Does Viagra Help Improve Your Sporting Performance?

You've probably never imagined, but Viagra can indeed be another supplement to boost your sporting performance. In this article, we'll review some suggestions regarding its use and the precautions you should take.
Does Viagra Help Improve Your Sporting Performance?

Last update: 26 March, 2019

Viagra is a medication that can help boost your sexual desire. However, many athletes have started to use it for other purposes such as increasing their sporting performance.

In the sports world, there is an infinite number of elements, customs, techniques, and methods that people use to help them. It’s just that they don’t talk much about them! A perfect example of this is the use of Viagra. Even though it sounds strange, some people say Viagra can help to improve sporting performance. Keep reading to learn more about this medication!

What is Viagra?

The name of the component known as Viagra is sildenafil. People use it to treat erectile dysfunction and, in some cases, for pulmonary arterial hypertension as well. It has some side effects such as flushing, headaches, skin rashes, and photophobia, among others.

Sildenafil is not something to take lightly, since, along with other medications and body conditions, it can cause the following contraindications:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Risk of cardiac arrest
  • Renal or hepatic insufficiency
  • Dizziness or ringing in the ears
  • Blurry vision
  • Numbness of the extremities
  • Tachycardia
  • Vertigo

Viagra and sports

Athletes must often find ways to improve their performance. The sports world has a lot of competition, and all athletes struggle to be the best in the discipline that they practice.

Viagra tablets
Image: pousta.com

On some occasions, the physical activity becomes so challenging and demanding that it forces the athlete to look for alternatives to deal with the requirements that keep increasing in the sporting discipline.

With that being said, there are energy drinks, steroids, diets, physiotherapy, training routines and equipment that help improve the sports performance. Then, what is the deal with Viagra? It’s simple: it has effects that work to benefit the body when performing sports.

The effects of sildenafil in sports

Chemically, Viagra relaxes the muscles and opens up the arteries to allow for better blood flow in the body. The main goal is for the blood to flow more freely towards the genitals, but it actually flows to your whole body. This increased blood flow causes oxygenation of the muscles, which results in greater endurance.

It all adds up to a better blood flow giving the athlete an excellent level of endurance, which in turn grants them better sporting performance. Thanks to this, they’ll have more possibilities of enduring the physical demands for a longer period of time.

Does it work for everybody?

Not all bodies are the same; therefore, not everyone will have the same results. In other words, it’s a general effect, but this doesn’t mean that everyone can channel it, in the same way, to increase their performance during training or competitions.

Many people think it may be an inconvenience for the sports practice, since they believe the athlete can experience a permanent erection when consuming it. However, it’s not like that. For such a thing to happen, the individual needs some sort of sexual stimuli. Otherwise, the blood will just flow at a higher speed.

Is it good to take Viagra for sports purposes?

While Viagra is a method that many athletes use to increase their sporting performance, and they even talk a lot about it, this doesn’t mean it’s recommended for everybody.

As you’ve been able to see, sildenafil has several contraindications that may negatively affect your performance. This means you would be enjoying benefits on one side, but harmful effects on the other.

A couple smiling after a workout

Besides, people who suffer from illnesses related to these consequences are running a very high and dangerous risk. So, using this medication is something you should ask a professional about before any physical activity.

We can’t say for sure if using Viagra is good for sports or not, it’s a very complex subject to determine. It’s up to the athlete, their trainer and their doctor to decide since it not only compromises performance but health as well.

Viagra is a tricky substance; it has the ability to raise the levels of oxygen in your body. In case you do decide to use it for sports purposes, make sure to do so responsibly. This way, you can evaluate the best situation for you and the sport you practice.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.