Taking Viagra for the First Time? Here are few tips to get the best results
Viagra has been around for decades now, but unless you have used it previously you may not know much about what it is, how it works, or how it will affect you. That’s why we’ve created this guide to give you some information and helpful tips on how to take Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, a medication used for erectile dysfunction (ED). For men experiencing ED, Viagra can help with getting and keeping an erection suitable for sexual activity. Made by the drug company Pfizer, Viagra has been available in the UK since 1998. Since then it has been a trusted medication for millions of men.
How Does Viagra Work to Treat ED?
Erections occur when you are aroused and your brain starts sending out a protein called cyclic guanosine monophosphate. This causes the blood vessels in your penis to relax, allowing more blood to flow to your penis, creating an erection. Another protein called phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5) breaks down cGMP which ends the erection.
Viagra belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors and works by blocking PDE-5 from working, thereby preventing an erection from prematurely softening. It also improves blood flow to the penis by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels in your penis.
Viagra won’t give you an erection on its own so you will need to be sexually aroused for them to work.
How Quickly Does Viagra Work?
Viagra should start working within 30-60 minutes of taking it as long as you are sexually aroused or stimulated. While no one wants sex to be on a schedule, try to take your erectile dysfunction treatment an hour before you plan to have sex.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Viagra can stay in your system for up to 4-5 hours. This doesn’t mean you will have an erection this entire time, rather you have 4-5 hours to achieve an erection or multiple erections before Viagra wears off.
How Do I Take Viagra for the Best Results?
While it is fine to have a glass of wine or a pint before taking Viagra, you should avoid drinking excessively since this can prevent Viagra from working properly. Also try to take it on an empty stomach because if your stomach is full, it will be harder for your body to absorb Viagra. This is especially true if you eat a large meal beforehand that contains a lot of fat.
Because you are only taking Viagra in the short term, you may not experience any side effects. For those who do experience them, side effects can include headache, nausea, flushing, feeling dizzy, and indigestion. In addition to restricting your alcohol consumption, you can help prevent side effects by not drinking grapefruit juice and by only taking Viagra as directed.
Where Can I Buy Viagra?
If they deem the medication suitable, your GP or healthcare provider can prescribe Viagra and have the prescription sent to your preferred pharmacy. Erectile dysfunction treatment is also available online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet. After a brief assessment, we can have Viagra Sildenafil shipped discreetly to your doorstep. Visit our website to find out more.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925