At some time in a man’s life, erectile dysfunction is bound to occur. This is because the reasons for erectile dysfunction can range from emotional causes such as stress or psychological problems (being taught that sex was “dirty” or the sexual urge was something to be ashamed of, for example) or because of prostate surgery, just to name a few of reasons. This is where erectile dysfunction products can help.

Erectile dysfunction products work in different ways, depending on the type of active ingredient they contain. For example, Viagra’s active ingredient issildenafil citrate.Sildenafil citrate blocks an enzyme that is produced by the male body. This enzyme actually attacks a necessary chemical that must be produced in order for an erection to occur.

This chemical is called cyclic GMP, and it is the presence of this chemical that causes the arteries in the penis to expand thus increasing blood flow to the penis. The increased blood flow from the arteries causes the veins in the penis to become narrower. This creates a sort of “back-up” if you will, because the blood is coming into the penis faster than it is flowing out. The result is a nice, firm erection.

That is, an erection will occur unless a little enzyme happens to come along which blocks the production of cyclic GMP. Even a small amount of blockage of cyclic GMP can cause erectile dysfunction. Viagra, however, blocks this little “buzz-killing” enzyme and actually allows more cyclic GMP to reach the penis. And more cyclic GMP means a firmer erection.

Now cyclic GMP will not be produced at all unless there is sufficient sexual stimulation. And the stimulation has to be physical, mental, and emotional. So, all these jokes and comedic scenes where someone is hurrying to get home before the Viagra wears off aren’t true. It’s most likely impossible to simply “think” hard enough (no pun intended) to get any erectile dysfunction medication to work.