What is Sildenafil primarily used to treat?

Sildenafil is primarily used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension due to its ability to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to specific areas. In the case of erectile dysfunction, it enhances the body's natural response to sexual stimulation by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), leading to improved erectile function.

Additionally, sildenafil is effective in treating pulmonary hypertension by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, which reduces the workload on the heart and allows for easier blood flow through the lungs. This dual indication for sildenafil makes it a unique medication in that it addresses both sexual health and a serious cardiovascular condition.

Other options do not align with the known uses of sildenafil; for instance, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and bacterial infections are treated with different classes of medications that target those specific conditions.