What is Viagra?
Viagra for men, often referred to as the 'blue pill', is an ED pill which can help to improve sexual wellbeing by enhancing erectile performance. Taken by men experiencing ED, it works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Increased blood flow helps men to get and maintain an erection. The effects of Viagra can last up to four hours.
“If you keep experiencing ED and feel it is affecting your self-image or sex life, it may be a good idea to seek medical advice. Although rare, ED can be a side effect of more serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.” - Dr Neel Patel
How does Viagra work?
Viagra's active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) increases blood flow to the penis. It enables a firmer, longer-lasting erection if you are sexually aroused. However, the treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.
Viagra also isn’t a treatment for premature ejaculation. Although erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation (PE) can happen at the same time. Viagra will help you get an erection, but it won’t slow down ejaculation.
Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?
Viagra itself will not make you last longer in bed. It can only increase blood flow to the penis – there is no evidence it help sex to last longer.
If you’re looking at how to last longer in bed, some helpful tips and techniques include:
- Understanding symptoms of premature ejaculation (PE)
- Increasing length of foreplay
- Slowing down
- Improving communication with your partner
- Practice building control with 'squeeze' and 'stop-start' techniques
If Viagra doesn’t help you to get an erection or your erection doesn’t last long enough to complete sexual intercourse please talk to your GP.
How effective is Viagra for men?
Viagra is effective for 73% of men when taken correctly. There are things that can make it less effective such as:
- Eating a large meal before you take it
- Drinking more than one or two units of alcohol
- Not being sexually aroused
We advise trying an ED treatment eight times before giving up, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative.
Some men who use Viagra might find that over time Viagra becomes less effective. There are lots of other options for treating ED.
How do you take Viagra?
You should take one tablet one hour before sex. Taking Viagra after eating or on an empty stomach works well. However, if you take Viagra after a high-fat meal (e.g. fried food) you might find it takes longer to feel an effect. Alcohol will also limit Viagra's effectiveness.
You should not combine Viagra with other ED medicines including Spedra which can work within 15 minutes.
What to expect when first taking Viagra
When taking Viagra for the first time, there’s a few ways you can prepare:
- 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.
How long does Viagra stay in your system?
After taking Viagra, it will stay in your system for a few hours. Its effects will leave your system within 5 to 6 hours.
However, Viagra may take longer to leave your system depending on:
- Your metabolism
- Viagra dosage
- Age
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- If you're using any other medication
If you have taken Viagra, do not take any more within a 24-hour period.
Who can take Viagra?
Viagra is intended for adult men suffering from erectile dysfunction and impotence. As seen above, you may only buy Viagra if you have a prescription.
You can take Viagra if you are on blood thinners as there are currently no known side effects of using one while on the other. If you’re concerned about the effect Viagra may have on any of your current treatments, talk to your GP.
Viagra is not suitable for anyone who is:
- Allergic to sildenafil
- Taking nitrates (often found in chest pain medication). This includes amyl nitrate ("poppers")
- Taking riociguat
- Experiencing severe liver or heart problems
- In recovery from a recent stroke or heart attack
- Suffering from low blood pressure, rare inherited eyes diseases like retinitis pigmentosa or non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Viagra dosages
The standard dose of Viagra is 50mg. Depending on your age, height and weight, the cause and the severity of your ED, you may be prescribed a lower dose of 25mg, or a higher one of 100mg. Dosage does not affect how quickly or for how long the treatment works.
“Keep in mind that you will need to try a dosage of Viagra at least eight times before changing to a higher dosage. Sometimes it takes a while to begin working.” - Dr Bhavini Shah
In clinical trials different dosages resulted in more men reporting improved erections:
| Dosage | Percentage of men reported improved erections |
| 25mg | 62% |
| 50mg | 74% |
| 100mg | 82% |
Higher doses come with an increased chance of developing side effects. Our clinicians will let you know which dosage and how many tablets are safe for you to take.
Side effects
Like all medicines, Viagra can cause side effects. However not everyone will experience these, and if they do side effects tend to be mild and last a short time.
Viagra side effects can include:
| Common side effects | Uncommon and rare side effects |
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For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.
