Viagra - Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Most people who take Viagra don’t experience side effects.  

Common Viagra side effects can include: 

• headaches 

• nausea 

• dizziness 

• indigestion 

• nosebleed 

• blocked nose 

• backache 

Uncommon Viagra side effects include: 

• the common cold 

• blurred vision 

• rash 

• difficulty sleeping 

• fever 

• trouble breathing 

• urinary tract infection (UTI) 

Rare Viagra side effects include: 

• chest pains 

• prolonged or painful erections 

• sudden loss of vision 

• serious skin reaction 

• fits (seizures) 

If you experience any rare side effects, stop taking Viagra and call 999 straight away. For more information on the side effects of Viagra, refer to the patient leaflet accompanying the medication. 

Always read the patient information leaflet for Viagra before using it.  

Viagra should be taken between 30 minutes and one hour before engaging in sexual activity for optimal results. You won’t get an erection immediately after taking Viagra so give it time. It can be taken up to four hours before sexual activity.  

Factors that can impact the effectiveness of Viagra include: 

Sexual Stimulation: Viagra relies on sexual arousal; it does not induce an erection independently. If an erection is not achieved after taking Viagra, insufficient sexual stimulation may be a contributing factor. 

Dietary Considerations: Certain foods, particularly heavy or oily meals, can impede the absorption of Viagra into the bloodstream. This delay in absorption can result in a slower onset of the medication's effects and may reduce its overall effectiveness.  

Alcohol Interaction: Consumption of alcohol in conjunction with Viagra can prolong the onset of action and diminish its effectiveness. Excessive alcohol intake can also hinder the ability to attain an erection, further decreasing the likelihood of Viagra's success when needed. 

The effects of Viagra typically last for approximately 4 to 6 hours following ingestion, emphasising the importance of timing your intake for optimal performance during sexual activity. The duration of Viagra's effectiveness is influenced by factors such as your age, dietary habits, and overall health. 

If you are taking alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), you should wait at least 6 hours between taking those and taking Viagra. 

Eat a light meal - Although Viagra can be taken with and without food, a large or full-fat meal can delay absorption. 

Give yourself time - You won’t instantly get an erection when taking Viagra, it can take 30-60 minutes to begin to feel the effect. You can take the tablet up to 4 hours before use. 

Get in the mood – You need to be sexually aroused for Viagra to work. 

Limit your alcohol - A glass of wine or another alcoholic drink can help you relax, but any more than this after taking Viagra may make it harder for you to get an erection.  

Viagra helps you to keep an erection long enough to have successful sex. So it can help you keep your erection longer. We often recommend those who have ED and premature ejaculation (PE) to use erectile dysfunction medications before trying PE alternatives (Priligy and EMLA) as it may also improve their PE. But these erectile dysfunction medications wouldn't be used to treat PE if you are not also experiencing erectile dysfunction.    

Available in convenient tablet form, Viagra comes in doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. For optimal results, it is recommended to take the medication 30 minutes to an hour before engaging in sexual activity.  

Viagra works by helping to relax the blood vessels in your penis. This allows blood to flow into your penis if you’re sexually excited.

Viagra makes it easier to get an erection if you’re sexually stimulated. It doesn’t affect sex drive or libido. Make sure you understand the cause of your erectile dysfunction before looking for treatment.

Viagra won’t affect how long you last during sex. If this affects you, consult our premature ejaculation clinic.

Per the patient information leaflet, Viagra is not indicated for use by women.

Other than helping achieve an erection if stimulated, Viagra cannot affect the size of your penis.

A woman taking Viagra may experience lowered blood pressure and side effects. It doesn’t increase sex drive or sexual desire.

If your healthcare provider or clinician has prescribed Viagra to you, it should be a safe and suitable treatment. Get in contact with them if you start to experience side effects after taking the medication.

Suitability depends on whether blood pressure is controlled. Additionally, some high blood pressure medications can affect Viagra and vice versa. Consult the patient information leaflet for more information and tell your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking during your initial consultation. This way, they can make sure Viagra is a suitable treatment for you.

Studies have demonstrated that sildenafil, the key ingredient in Viagra, can still produce an erection 4-5 hours after being taken.

You should take Viagra about one hour before you plan to have sex.