How long does Viagra take to work?

Viagra has been helping men to get and keep erections for over 25 years. This article will explain how Viagra works and how to use it to best effect.

What is Viagra and how does it work?

Viagra is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Men with this condition are:

• Unable to get an erection, or

• Unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex.

The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate. It improves blood flow to the penis to help it become erect and stay firm. Viagra does not increase sexual desire or libido. Instead, it helps improve the physical aspects of having sex. 

Talk to your GP before taking any medicine to ensure it is safe and suitable for you.

The science behind Viagra

Sildenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor. This is a type of medicine that increases blood flow to your penis. PDE-5 inhibitors allow levels of a chemical called cGMP to increase. This relaxes the blood vessels and improves erectile function.

Studies have shown that Viagra can also improve blood flow to other parts of the body. As such, it can be used to treat a range of other medical conditions.

How long does it take to work?

Viagra takes about 30 minutes to start working in the body. Some people might notice its effects within just 15 minutes. For other people, it might take up to an hour.

Age, weight and existing health conditions can all affect how fast Viagra works. It’s a good idea to understand how Viagra affects you. This will help you to plan and enjoy your sexual experiences.

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra lasts up to four hours after taking a dose. However, this can vary from person to person. Other factors can impact how your body responds to Viagra. These include:

• Your age

• The amount you take

• Your metabolism (how quickly your body burns through the medicine.

Viagra is not a cure-all; you still need sexual stimulation for it to work well. If you have concerns about taking Viagra or want to know if it's right for you, talk to your GP.

How effective is Viagra?

Studies have shown that Viagra treats erectile dysfunction in up to 80% of the men who use it. However, it may not work for everyone.

Viagra can also have side effects. As with any medical treatment, you should always speak to your GP to make sure it is a suitable option for you.

What factors make Viagra work faster

There are some factors that can affect how well Viagra works.

Food

Some types of food can affect how quickly and well Viagra works. These include:

• High-fat foods. These can make your body take longer to absorb Viagra.

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice. These can increase the levels of Viagra in your blood and could lead to an overdose.

You should avoid ingesting these for a few hours before taking Viagra. This way, you can make sure the drug works at its best.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol when taking Viagra can make the side effects worse and affect how well the drug works. Alcohol can relax the blood vessels and so lower blood pressure. Taking alcohol and Viagra together can decrease your blood pressure further. This can cause dizziness, fainting and headaches.

Alcohol can also weaken sexual function on its own. This makes it even more challenging to keep an erection when using Viagra.

Sexual stimulation

Nitric oxide is a chemical that helps to relax and expand the blood vessels in the penis. It is released during sexual stimulation. Expanded blood vessels mean more blood can get to the penis.

When blood flow increases, Viagra can help to keep an erection. Without sexual stimulation, Viagra will not produce the desired results.

Guidelines for taking Viagra

Here are some general guidelines for taking Viagra:

• Make sure you obtain Viagra from your GP or a trusted pharmacy.

• Take the medicine as prescribed.

• Follow the instructions on the label.

• Take Viagra at least 30–60 minutes before you have sex.

• Take Viagra on an empty stomach or after a low-fat meal.

• Don’t eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Viagra.

• Make sure you drink enough while taking Viagra.

• Limit or avoid alcohol when taking Viagra.

• Don’t take more than the prescribed amount.

• If an erection lasts for more than four hours, seek medical help at once.

• Talk to your GP if you have any side effects, such as a headache or dizziness.

• Ask your GP to adjust the dosage or consider an alternative treatment if Viagra doesn’t work for you.

Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments

There are other ways to maintain an erection. Here are a few.

Vacuum pumps and constriction rings

Vacuum pumps create a vacuum around the penis. This draws blood into the penile tissue and creates an erection. A constriction ring at the base of the penis can help to keep the erection during sex.

Vacuum pumps and constriction rings can work well, but they may not be for everyone. They can cause side effects such as numbness or bruising. They may also make it difficult to ejaculate.

These devices may also be unsuitable for men with certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anaemia or bleeding disorders.

You should talk to your GP before trying any treatment for erectile dysfunction. This will help you decide what’s best for you.

Psychological treatment

Psychological treatments can be an alternative to Viagra. Some common treatments include:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT can help uncover any negative thoughts and beliefs that might be the cause of the problem. CBT can also help you talk to your sexual partners about any issues. This can help reduce sex-related anxiety.

• Sex therapy: Sex therapy involves exercises to improve sexual function. It can help couples overcome problems in their sex lives.

• Mindfulness: Meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. This can help improve sexual function.

It may take longer to see results with these treatments. However, they can work well in the long term. Talk to your GP about treatment options.

Physical treatments

Physical treatments include:

• Penile injections: These involve injecting medicine directly into the penis. The medicine is usually a mix of alprostadil, phentolamine and papaverine.

• Penile implants: These are inserted into the penis. They can then be inflated to produce an erection.

• Vascular surgery: Surgery to repair or bypass arteries can sometimes improve blood flow to the penis. This can help treat erectile dysfunction.

• Hormone replacement therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy can help men regain their sexual function if their issues are hormone-related.

Discuss all treatment options with a healthcare expert. This will help you to decide the best approach for you.

Conclusion

Viagra works well to treat men with erectile dysfunction. It normally takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes. Some people find that Viagra does not work, but there are other treatment options. 

Before starting Viagra, speak with a doctor to discuss dosages and side effects.