Erectile dysfunction has been a struggle for men around the world for millennia. Twenty-three percent of South African men suffer from the condition. The rate is even higher in men above forty years of age. With the advent of modern medicine and pharmaceuticals, as well as the increasing affordability of these pharmaceuticals, products to combat erectile dysfunction have become readily available throughout the world. There are multiple medications that aim to help men perform sexually, such as Cipla and Levitra. The most popular of these medications, however, is Viagra, also known as sildenafil, which is now available in generic form.
In South Africa one can get this medication prescribed by a licensed doctor. It is also possible to get it through online pharmacies. Still, they claim to ship right to one’s door and allow for the user to pay using cryptocurrency, which is becoming more popular among South Africans. One can fill out a prescription for viagra at any pharmacy, such as popular South African retail chains like Dis-Chem or Medi-rite. South Africa also has pharmacies that deliver to your door for a nominal fee, such as Springbok.
Viagra is a vasodilator, which means that it allows for greater blood flow. It targets the spongy tissue in the penis. This means that more blood will flow to the penis, allowing for erections in those who cannot get them, sustained erections for those who cannot keep them for an adequate time, and harder erections for those whose erections are not of high quality. Viagra can produce adverse side effects, such as headaches, indigestion, congestion, and blurred vision. There are rarer but more serious side effects, which include erections lasting longer than four hours, dangerously low blood pressure, and even heart attacks.
Viagra has also been studied for other uses in the general population. It has been shown to be effective for combatting the effects of jet lag in mice, and is being looked into to treat secondary Reynaud’s syndrome, a condition wherein blood flow to appendages gets reduced by spasming arteries, turning fingers or toes white and blue.
South Africa is a burgeoning country with a large pharmaceutical sector. It is a country that has accepted the role that modern medicine has taken in the daily lives of individuals. Although there remains a stigma against using medication to increase sexual performance, many men still use these products. As South Africa goes through difficulties politically and economically, people may have trouble finding joy in the basics of life, such as sex. In fact, a recent study showed that South African men are having less sex than men in many other countries.
Medications like Viagra are allowing for people to live their lives normally despite medical or psychological conditions, and should be accepted as a valid option for those who struggle to perform.
Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.
Dear doctor, do you have any promotions on generic Viagra now? I have a prescription but pills are so expensive.