seek consultation for heart work-ups (ECG, treadmill, etc) once there is a difficulty in starting or sustaining an erection for sufficient sexual satisfaction. Wives, take note!
Viagra and Heart Problems
A person can use Viagra even if he has a heart problem only on some conditions like using the Princeton Consensus Panel (low, intermediate, and high risk) according to Dr. Joselito Atabog, a noted Cardiologist from UST Hospital. Hence, as long as you can walk on a level ground for 15 minutes or can climb a 20-step stairway without having undue chest discomfort or breathlessness and when your trusted physician gives you the go signal, then go ahead, take it and enjoy it with your life partner.
No-No To Viagra
Do not use Viagra when you are using nitrates because there is a danger of your blood pressure being lowered.
One who has high blood pressure but is controlled by his daily maintenance medicines can take Viagra. Overall safety profile is quite good because the incidence of heart attacks for Viagra is the same with those taking placebo tablets. “The popular notions of DOT and NSS (dead on top and “namatay sa sarap”) are just not true”, Atabog said.
No Effect
A patient asked, “Doc, I took one tablet but there was no effect. Why?”
The possible reasons for this are: 1) No sexual stimulation done. Some patients use Rated R movies or teasing techniques from their partners. How can one have an erection while watching a Manny Paquiao bout? 2) Taking Viagra after a heavy meal or after several doses of alcoholic drink 3) Sexual inactivity for many years (anxiety or over excitement) especially those whose wives complain of their 15-year “virginity”.
But here’s a goods new. Many have been successful after their 6th or 8th try (not to exceed one tablet per day).
Questions from the Doctor
A doctor can receive good insights from their patients when they ASK–Assess the patient’s sexual health status, Screen for Hypertension and Diabetes, and Know the medications they are currently taking. This way, according to a noted Urologist, Dr. Juliano Panganiban, we can open windows for discussion as to the possible causes and treatment of our patients’ erection problems. Ask them even as you encourage them to ask us about their sexual concerns. Only then we can talk freely about sex.
Ask at your own Risk
One big lesson I learned is never underestimate the patient’s capability to answer. I once asked a formally dressed grandpa in his 60’s accompanied by an equally strict looking lola. I said: “Lo, how’s your sex life these days?” He answered with all bravado: “Are you questioning my manhood? Are my ten children not enough reasons?” Lola butted in: “Oh! Come on Doc. That was a long long time ago. Your Lolo cannot penetrate anymore, kay man naga-‘pills’ sia.” (He’s into ‘pills’). Intrigued, I asked: “But Lola, I thought only women take pills.” “No Doc. Naga-‘pills’ gid ina sia. Naga-pilo (his thing folds).
Reactions to dryapjr@yahoo.com.
(Our writer is a member of the American Association of Sexual, Educators, Counselors and Therapists, and The Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas. You can watch Dr. Yap every Sunday morning at Bombo Good Morning Philippines 900 MHz; Fridays at “Health Line” Wesfardell Budyong Kapihan TV Show simulcast with dyjj with Rexam Laguda; and Saturdays at Pulso sang Banwa with Glenn Beup channel 5 Alto Cable 8 am. Dr. Yap’s book “Joyful Life…& Sex? GO TO HEALTH!” is available in all National Book Stores outlets nationwide.)
