Sildenafil, more commonly known by its branded name Viagra®, essentially takes around 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. However, it can be taken up to two to four hours before you engage in sexual activity.
Here’s the thing: the amount of time it takes for sildenafil to start taking effect may depend on various factors. These can range from your specific reaction to the drug, any preexisting medical conditions you might have, to how much food or alcohol you consumed before taking it.
Many individuals generally accept that sildenafil works faster when taken on an empty stomach since there’s less likelihood of an active digestive system interfering with its absorption.
It is understood that sildenafil doesn’t cause an erection just by itself; arousal is a prerequisite for it to work. However, sildenafil makes it easier for men to obtain and maintain an erection upon receiving stimulation.
What does sildenafil do?
Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction by allowing men to get erect and stay erect. ED is a common ailment affecting over 30 million individuals in the United States.
Men with ED struggle to achieve or keep an erection, despite sexual stimulation. Some men don’t experience erections at all.
ED is linked to a bevy of potential causes. However, ED is usually related to a lack of blood flow to the penis.
When the body is in a state of sexual arousal, the blood vessels, and arteries that deliver blood to the penis expand. This leads to the blood vessels that transport blood from the penis to narrow, restricting the blood flow out of the penis and therefore hardening it, leading to an erection.
Men with ED experience may be suffering from low blood flow to the penis, interfering with the ability to get erect. Sildenafil (Viagra®) relaxes the smooth muscles in the penis and increases circulation in the penis, making it easier for men with ED to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Sildenafil’s action only occurs in the presence of sexual arousal, and it won’t induce an erection taken alone.
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How do sildenafil dosages differ?
Sildenafil’s efficacy depends on how much of the medicine is present in your system.
Taking a larger dose to begin will extend its effects slightly longer. The maximum dosage available for sildenafil is 100 mg – taking any more than the maximum dosage may increase the likelihood of heart problems and more frequent or severe side effects.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine what dosage you should start with. Most men are given a starting dose of 50 mg. Depending on their response to the medication, doctors may reduce their dosage to 25 mg or otherwise increase it to 100 mg accordingly.
Is sildenafil effective?
Sildenafil is effective in up to two-thirds of men suffering from ED.
However, its effects decrease if taken with a heavy, high-fat meal or with large quantities of alcohol.
The underlying causes and the severity of your ED symptoms also influence how you respond to sildenafil – don’t worry if you don’t experience immediate results the first time you take it. Doctors recommend trying sildenafil several times before moving up to a higher dosage or prescribing alternative treatment solutions.
What should I do if sildenafil isn’t working for me?
It’s understood that while sildenafil (Viagra®) is a highly effective first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction, no medicine has a 100% success rate. If you’ve taken sildenafil and notice no difference in your ability to sustain erections, you shouldn’t arbitrarily take more of the drug.
Rather, consult your primary healthcare provider and let them know about your situation. They will help determine if you need to make changes in your overall health, adjust your dosage, or try another ED medication or treatment option accordingly.
Can sildenafil produce permanent effects?
Unfortunately, no. As with every other medication, sildenafil possesses an active life and a half-life, which runs approximately four hours.
This means that the amount of sildenafil in your system will gradually reduce to half the amount every four hours.
Once the active ingredient is fully metabolized, it will eventually be expelled from your bloodstream and tissues, and its effects will subside thereafter.
Can you get addicted to sildenafil?
Misusing sildenafil and other ED drugs can lead to a psychological addiction. However, there is no evidence that using sildenafil can lead to physical addiction and dependence on the substance. Moreover, there is no scientific proof that sildenafil and other erectile dysfunction medications can cause withdrawal symptoms upon going cold turkey or stopping the medication abruptly.
Can sildenafil cause permanent, long-term damage?
Most of sildenafil’s known side effects are mild and generally subside as its effects wear off. However, some severe side effects can arise in rare cases. For instance, sildenafil and other ED medications can cause priapism, a rare condition involving an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours (trust us, it’s not a good thing). Priapism is a rare but severe and painful side effect that may lead to tissue death and scarring, leading to permanent erectile dysfunction if left untreated.
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Is it possible to build a tolerance for sildenafil?
According to the most reliable studies on the subject, the likelihood of developing a tolerance to sildenafil is slim. If you follow your doctor’s advice, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a long and successful partnership with sildenafil to get your sex life buzzing again.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience persistent symptoms of erectile dysfunction, consult your doctor. He will be able to provide qualified guidance as to which course of action should be taken to address your ED based on your medical history.
ED is a sensitive yet common health problem afflicting millions of men worldwide, and it may be hard for some to seek medical advice. However, rest assured that there are plenty of effective ways to treat it so you can enjoy a better, more fulfilling sex life.
