Why isn’t my Viagra working?
Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah
Using Viagra
Viagra is a brand name drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. The generic version is called sildenafil. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping you to get and keep an erection.
Generally, it takes about up to 60 minutes to work. Because of this, you should take it around one hour before you plan on having sex.
Why Viagra doesn’t always work
Sometimes, Viagra doesn’t work well. This could be for several reasons, including:
The dosage
Viagra is available in three doses:
- 25mg – lowest dose
- 50mg – standard dose
- 100mg – highest dose
Most people will start on 50mg. If you find that this isn’t working for you, talk to your prescriber about potentially increasing your dose. If you’ve already been prescribed 100mg, you will not be able to increase your dose. This is the daily maximum.
You’re not aroused
You will need to be sexually aroused for Viagra to work. If you’re having problems with your libido (sex drive) and getting aroused, talk to your GP to work out what might be causing this. Some conditions can cause a low sex drive, such as depression and diabetes.
Talking with your partner is also a good idea. An open and honest conversation can help with your emotional connection. This can lead to better sex.
You left it too long to have sex
It’s recommended that you take Viagra roughly one hour before you want to have sex. This allows it to reach peak concentration in your blood. Once in your system, the effects of Viagra will last for about four hours. Because of this, if it’s taken more than a few hours before you try to have sex, it might not work.
You have not left it long enough to have sex
On the flip side, if you take Viagra and try and have sex straight away it’s unlikely to work. It’s best to take it an hour before (when planning allows) so it can get into your system.
You’ve had a heavy, high-fat meal
Viagra works best when it’s taken on an empty stomach. Fatty meals can make it harder for Viagra to get into the bloodstream. We recommend eating a couple of hours before you take your ED treatment.
Does Viagra work if you have low testosterone?
If you have low testosterone levels and use Viagra (or another ED treatment), you may still achieve an erection. However, you should work with your doctor to work out your cause of low testosterone – this could help improve your symptoms of ED.
If you’re taking an ED treatment but still having trouble getting and keeping an erection, talk to your doctor.
Reasons for erectile dysfunction
The causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Narrowing blood vessels – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can narrow blood vessels. This makes it harder for blood to flow to the penis.
- A hormonal imbalance – in some cases, ED is the only symptom of a hormonal problem.
- Nerve problems – such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis.
- Lifestyle factors – such as smoking, alcohol, a sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight/obese.
- Psychological causes – such as depression, trauma, relationship troubles, and performance anxiety.
“ED can have both physical and psychological causes. In most cases it is due to a reduced blood flow to the penis. However, external factors including some lifestyle choices can also cause erectile problems."
“An increased number of young men are experiencing ED, and may think physical problems such as low testosterone is the cause, however it’s rare that this is the reason. There are a wide range of factors that could be causing it. Relationship issues, anxiety and depression, medication, diet and not getting enough exercise can all play a part." - Dr Neel Patel
You can read about the causes of ED in more detail here.
Alternatives to Viagra
Other ED treatments include:
- Tadalafil
- Tadalafil Daily
- Cialis (branded Tadalafil)
- Cialis Daily (branded Tadalafil Daily)
- Vardenafil
- Levitra (branded Vardenafil)
- Spedra
- Viatros – ED cream
Complete a short medical questionnaire and our clinical team will prescribe the right treatment for you. If you can’t take medication, your options include things like talking therapy and making lifestyle changes. For example, losing weight or cutting down on alcohol.
References
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/common-questions-about-sildenafil
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/sex-and-diabetes
