Where muscle building is concerned, Viagra might not have the chances of being thought of first. Nonetheless, new science indicates that this small-sized blue pill might actually be the answer to one’s bodybuilding prayers.
Look at it this way, you are running out of gas, full of sweat, crushing into pieces, tired and pumped full of blood. You are fatiguing fast but you know that you have no choice but sticking to it. Are you on the verge of finalizing a high-strength squat session? Or are you the type that leaves your girl in a wet mess on the bed, quivering?
It could be each of them, especially if the small-sized blue pill known as Viagra is in picture.
From what Schwarzenegger, the master himself, said, he had to have a pocket full of the stuff. He said, “I am like getting the feeling of cumming in the gym; I’m getting the feeling of cumming at home; I’m getting the feeling of cumming backstage”.
So, let’s examine if the pill, Sildenafil, really helps build up.
Here is what you are going to learn:
- Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil, was first brought in as a medication for vascular health but speedily became a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Sildenafil may aid in the increment of muscle function and protein synthesis as a prescription medication. This is only in untrained fellows.
- Sildenafil slightly increases testosterone.
- Some of the side effects associated with Viagra include stomach issues, headaches, and blurred vision.
What is Viagra?
When it was introduced, it was designed for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure, and angina pectoris.
Sooner than later, scientists discovered that it actually helped better in guys with erectile dysfunction.
About 100 million men worldwide and 30 million U.S. men aged between 40 – 70 use Viagra on prescription. Most of whom are struggling with low sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
In a nutshell, Viagra (sildenafil) is a medication prescribed in the treatment of vascular conditions and erectile dysfunction and it is commonly used globally.
Does Viagra have the potential to boost strength and muscle mass?
Many fellows understand that there is need to grab every small opportunity coming their way for them to maximize their gains in sports. And that there is more to it than just a clean diet for a stage-ready physique.
Bodybuilding is no joke. It is a lifestyle. It is a religion. It is a job. So if one takes it for granted then they won’t achieve anything. When something new that has the potential to boost muscle strength and mass comes along then it is worth taking note of.
But is sildenafil really good as it is claimed to be as far as matters muscle strength and mass are concerned?
Viagra enhances flow of blood through an increased production of nitric oxide
Sildenafil has recently been claimed to offer exciting performance benefits.
It is classified as a PDE-5 inhibitor. They block the action of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) thereby enhancing blood flow that helps more blood to your junk, triggering relaxation of smooth muscles, and stimulation nitric oxide production which is a blood vessel dilator.
This blood flow enhancement is the main principle behind erectile dysfunction treatment.
Nitric oxide enhances stamina by boosting the blood flow. It has the power to increase power output and strength, reduce time-to-fatigue, and build unbreakable endurance and motivation.
Although there are better nitric oxide boosting pre workout supplements, Viagra could still have some value for enhancing performance. Therefore, Viagra could result to an improved performance in lifting by causing a boost in blood flow via the nitric oxide pathway.
Viagra has a chance of increasing protein synthesis and reduce fatigue
A study by Clinical and Transition Science uncovered an interesting finding.
They had two groups of healthy men with one taking 25 mg of sildenafil per day and the other a placebo for a period of six days. Both groups were taken through same tests for strength, muscle structure and fatigue before and after the treatment.
The findings were that; sildenafil was able to reduce muscle fatigue while increasing muscle protein synthesis at the same time.
What these findings mean is that there is more muscle mass due to potential remodeling of muscle tissue and elevated protein levels within the muscle cells. Since it was a short term project, actual muscle growth was, however, not determined.
Also, it should also be noted that the subjects in this study were older men with an average weight of 125 lbs. and not heavy weight lifters. These physiological phase of these individuals puts them at a high risk of muscle loss.
Also, it’s worth noting that the maximal isometric strength and power of the subjects did not change.
Is testosterone increased by Viagra?
Apart from testosterone being the primary hormone in males responsible for androgenic and anabolic gains, it also plays a key role in lifting.
An increase in testosterone levels is associated with an enhanced muscle mass and strength, increased energy, motivation and determination, lowered body fat and more lean tissue and an elevated stamina and endurance.
So, well, back to the question; is testosterone increased by Viagra?
Though there isn’t conclusive evidence, Viagra might enhance testosterone
A study in the Andrology journal discovered that testosterone levels increased in a group of men aged between 40 – 70 years with low testosterone after a high dose of Viagra was given to them.
In comparison to a premium natural testosterone booster or regular strength training, the increase due to Viagra is very minimal. Viagra increases total and free testosterone concentrations by 103 ng.dL and 31.7 pg.mL respectively. These changes are modest.
Does Viagra use cause side effects?
Let start by giving a disclaimer; the small chance of muscle gains won’t come free.
Just like other synthetic medications, Viagra comes with a number of side effects. They are in the form of:
- Muscle pain and non-specific back pain
- Headache and dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain, nausea, and sickness
- Sleep issues and insomnia
- Blurred vision
Summary on Viagra and bodybuilding: Is it a tough decision?
Sildenafil is a medicine prescribed for vascular health which is also used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Findings from clinical trials indicate that it has a possibility in aiding performance and also help in building muscles. However, the benefits in these trials have been understudied. Also, they were limited to untrained men.