Ever tried taking sildenafil (Viagra) expecting it to work like a magic pill––only to get discouraging results?
We totally get the feeling. But it’s not always as cut-and-dried as it seems. And in order to understand why sildenafil didn’t work for you, it’s beneficial to know how it should work.
Erections begin when you get sexually aroused. This sensation signals to your brain to trigger blood flowing into your penis. Anything that impedes blood flow or suppresses it when you’re trying to stay erect can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED)––the inability to produce or keep an erection sufficiently enough for pleasurable, satisfying sex.
Cardiovascular conditions that disrupt blood flow can cause ED, such as atherosclerosis or blood vessel or nerve damage arising from diabetes, to name a few.
Sildenafil works by helping retain the blood in the penis once it arrives there. That’s why it shouldn’t be seen as a medicine that will help you instantly pop a boner out of nowhere. Sildenafil or Viagra only works when you’re aroused.
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That said, why is your current dose not working out? Here are eight tips to help you get better results with sildenafil before giving it up.
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Focus on getting and staying aroused
Sildenafil isn’t a magic bullet that will instantly give you a “stiffy.” It doesn’t work that way. For sildenafil to work at its best to strengthen your erections, you need to be in a state of sexual arousal. If you’re getting disappointing results with sildenafil, maybe you have to concentrate and get your head on straight. You might also be stressed, anxious, or tired. Sometimes, it’s worth giving things another shot.
That said, you need to be in the mood and in the zone. Some individuals reported that trying sildenafil in solo play is helpful for them to determine how their body reacts to it. Communication is also underrated; speaking to your partner about what you both enjoy about sex goes a long way in creating the essential conditions for sildenafil to work its “magic.”
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Ditch the high-fat meals before you take sildenafil
Heavy meals, particularly those high in fat, may interfere with sildenafil’s absorption into your bloodstream, which may manifest in underwhelming effects. If you took a heavy or high-fat meal before you take sildenafil, expect your erections to come on later than usual or not as long-lasting or firm as you wanted. Here’s a tip: try taking sildenafil on an empty stomach to see if you get better results.
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Patience is a virtue–give sildenafil time to kick in
Taking sildenafil requires a certain degree of planning, but it doesn’t have to take the spontaneity and fun out of sex. See to it that you take your sildenafil dose at least one hour before you plan to engage in sexual activity. Sildenafil’s window of effectiveness lasts for up to four hours––which is why you need to time your doses right.
But if you take it too early before your sexual encounters, it becomes less likely to work at the desired time and result. If that’s the case, you might want to try sildenafil and get your timing down pat.
We totally get it, though: knowing exactly when you need to take sildenafil can be inconvenient for some. However, there are other similar ED drugs you can try. For instance, tadalafil (Cialis) can be taken once daily and last in your bloodstream for up to 36 hours. If you like spontaneity in your sexual romps, tadalafil might be more appropriate for you.
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Alcohol can interfere with your ability to stay hard
There’s nothing worse than “whiskey dick”––or alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction. And sildenafil cannot cure that. See as a depressant, alcohol is a known erection killer that can affect the bodily systems responsible for producing erections. Alcohol and recreational drug consumption can all exacerbate ED symptoms. Meanwhile, binge drinking or chronic, long-term drinking can damage the heart and cardiovascular system, and reduce testosterone production––all factors that may lead to ED. If you’re going to “get it on,” keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum, if you must.
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Try a different ED drug or treatment
It’s entirely possible that sildenafil or Viagra just isn’t for you. Luckily, there are other PDE-5 inhibitor ED drugs in the same category as sildenafil, such as tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) that may be more suitable for you. Other treatments include devices such as cock rings, penis pumps, and injectable ED drugs, to name several options. Consult your healthcare provider about these other options.
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Ask your healthcare provider about switching up the dose
Generic sildenafil and branded Viagra come in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses. The most often prescribed starting dose is 50 mg. However, your healthcare provider may choose to put you on the lowest starting dose or on a higher dose depending on your medical history, health, and the medicines and supplements you’re currently taking.
If sildenafil is falling short of your expectations, consult your healthcare provider if a change in dose might be needed. However, never experiment higher doses alone. Always consult your doctor about any potential changes to dosage and never exceed more than one dose of sildenafil every 24 hours.
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Get more exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle or being overweight are key risk factors for ED. In a 2018 study, men who were living sedentary or moderately active lifestyles were up to 60% more likely to develop ED compared to active individuals (those who get 150 or more minutes of weekly physical activity). After all, ED is a cardiovascular issue. That’s why sildenafil works best when your body is firing on all cylinders to efficiently pump blood throughout your body.
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Treat underlying medical conditions that lead to ED
ED has many potential causes. This includes chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Staying on top of your health by getting regular checkups and blood work done is important not only for your overall health but also for managing your ED symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions that may be interfering with sildenafil’s effects.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
Free Express
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Discreet
Shipping
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Sildenafil side effects: the final word
You may have run into side effects of sildenafil that fell short of your ideal sexual experience. Common sildenafil side effects include headaches, dizziness, redness, gastrointestinal discomfort, increased light sensitivity, distorted or blurred vision, nasal congestion, muscle pains, and rashes.
Rarer side effects of sildenafil include priapism––a painful emergency medical condition involving an erection that won’t subside after four hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or symptoms that may mimic a heart attack. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these less common side effects.
It’s okay to be disappointed with your results with sildenafil (Viagra). But don’t be disheartened––sometimes, it’s just a matter of paying closer attention to your sexual health. See your healthcare provider to determine the next course of action––believe us, your sex life (and your partner) will thank you for it.
