Viagra Facts
For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, this medication is sold under the brand name of viagra and under the generic name of sildenafil. There are other uses and, in one case, a different brand name. The underlying mechanism is the same for all uses, working on the chemistry that causes arteries to dilate. Potentially, this would occur throughout the body. If it did, the result would be a sudden drop in blood pressure which could be dangerous. Thus, it is very important both to take the dosage prescribed by your doctor or recommended by the pharmacist, and not to mix this medication with others that also affect blood pressure.
The reason why viagra works so well is very easy to explain. In fact, the physical process for producing an erection is simple plumbing. Under normal circumstances, blood circulates into and out of the penis. But if a man is sexually stimulated, the arteries into the penis dilate and more blood enters. Inside the penis is a sponge called the corpus cavernosum. It soaks up the excess blood. As it expands, it presses against the veins that would drain the blood out of the penis. This slowly traps blood inside the penis and produces the erection.
Source: www.chicagoshadow.com.