When using ED pills, you should be aware of potential risks. Keep in mind that the uncontrolled use of sildenafil medication (for example, when using the drug in excessive doses, or more frequently than recommended, or when the drug is combined with other ED medications from Canadian Pharmacy or narcotic substances) can lead to a condition known as priapism.
It’s a long-lasting painful erection that needs medical help. Priapism is a disease named after the mythical ancient Greek god of fertility Priapus, who had a permanent erection. If a man has priapism, his erection has nothing to do with sexual arousal and the penis does not relax even after ejaculation and after a while it becomes painful. This condition can seriously damage the penis as it can cause blood stasis.
If your erection lasts for more than 4 hours and you feel pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.
In rare cases, Viagra can cause negative effects but they are unlikely to be long-lasting. The common side effects associated with the use of this medication include headache, redness of the face, hot flashes, dizziness, vision problems, sensitivity to light, nasal congestion, and stomach upset.
To avoid side effects of any kind, you should consult a doctor prior to taking these pills. You should be informed that sildenafil medication should not be used in combination with nitrates (medicines used to treat angina pectoris), as this can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure levels, which can lead to shock and sometimes even death.
In 2020, Viagra is considered safe when prescribed correctly.
Important: Prolonged use of ED pills can worsen the fertilizing potential of ejaculate and cause dependence (if you abuse stimulant drugs, one day an erection may simply not come). This is a crime against yourself. There is no need to risk health (and sometimes life). If you take ED medication in the recommended doses and do not abuse it, it won’t harm your health in any way!
The Effects of Viagra on the Body
The Effects of Viagra on the Body
Viagra is a powerful drug that increases blood flow to the penis so you can get and maintain an erection. It’s effective, but it can also cause some side effects.
Viagra is a brand-name version of the generic drug sildenafil. It’s a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that regulates certain chemicals in your blood, but as a result can make it harder for you to get and keep an erection.
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). While it helps you temporarily maintain an erection so you can have sex, it doesn’t cure ED. It doesn’t affect sexual desire either. You still need mental or physical stimulation to get an erection.
This medication is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Circulatory system
It takes a finely choreographed series of events to produce an erection. It begins with arousal signals from your brain, and it all hinges on good blood flow to the penis.
Within the penis are two chambers called the corpora cavernosa. Nitric oxide (NO) is released in the chambers during sexual stimulation. NO activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase. That increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which causes muscles to relax.
The chambers also contain a network of blood vessels. When those blood vessels relax and widen, blood rushes in. The resulting pressure is what causes an erection.
PDE5 can dampen the effect of cGMP. Viagra works by inhibiting PDE5.
Viagra is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Maximum concentrations are reached within about an hour.
One of the more common side effects is flushing, or redness.
This medication can also cause a decrease in blood pressure, particularly one to two hours after taking it. If you already have low blood pressure, discuss the pros and cons of Viagra with your doctor.
For most people, sexual activity is good for cardiovascular health. However, if you have cardiovascular disease, you should ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take Viagra. You should also avoid Viagra if your doctor advised you not to have sex.
You shouldn’t take Viagra if you’ve had a stroke or heart attack or if you have unstable angina.
Certain drug interactions can harm your heart. Avoid taking PDE5 inhibitors if you also use long-lasting alpha-blockers or take medications that contain nitrates.
Reproductive system
Viagra can be quite effective, but it’s no magic pill. It does nothing for the libido. You still need some kind of stimulation to get an erection.
The effects of Viagra usually last about 4 hours, though they may last longer for some men. A rare, but serious side effect, is priapism. That’s when you get an erection that lasts for a long period of time. It can become quite painful.
If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention.
You should also be wary of PDE5 inhibitors if you have an anatomical abnormality of the penis. If you have Peyronie’s disease, your doctor may advise against taking Viagra.
Viagra is a temporary fix and doesn’t cure ED. It offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Central nervous system
Viagra helps to improve blood flow to the penis, but your brain is still your most valuable sex organ. Viagra won’t work if you’re not in the mood.
Some potential side effects of Viagra are headache and a runny or blocked nose, or a nosebleed. Some men feel lightheaded or dizzy. In rare cases, Viagra can cause fainting. Some men taking PDE5 inhibitors report back or muscle pain.
It’s not common, but some men experience ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or vision loss after taking PDE5 inhibitors.
Avoid PDE5 inhibitors if you have a history of an eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION is characterized by the interruption of blood flow to the optic nerve.
If you have hearing or vision loss while taking Viagra, seek immediate medical help.
Excretory and digestive system
Viagra is dispensed in a film-coated tablet. You can take Viagra with or without food, and it’s best to take it about an hour before you plan to have sex.
Don’t take Viagra more than once per day.
About 80 percent of Viagra leaves your body in your feces. The rest is washed out with your urine.
One fairly common side effect of Viagra is indigestion or stomach upset. PDE5 inhibitors can sometimes cause nausea or vomiting.
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor — even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.
Flaccid and erect penis
Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:
Trouble getting an erection
Trouble keeping an erection
Reduced sexual desire
Why I get Erectile Dysfunction ?
Depression – The brain is an often-overlooked erogenous zone. Sexual excitement starts in your head and works its way down. Depression can dampen your desire and can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ironically, many of the drugs used to treat depression can also suppress your sex drive and make it harder to get an erection, and they can cause a delay in your orgasm.
Alcohol – You might consider having a few drinks to get in the mood, but overindulging could make it harder for you to finish the act. Heavy alcohol use can interfere with erections, but the effects are usually temporary. The good news is that moderate drinking — one or two drinks a day — might have health benefits like reducing heart disease risks. And those risks are similar to erectile dysfunction risks.
Medications – The contents of your medicine cabinet could affect your performance in the bedroom. A long list of common drugs can cause ED, including certain blood pressure drugs, pain medications, and antidepressants. But do not stop taking any medicines without talking to your doctor first. Street drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana can cause sexual problems in men, too.
Stress – It’s not easy to get in the mood when you’re overwhelmed by responsibilities at work and home. Stress can take its toll on many different parts of your body, including your penis. Deal with stress by making lifestyle changes that promote well-being and relaxation, such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and seeking professional help when appropriate.
Anger – Anger can make the blood rush to your face, but not to the one place you need it when you want to have sex. It’s not easy to feel romantic when you’re raging, whether your anger is directed at your partner or not. Unexpressed anger or improperly expressed anger can contribute to performance problems in the bedroom.
Anxiety – Worrying that you won’t be able to perform in bed can make it harder for you to do just that. Anxiety from other parts of your life can also spill over into the bedroom. All that worry can make you fear and avoid intimacy, which can spiral into a vicious cycle that puts a big strain on your sex life — and relationship.
Middle-Aged Spread – Carrying extra pounds can impact your sexual performance, and not just by lowering your self-esteem. Obese men have lower levels of the male hormone testosterone, which is important for sexual desire and producing an erection. Being overweight is also linked to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the penis.
Self-Image – When you don’t like what you see in the mirror, it’s easy to assume your partner isn’t going to like the view, either. A negative self-image can make you worry not only about how you look, but also how well you’re going to perform in bed. That performance anxiety can make you too anxious to even attempt sex.
Low Libido – Low libido isn’t the same as erectile dysfunction, but a lot of the same factors that stifle an erection can also dampen your interest in sex. Low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and certain medications can all reduce your sex drive. When all those worries are tied up with making love, your interest in sex can take a nosedive.
Your Health – Many different health conditions can affect the nerves, muscles, or blood flow that is needed to have an erection. Diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis can contribute to ED. Surgery to treat prostate or bladder problems can also affect the nerves and blood vessels that control an erection.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical causes of Erectile Dysfunction
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:
Heart disease
Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Certain prescription medications
Tobacco use
Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
Sleep disorders
Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Low testosterone
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:
Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
Stress
Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
Risk factors
As you get older, erections might take longer to develop and might not be as firm. You might need more direct touch to your penis to get and keep an erection.
Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:
Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions
Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, can — over time — cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction
Being overweight, especially if you’re obese
Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions
Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression
Drug and alcohol use, especially if you’re a long-term drug user or heavy drinker
Complications
Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction can include:
An unsatisfactory sex life
Stress or anxiety
Embarrassment or low self-esteem
Relationship problems
The inability to get your partner pregnant
Prevention
The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions. For example:
Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.
Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use illegal drugs.
Exercise regularly.
Take steps to reduce stress.
Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.
Diagnosis
For many people, a physical exam and answering questions (medical history) are all that’s needed for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment. If you have chronic health conditions or your doctor suspects that an underlying condition might be involved, you might need further tests or a consultation with a specialist.
Tests for underlying conditions might include:
Physical exam. This might include careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for sensation.
Blood tests. A sample of your blood might be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions.
Urine tests (urinalysis). Like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.
Ultrasound. This test is usually performed by a specialist in an office. It involves using a wandlike device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. It creates a video image to let your doctor see if you have blood flow problems.This test is sometimes done in combination with an injection of medications into the penis to stimulate blood flow and produce an erection.
Psychological exam. Your doctor might ask questions to screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
Treatment
The first thing your doctor will do is to make sure you’re getting the right treatment for any health conditions that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction.
Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions, you might have various treatment options. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and will consider your preferences. Your partner’s preferences also might play a role in your treatment choices.
Oral medications
Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. They include:
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
Avanafil (Stendra)
All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
Taking one of these tablets will not automatically produce an erection. Sexual stimulation is needed first to cause the release of nitric oxide from your penile nerves. These medications amplify that signal, allowing normal penile function in some people. Oral erectile dysfunction medications are not aphrodisiacs, will not cause excitement and are not needed in people who get normal erections.
The medications vary in dosage, how long they work and side effects. Possible side effects include flushing, nasal congestion, headache, visual changes, backache and stomach upset.
Your doctor will consider your particular situation to determine which medication might work best. These medications might not treat your erectile dysfunction immediately. You might need to work with your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you.
Before taking any medication for erectile dysfunction, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies, get your doctor’s OK. Medications for erectile dysfunction do not work in everyone and might be less effective in certain conditions, such as after prostate surgery or if you have diabetes. Some medications might also be dangerous if you:
Take nitrate drugs — commonly prescribed for chest pain (angina) — such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Bidil)
Have heart disease or heart failure
Have very low blood pressure (hypotension)
Other medications
Other medications for erectile dysfunction include:
Alprostadil self-injection. With this method, you use a fine needle to inject alprostadil (Caverject, Edex) into the base or side of your penis. In some cases, medications generally used for other conditions are used for penile injections on their own or in combination. Examples include alprostadil and phentolamine. Often these combination medications are known as bimix (if two medications are included) or trimix (if three are included).Each injection is dosed to create an erection lasting no longer than an hour. Because the needle used is very fine, pain from the injection site is usually minor.
Side effects can include mild bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection (priapism) and, rarely, formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.
Alprostadil urethral suppository. Alprostadil (Muse) intraurethral therapy involves placing a tiny alprostadil suppository inside your penis in the penile urethra. You use a special applicator to insert the suppository into your penile urethra.The erection usually starts within 10 minutes and, when effective, lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Side effects can include a burning feeling in the penis, minor bleeding in the urethra and formation of fibrous tissue inside your penis.
Testosterone replacement. Some people have erectile dysfunction that might be complicated by low levels of the hormone testosterone. In this case, testosterone replacement therapy might be recommended as the first step or given in combination with other therapies.
Penis pumps, surgery and implants
Penis pumps, surgery and implants
If medications aren’t effective or appropriate in your case, your doctor might recommend a different treatment. Other treatments include:
Penis pumps. A penis pump (vacuum erection device) is a hollow tube with a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. The tube is placed over your penis, and then the pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube. This creates a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis.Once you get an erection, you slip a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold in the blood and keep it firm. You then remove the vacuum device.
The erection typically lasts long enough for a couple to have sex. You remove the tension ring after intercourse. Bruising of the penis is a possible side effect, and ejaculation will be restricted by the band. Your penis might feel cold to the touch.
If a penis pump is a good treatment choice for you, your doctor might recommend or prescribe a specific model. That way, you can be sure it suits your needs and that it’s made by a reputable manufacturer.
Penile implants. This treatment involves surgically placing devices into both sides of the penis. These implants consist of either inflatable or malleable (bendable) rods. Inflatable devices allow you to control when and how long you have an erection. The malleable rods keep your penis firm but bendable.Penile implants are usually not recommended until other methods have been tried first. Implants have a high degree of satisfaction among those who have tried and failed more-conservative therapies. As with any surgery, there’s a risk of complications, such as infection. Penile implant surgery is not recommended if you currently have a urinary tract infection.
The drug duration and the onset of action can be affected y several factors, including:
Alcohol. Alcohol-containing beverages decrease the blood flow to the penis. As a result, it becomes harder to achieve and maintain an erection necessary for sexual intercourse. One glass of good wine or one beer will not decrease the speed of sildenafil, but larger amounts of alcohol will surely slow down the effects of the drug and may even cause adverse reactions making it harder to get an erection;
Old Age. Men over 60 report that the drug starts working later because with age the body’s metabolism slows down. However, this means that sildenafil tablets will last longer in older men;
Dosage. The dosages may range from 25 mg to 100 mg. The higher dose you take, the more potent and long-lasting effects you will notice. Remember that only a doctor can determine the correct dosage of this generic medication for your case. Do not engage in self-treatment!
Heavy foods. If you eat too many fatty foods just before you take a pill, you may need to wait more time until the drug starts working since your body will be busy digesting the food. But if you take the pill on an empty stomach, the onset of action will occur quickly;
Drug interactions. Some medications can slow down the speed of the drug. For, example, antibiotic rifampicin can change the speed of the action. Always consult your doctor about any medications you are taking or going to take. This way you can ensure that generic Viagra (Sildenafil) is safe for your body;
Health condition. If you any pathological problems with kidney or liver, the medication can last longer. The thing is that the pill will be absorbed by your organism much longer. You should always inform a medical specialist about all medical conditions you have.
Is it Safe to Take Viagra with Alcohol?
Viagra was one of the first FDA-approved oral medications to be offered to men who have erectile dysfunction (ED) and is the most well-known ED drug—think “the little blue pill.” ED is a medical condition in which a man cannot get or maintain an erection long enough to have satisfactory sex. Viagra is still a commonly prescribed treatment for ED, which affects 30 million men, according to the American Urological Association (AUA, 2018).
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, a type of drug called a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors help treat ED by relaxing the muscles in the penis to allow for more blood to flow to the area. This increased blood flow enables you to have and maintain a satisfactory erection. Other PDE5 inhibitors used to treat ED include vardenafil (brand name Levitra) and tadalafil (brand name Cialis). Viagra is taken anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours before engaging in sexual activity. The drug alone will not give you an erection—you need to be aroused for the medication to work.
Is it safe to take Viagra with alcohol?
Many men drink alcohol on the days they plan to use Viagra. Alcohol can help you relax, and it decreases inhibitions, etc. As long as you are not drinking excessively (and have cleared it with your healthcare provider), it is likely safe for you to have a glass or two of wine (or the equivalent serving of beer or spirits) while taking Viagra.
However, people who abuse alcohol (more than 15 drinks a week) and take Viagra for recreational (non-medical) purposes may have a higher risk of side effects (Kim, 2019). One study showed that over 45% of men who took Viagra with alcohol for recreational purposes had a higher risk of side effects, including facial flushing, headaches, chest pain, changes in vision, and light headedness (Kim, 2019).
The type of alcohol you drink may matter. A study looking at men who drank red wine and took Viagra showed no clinically significant interaction with the combination (Leslie, 2004). However, if you prefer grapefruit juice with your cocktails, there may be an interaction with the Viagra.
Viagra is broken down by the liver, and grapefruit juice may affect how well the liver can accomplish this. Researchers looked at men who took Viagra with grapefruit juice and found that the combination can increase the amount of the drug circulating in your body (Jetter, 2002). While this is not usually a dangerous outcome, higher levels of Viagra may increase the risk of side effects like headaches, flushing, or low blood pressure. To be safe, you should avoid taking Viagra with grapefruit juice.
Alcohol and ED
ED tends to affect men in older age groups, especially those aged 70 years and over. However, ED does not only happen in old age—it can also occur in younger men. Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing this condition. These include obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Impotence: how is it different from erectile dysfunction?
A common term for ED after drinking alcohol is “whiskey dick.” The effects of alcohol on a man’s erectile function will vary. In general, alcohol acts as a depressant, meaning that it has a sedating or relaxing effect on the brain and body. While this sounds good, it can also negatively affect some of the pathways involved in sexual arousal, blood circulation, and nerve sensitivity—all of these need to be functioning properly to have a satisfying sexual encounter.
For example, alcohol intoxication can slow the signals between the brain and the penis responsible for getting an erection. Drinking alcohol can also lead to dehydration, which reduces blood flow and impacts your ability to get an erection.
The amount of alcohol you drink matters. Excessive (more than 15 drinks per week) or binge drinking (5 or more drinks on a single occasion) can contribute to ED by affecting the pathways by which nerves and blood vessels allow you to get and maintain an erection. Heavy alcohol use can also decrease your testosterone levels, thereby reducing your sexual desire and ability to have satisfactory sex (Wang, 2018). One study looked at 100 men with diagnosed alcohol abuse disorders and found that over 72% of them had some form of sexual dysfunction, with ED being one of the most common (Benegal, 2007).
Alcohol is not all bad when it comes to ED. One study showed that moderate alcohol use (which they defined as 14.5 drinks per week) was associated with a 34% decreased risk of ED (Wang, 2018). Studies have also found that moderate alcohol consumption of up to two drinks per day could have other health benefits, like raising “good” HDL cholesterol and lowering the risk of diabetes (AHA, 2019). As with many other things in life, moderation is key.
In summary, if you are going to consume alcohol while taking Viagra, be sure to do so responsibly. Limit your alcohol intake to 1–2 drinks per day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a standard drink is one of the following:
12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content)
8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content)
5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey)
Drink water or nonalcoholic beverages in between the alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Know your limits, and be sure to stop drinking alcohol when you start to feel intoxicated.
Since the debut of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil) in 1998, millions of men have discovered how this medication can help treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
But while countless men around the world (and their partners) have experienced the clear benefits of Viagra in their sex lives, there’s not as much awareness of how the “little blue pill” actually works. What does Viagra really do in the human body?
How fast does it work, and how long does it last? We decided to dig deeper and find out. If you’ve ever been curious about what Viagra can do, read on – you might be surprised at what you discover.
The manufacturers of Viagra recommend taking Viagra one hour before having sex. However, studies have suggested that it could start working even sooner than that. Some men were able to achieve an erection just 12 minutes after taking Viagra, although this wasn’t conclusively proven to be due to Viagra.
And while the maximum concentration of sildenafil in the blood isn’t reached until about an hour after taking it (and is potentially delayed by an additional hour if taken with food), it took a median of 27 minutes (with a range of 12–70 minutes) for men taking sildenafil to begin experiencing erections.
This was 23 minutes sooner than the median time of 50 minutes experienced by those who took a placebo.
The half-life of Viagra in the body is about four hours, meaning that every four hours after taking it, there’s only half as much of the drug left. However, even 10 to 12 hours after taking Viagra, men could still often achieve erections hard enough for penetration, though of a shorter duration. By 24 hours, all traces of Viagra in the blood are practically gone.
We’ve seen how quickly Viagra can work – but once it starts working, how long do erections typically last? In one study, an hour after taking Viagra, men reported being able to achieve erections lasting an average of 33 minutes. After eight hours, this decreased to 23 minutes, and by 12 hours, the mean duration of erections was reported to be 16 minutes.
In comparison, men who took a placebo found that they experienced erections lasting an average of seven minutes – less than half as long as among men who had taken Viagra 12 hours ago. Even long after the window of 30 minutes to four hours recommended by the manufacturers of Viagra, the drug clearly still has possible beneficial effects on erectile function.
Viagra is clearly an effective medication for some men, but how does it work on a cellular level? The mechanism by which Viagra allows men to achieve an erection more easily is fascinating. By inhibiting an enzyme known as PDE5 associated with muscle contraction in penile tissue, Viagra allows blood vessels to relax and expand, leading to increased blood flow into the penis.
So how do these molecular-level effects translate into bedroom performance? A study of nearly 4,000 men with erectile dysfunction who were then treated with sildenafil found a clear increase in the firmness of erections. Prior to taking Viagra, 58.7% of these men reported an erection hardness score of only 1 or 2, considered insufficient for penetration. However, after four weeks of treatment, 96.3% found they were able to obtain erections of hardness grade 3 or 4 – with 63.6% achieving grade 4 erections, the highest possible firmness. Without Viagra, a majority of these men would have had great difficulty having sex.
While Viagra was the first PDE5-inhibiting erectile dysfunction drug to be brought to market, a number of similar medications have since made their debut, such as Cialis, Levitra, and Spedra. But how do all these competing medications stack up? In a review of 82 trials covering over 47,000 patients, Viagra in a dose of 50mg was found to have a greater measured efficacy than all other PDE5-inhibiting medications when they were compared with a placebo.
Seeking Help for Your Sex Life
Viagra has achieved such widespread recognition and usage that it’s practically become synonymous with erectile dysfunction treatment. And while this has led to greater openness on the subject of impotence and sexual performance issues, discussion of sexual difficulties can still be a challenging topic for many. If you’ve been struggling with erectile dysfunction, visit Onlinedoctor.Superdrug.com for a discreet consultation with qualified medical professionals. You can receive expert advice in the comfort and privacy of your home, with any treatments quickly shipped to your door.
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Viagra (sildenafil) is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The drug does not cure ED or increase sex drive. Instead, it helps you get an erection in a natural way.
Manufactured by Pfizer, the medicine has become the first ED treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Today, in 2020, there are also generic versions of Viagra available on the market. Thet have the same efficiency but are much cheaper. Sildenafil is also a vasodilator and may be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
How Viagra Works
Since the debut of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil) in 1998, millions of men have discovered how this medication can help treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. But while countless men around the world (and their partners) have experienced the clear benefits of Viagra in their sex lives, there’s not as much awareness of how the “little blue pill” actually works. What does Viagra really do in the human body? How fast does it work, and how long does it last? We decided to dig deeper and find out. If you’ve ever been curious about what Viagra can do, read on – you might be surprised at what you discover.
The manufacturers of Viagra recommend taking Viagra one hour before having sex. However, studies have suggested that it could start working even sooner than that. Some men were able to achieve an erection just 12 minutes after taking Viagra, although this wasn’t conclusively proven to be due to Viagra. And while the maximum concentration of sildenafil in the blood isn’t reached until about an hour after taking it (and is potentially delayed by an additional hour if taken with food), it took a median of 27 minutes (with a range of 12–70 minutes) for men taking sildenafil to begin experiencing erections.
Chemically “Viagra” is a substance called sildenafil, PDE 5 inhibitor. This means that we have an enzyme in our body called phosphodiesterase, which affects the blood flow in the cavernous bodies of the penis and in the blood vessels. If this enzyme is blocked, then this very blood flow will increase.
This is how sildenafil works: it relaxes smooth muscles and blood vessels, and increases blood flow to the penis. And this helps to keep the organ in an erect state. The medicine does not cure the cause of dysfunction, it simply eliminates the consequences.
The drug does not make you sexually aroused. PDE5 inhibitors help only in the technical part. But if you don’t want to have intimacy, the pill may not work.
This was 23 minutes sooner than the median time of 50 minutes experienced by those who took a placebo.
The half-life of Viagra in the body is about four hours, meaning that every four hours after taking it, there’s only half as much of the drug left. However, even 10 to 12 hours after taking Viagra, men could still often achieve erections hard enough for penetration, though of a shorter duration.
By 24 hours, all traces of Viagra in the blood are practically gone.
We’ve seen how quickly Viagra can work – but once it starts working, how long do erections typically last? In one study, an hour after taking Viagra, men reported being able to achieve erections lasting an average of 33 minutes. After eight hours, this decreased to 23 minutes, and by 12 hours, the mean duration of erections was reported to be 16 minutes.
In comparison, men who took a placebo found that they experienced erections lasting an average of seven minutes – less than half as long as among men who had taken Viagra 12 hours ago.
Even long after the window of 30 minutes to four hours recommended by the manufacturers of Viagra, the drug clearly still has possible beneficial effects on erectile function.
Sildenafil is a common medication used to stimulate erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure affecting the lungs and heart).
For treating ED specifically, Viagra is the well-known brand-name version of this drug.
Many factors can influence how long Viagra takes to start working. In general, Viagra takes about 30 minutes to produce noticeable effects.
But your diet, your overall health, the medications you’re taking, underlying conditions, and much more can all affect the amount of time Viagra takes to work in your body and how long it lasts.
How long does Viagra last for men and women?
The average duration of its action in men is about 4 – 6 hours. The drug is not intended for use in women. Sildenafil stays active for a different period of time, it works individually for every man. Most men say that sildenafil lasts about 4 hours, but others reported that they were able to feel the effect of the medication even the next morning. In some men, it lasts for 6 hours. But this also does not mean that a man will have an erection all this time. Below you can see the approximate duration of 25 mg and 100 mg tablets.
Viagra dosage
How long does it last?
25 mg sildenafil
2-3 hours
100mg sildenafil
5-6 hours
Some men wonder: “How long does Viagra stay in your urine and blood?” Sildenafil usually leaves your system after 2-3 hours. Depending on your metabolism, sildenafil can take 5-6 hours to fully leave your system. A higher dosage of the drug will take longer to leave your urine and blood.
How does it work?
An erection happens when nerves in your penis are stimulated.
As a result, muscles around two cylinder-shaped chambers of spongy material along your penis, known as the corpus cavernosa, relax and allow blood to flow in, causing an erection.
With ED, your nerves don’t communicate properly with your brain and blood doesn’t flow properly into the corpus cavernosa. Taking Viagra relaxes the walls of your blood vessels and lets blood flow more easily into the parts of your penis that cause an erection.
How long does it take to start working?
Viagra normally starts working 30 to 60 minutes after you take it in oral tablet form. It may take up to 2 hours to work.
Viagra doesn’t work on its own. You’ll still need to feel sexually aroused to get an erection. Feeling relaxed and comfortable can also help Viagra take effect sooner.
How long does it last?
On average, Viagra usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours before its effects start to diminish. Viagra can last up to 5 hours or longer depending on your dosage, your body’s metabolism, and other external factors.
Depending on how your body metabolizes it, you may be able to get an erection several times with Viagra in your body. Viagra probably won’t make you last longer in bed, though. No research has proven definitively that Viagra can increase how long you can have sex.
Viagra may not work again immediately after you’ve had sex. Normally, you can’t get another erection right after ejaculating because your body isn’t physically prepared for it.
This is known as the refractory period. It may only last a few minutes, but it can last as long as a few hours or days. However, a 2000 studyTrusted Source found that Viagra may decrease this recovery time.
Can any factors affect how long it lasts?
Several important factors can influence how long Viagra lasts for you:
Dosage. The amount of Viagra you take affects how long it stays in your system. The smallest available dose, 25 milligrams (mg), won’t last as long as the largest available dose, 100 mg. But taking a higher dose isn’t always recommended, as it may not be safe for you.
Age. As you get older, your metabolism slows down. So Viagra may last longer as you age. In general, you may notice Viagra works for a longer period when you’re 65 or older.
Diet and lifestyle. Eating a large meal or a lot of high-fat foods right before you take Viagra can keep it from being metabolized quickly or effectively. But this can also make it last longer as it’s metabolized along with your meal. Drinking alcohol or smoking can also decrease blood flow to your penis, making Viagra less effective or shorter-lasting.
Medications. Some medications, especially antibiotics such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro), can interact with Viagra and affect how long it lasts.
Overall health. Certain existing conditions can affect how long Viagra lasts and how well it works for you. Diabetes, nervous system conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), and heart conditions like atherosclerosis (fat buildup in your blood vessels) can all make Viagra less effective and not last as long. Some kidney conditions may make Viagra last longer because of the condition’s effect on your metabolism.
Psychological state. Feeling anxious, nervous, depressed, or stressed can all influence how your body responds to sexual stimulation. If you’re not relaxed or comfortable during sex, or if you have performance anxiety because of past sexual experiences, Viagra may not last long or be fully effective.
How long does it take to leave my system?
Viagra usually leaves your system after 2 to 3 hours. Depending on your metabolism, Viagra can take 5 to 6 hours to fully leave your system.
A higher dosage will take longer to leave your body. A 25-mg dose may wear off after a couple of hours, but a 100-mg dose may take nearly four times as long to leave your system.
Is there anything I should be concerned about?
Viagra often lasts for a few hours. You won’t normally have an erection the entire time, as Viagra is only used to help increase blood flow. If you don’t think Viagra is working fast enough, try masturbation or foreplay to help stimulate arousal.
If Viagra doesn’t work after 30 minutes, don’t take any more than the daily dose that your doctor prescribed. Never take more than 100 mg of Viagra in a 24-hour period.
Taking too much Viagra can cause priapism, a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. This can damage penis tissue because blood stored in the penis isn’t receiving any oxygen. Get emergency treatment right away if this happens.
