Filitra 40 mg is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and contains vardenafil as its active ingredient. Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, similar to sildenafil (found in Viagra) and tadalafil (found in Cialis). Here’s why Filitra 40 mg, like other PDE5 inhibitors, requires sexual stimulation to be effective:
PDE5 Inhibition: Filitra 40 mg works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This enzyme normally breaks down cyclic GMP (cGMP), a molecule that helps relax the smooth muscle of blood vessels in the penis.
Increased cGMP Levels: By inhibiting PDE5, vardenafil allows cGMP levels to increase. Elevated cGMP levels lead to the relaxation of smooth muscle and dilation of blood vessels in the penis.
Enhanced Blood Flow: The dilation of blood vessels increases blood flow to the penis, which is necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.
Sexual Arousal: Vardenafil does not induce an erection on its own. It requires sexual stimulation to initiate the natural physiological process of erection. Sexual stimulation triggers the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the penis, which is the initial step in increasing cGMP levels.
Nitric Oxide Release: Sexual stimulation causes the release of nitric oxide from nerve endings in the penis. Nitric oxide stimulates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which in turn increases cGMP production. Vardenafil enhances this process by preventing the breakdown of cGMP but does not initiate it.
Normal Erection Mechanism: The natural process of achieving an erection involves both psychological and physiological factors. The physical response to sexual stimulation is crucial for initiating and sustaining an erection, and vardenafil supports this process by enhancing blood flow.
