Question:
Can one build up a tolerance for viagra? Say it ain't so, doc!
Answer:
Not
really. (Take a deep breath and chill for a sec!)
In medicine,
sometimes the doses of things do change though. The most common strength of
Viagra used by guys is the 50mg size (or 1/2 of a 100mg tablet - which is
cheaper in the long run). Some guys will need the full 100mg though. This
doesn't mean that there is a tolerance to it.
Erections are
pretty complicated. The nerves of the skin, spinal cord and brain are involved,
and those trigger changes in the blood flow. It’s the blood flow that
leads to the erection.
Most causes
of impotence are thought to be related to change in blood flow these days.
Aging of the arteries to the penis or a clogging of them due to high cholesterol,
smoking, or heredity reduces the flow of blood. Less blood, less erection.
So... it’s
not tolerance to the drug that is the problem but the change in the arteries
or nerves. If you get to the 100mg size Viagra and it no longer works, then
it may be worthwhile seeing if there is some clogging of the arteries or other
medical conditions (such as diabetes).
There will be
a competitor to Viagra coming out fairly soon that has advantages. It will
last much longer, so a dose might last 24-48 hours. You can probably bet that
it will be priced accordingly. For the few guys where Viagra doesn’t
work there may be an alternative.
And since I
mentioned alternatives... don't forget that penis pumps and constrictor bands
are still helpful to some guys. There is a medication that is available called
MUSE that is inserted into the tip of the penis and works for some guys. Neither
of these are as simple as taking a pill.
Be sure to take care of those penile arteries by... keeping your cholesterol low, exercise, not smoking, and using your penis at frequent intervals. There is some truth to what you don't use, you lose!