Viagra is a very popular drug that is often used to facilitate sexual intercourse later on in life. But it is also effective in treating premature erectile dysfunction disorder, which has given rise to a surprisingly young user demographic. Its widespread usage continues to affect more men AND women each day.
While Viagra can help to stimulate blood flow and enable sex in the physical sense, psychological factors are just as important to the process of making love (as most women know). Therefore, many couples find themselves still struggling to connect with one another even after Viagra enters into the equation.
As it says in a statement released by the faculty at Harvard Med, “When Viagra was first introduced, some sex therapists worried they would shortly be out of a job. But they soon learned otherwise.” Administering a prescription for Viagra is not meant to be a band-aid for larger intimacy problems, which means that some barriers to pleasure will persist if they go on unchecked.
After a couple takes Viagra, other problems in the relationship may come to the forefront. It cannot, after all, increase either partner’s libido or mend long-term differences. It also can’t provide more time in a hectic schedule or keep the kids from barging into the bedroom.
Some discussion needs to be done in terms of what each person likes in terms of arousal and stimulation. It needs to be clear what an “ideal” encounter is for each, and how taking Viagra will help achieve these goals. A great time for a couple to do this is when the medication is first started, during the lag time when the full effect has not yet been achieved.
Both partners also need to talk about their expectations for sex after Viagra. Even with medication, there will still be some nights when things just don’t work out (we've all been there). It can help to discuss strategies for dealing with disappointment, and also come up with alternative methods of fostering intimacy in the relationship.
No one has a perfect sex life – at least, not anyone I know! Everyone has to do some work at one point or another to satisfy their needs, and make sure that their partner's needs are met as well. In this way, Viagra is similar to an anti-depressant; it can only reach its full effectiveness with the proper support and therapy. Once you start to integrate Viagra into your greater search for a more fulfilling sex life, you’ll have the key to a sustainable lifestyle.
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Shaina Gaul is a feminist and freelance writer living in Iowa. View more of her writing at http://www.couchSpud.net.