Viagra (sildenafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction, one of the most common complaints of men with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Viagra belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which are recommended first-line treatments for male impotence because they delay the action of enzymes that interfere with erectile function. The drug relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis, helping to produce an erection when a man is sexually aroused. Without physical stimulation of the penis, Viagra will not produce an erection. It can be prescribed for men with MS.
Though Viagra has been considered as possibly beneficial for women with sexual arousal disorders, it is not FDA approved for women. However, the FDA has approved a prescription medication known as Addyi (flibanserin) to treat low sexual desire in premenopausal women.
Viagra is taken orally when needed but only once per day, 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It continues to work up to four hours.
The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, flushing, upset stomach, abnormal color vision (blue tint), blurred vision, stuffy or runny nose, back pain, muscle pain, nausea, dizziness, and rash.
Currently, there is no generic equivalent for Viagra in the U.S.
Erectile impotence is common for men with MS, but other sexual issues can also be present. Although the causes of erectile dysfunction are largely unknown, they could be pathological or psychological in origin.
Sexual arousal, response, and orgasm require communication between the brain and sexual organs via the spinal cord. When nerve damage is caused by MS, both men and women with the disease may experience sexual problems such as hypo-orgasmia or anorgasmia. For women, the problems can also include decreased vaginal secretion and reduced libido. For men, erectile, ejaculatory, or orgasmic dysfunction, and reduced libido can also occur.
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