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Establishing if you have an erection problem
What Men want from an ED treatment
Better Sex with Viagra
Talking to your doctor
Getting the best performance from Viagra
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ESTABLISHING IF YOU HAVE ERECTION PROBLEMS

Erection Problems are Common
53% of men over 40About one in two men in New Zealand over the age of 40 experience some difficulty getting or maintaining an erection at some time. Not all men talk to a doctor about treating this condition, which is nearly as common as failing eyesight or a receding hairline.

 

Understanding Erections
There are two main ways that sexual stimulation causes erections. One is the result of central stimulation - that is the brain responds to visual and/or aural cues and sends messages down the spinal cord to the nerves in the pelvis. The other is through direct genital stimulation, creating a reflex action in the spinal cord through the nerves running beside the prostate and into the penis.

In both these cases nitric oxide (NO) is released during sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide then activates an enzyme, which results in an increased level of an important chemical messenger known as cGMP. It is this chemical messenger cGMP that causes the muscles lining the inside of the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow to the penis and an erection to occur.

As long as increased levels of this chemical messenger cGMP take place blood will flow to the penis and an erection will occur.

This chemical messenger cGMP is broken down when the penis produces an enzyme, called PDE5, signalling the penis to relax. Viagra works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme therefore maintaining levels of this chemical messenger, helping you achieve and maintain an erection when you're stimulated.

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Factors are predominantly physical

 

 

 
 
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The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of New Zealand. Audiences outside New Zealand should refer to the product information in their own country, as different regulatory regimes may apply. Viagra is distributed in New Zealand by Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals.

Viagra® is a medicine you will need to pay for. Doctor fees and a pharmacy charge may apply. Viagra® (sildenafil 25, 50, 100mg tablets) is a prescription medicine for the treatment of erection problems. Viagra must not be used by men taking any form of Pfizer New Zealandnitrate medication. Viagra must not be taken by men with heart conditions that may be affected by the strain of sexual activity. Side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing, indigestion, temporary changes in vision, stuffy nose, diarrhoea, urinary tract infection or rash. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects see your doctor. Viagra is a registered trademark of Pfizer Products Inc. Further information on Viagra is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or from Pfizer New Zealand Limited. PO Box 3998, Auckland. Phone 09 638 0000 www.pfizer.co.nz.