There is no shortage of information on the internet about erectile dysfunction; the problem is the information is not always accurate. Erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 18 million men in the US alone. One of the mainstays in treating erectile dysfunction is through oral medication, with Viagra®, or generic Sildenafil, being one of the most prevalent and well-known brands on the market to treat sexual function.
Get to know the truth about Viagra® and if it would be right for you.
1. Not every man can or should take Viagra®.
Tell your doctor if you take nitrates, have chest pain, or suffer from low blood pressure, have had a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke within the last year before starting this medication. Viagra® can create adverse reactions in those that take certain medications or have certain health conditions, so be sure to tell your doctor all the medications that you take and if you have any allergies.
2. Timing matters.
You need to plan for a minimum of two hours between the last thing you eat and ingesting the tablet. The dose should be taken one hour before sexual activity.
3. There are limitations as to how often you can take Viagra®.
You should NOT take the dose more than once per day.
4. What and when you eat can impair the effectiveness of Viagra®.
Avoid fatty meals on days when you plan on taking Viagra®. This can cause Viagra® to take effect more slowly. Try eating light meals throughout the day before taking Viagra®, and avoid heavy meals with red meat, fried food and other high-fat components.
5. Viagra® comes in different doses.
While Viagra® comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets, the usual recommended dose is 50mg. Your doctor may recommend that you take more or less than the average dose depending on your personal situation. The maximum recommended dose is 100mg.
6. Viagra® doesn’t always work the first time you take it.
Viagra® isn’t magic; it does require sexual stimulation to result in an erection and it may not work the first time. You should allow at least two to three attempts to evaluate whether it is working for you. If you fear it is not working when you are with your partner, first try taking it on your own and self-stimulating. Direct stimulation of the penis after taking the tablet can also help.
7. There can be minor or serious side effects when taking Viagra®.
Common side effects that are usually not serious include:
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Visual disturbances
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Stuffy or runny nose
See a doctor immediately if you encounter any of these serious side effects:
- Prolonged or painful erection (if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours). This is a serious urologic condition and you need to head to the emergency room immediately for treatment.
- Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Breathing problems
- Chest pain
- Fast, irregular heartbeat
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
If you are impacted by erectile dysfunction, consider talking to you primary care physician or urologist to see if Viagra® (Sildenafil) would be right for you. Schedule an appointment online >
Health Topics: