Viagra contains the active ingredient, sildenafil and belongs to the class of medication known as PDE5 inhibitors. For those taking Viagra for the first time, or those thinking about trying Viagra, you may well have some questions. These can include finding out how Viagra works, how much Viagra to take for the first time, how long it takes to kick in, and how long the effects last.
To understand Viagra, it is important to establish how an erection occurs. During sexual arousal, nerve signals in the brain cause a chemical called cGMP to be released into the penis. cGMP causes smooth muscle in the penis to relax. This increases blood flow to the erectile tissues, causing an erection.
ED happens when cGMP (the chemical that causes an erection) is broken down. It is broken down by an enzyme called PDE5. PDE5 is important as it causes an erect penis to return to its flaccid state after an orgasm. However, too much PDE5 can make it difficult to get and keep an erection, causing erectile dysfunction.
To recap, Viagra contains the active ingredient, sildenafil. cGMP is released upon sexual stimulation. cGMP causes blood to enter the penis, causing an erection. But, PDE5 breaks down cGMP.
So, Viagra blocks the action of PDE5. This allows cGMP to circulate freely, increasing the flow of blood to the penis, causing an erection.
This is why Viagra is known as a “PDE5 inhibitor” because it inhibits PDE5.
As well as working to help achieve an erection, Viagra helps to maintain an erection. It allows cGMP to stay in circulation for longer. This helps to keep a good supply of blood to the penis, causing firmer erections for longer. This way, you are less likely to lose your erection.
It is important to note that you need to be sexually stimulated for Viagra to work as it does not influence sexual desire. However, if Viagra has been successful in treating ED, this can help to improve confidence levels. An increase in sexual confidence can help to increase libido (sexual drive).
If you are taking it for the first time, the usual starting dosage of Viagra is 50mg. You should try taking this on 8 separate occasions, before deciding to increase the dose. Increasing the dose may be effective; however, a higher strength is likely to increase the chances of experiencing side effects.
Alternatively, if you have tried 50mg and you are experiencing side effects, you should speak to your doctor about reducing the dose to 25mg.
The maximum dose of Viagra is 100mg. You should not take more than 100mg in a 24-hour period. Taking more than 100mg of Viagra may cause unwanted side effects such as headache, dizziness and priapism.
Even if you are taking a lower dose, you should not take 2 tablets of Viagra on the same day.
It takes around one hour for the effects of Viagra to kick in, so you should take Viagra around 60 minutes before sex. Food can affect the time it takes for sildenafil to work, so you may wish to take tablets on an empty stomach. Alcohol can also reduce the amount of blood that reaches the penis, which can reduce your ability to achieve an erection. Try to avoid more than two units of alcohol to increase the chances of Viagra working quicker.
On average, the effects of Viagra last for four hours. This does not mean that you will have a permanent erection for four hours, but within this timeframe, you will be able to achieve and maintain an erection when you are sexually stimulated. This can depend on factors such as:
For most men, 50mg of Viagra is enough to provide the desired effect. However, if you find that the 50mg dose is not working well for you, you should speak to your doctor about increasing the dose to 100mg.
Viagra doesn’t work if you are not sexually stimulated. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and will not increase your desire for sex. Your libido is influenced by different biological, psychological, and social elements. If you experience a lack of sexual desire, it could be due to such factors as a low testosterone level, stress, or sleep deprivation. Viagra only works when you are aroused, experiencing ED and have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection.
If you are aroused but Viagra is not working, you can make lifestyle changes or try alternative medications and treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Certain behavioural changes have been successful in reducing or eliminating the occurrence of ED. For example, weight loss and increasing physical activity are known to improve erectile function.
If Viagra is not working for you, other alternative tablets can be considered. If advanced planning creates anxiety, different formulations have faster onset times or last longer, giving you more flexibility to schedule a sexual encounter.
To have a good outcome when taking Viagra, it is important to know what routine works best for you. Everyone is different, and your age and weight can affect how the medication works. The more you understand the effect that Viagra has on your body, the better you can schedule your planning for the best results.
Remember, a heavy meal can delay or prevent absorption into your system, so Viagra should be taken on an empty stomach, or with a light meal. Since the effects of Viagra last for up to four hours, there is no need to rush. You should be able to have a light meal and a drink or two while the medication starts to work. Avoid more than 2 units of alcohol, as excess alcohol can reduce the chances of getting an erection.
Next, you need to become aroused so that your brain will start the process that fills your penis with blood. Sexual thoughts and physical stimulation release nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter that triggers the process of achieving an erection. Relaxing and engaging in foreplay can help to get in the mood and ease your mind, increasing the chances of Viagra working.
When you experience positive results on a regular basis, your confidence will grow. With experience, you will develop a routine you can depend on so that Viagra gives you the best personal results.
Since Viagra first introduced itself to the market in 1998, it has been used safely by millions of men. The most common side effects are headaches, hot flashes, and dizziness, but many men have minimal or no adverse reactions. Viagra should not be taken if you take nitrates for chest pain. As with any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist to be sure it is right for you.
A study analysing the outcome of sildenafil in 979 men reported that 95% of men were satisfied with the outcome of treatment.
Another study looking at the treatment of ED in 254 men who had been experiencing ED for more than six months, reported that 74% of men experienced an improvement in the quality of erections.
Online sildenafil reviews also suggest that Viagra is effective and works well for most men.
So, in short, yes, Viagra does work. Multiple studies prove this to be true; we’ve only shown a few of them. Viagra has revolutionised the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and improved the quality of life of millions of men around the world. This is not only backed up by science, but the fact that Viagra continues to be the most prescribed treatment for ED, they return due to the high success rate.
Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.