Table of Contents
II. What Happens When You Take Viagra?
IV. Duration of Viagra's Effects
V. Optimizing Viagra's Effectiveness
VI. Can Viagra Help with Multiple Ejaculations?
If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction, chances are you've heard of Viagra. This little blue pill is widely known, but many people still don't fully understand how it works or how it can improve sexual performance.
In this article, we’ll explore what Viagra is, how it works, when to take it for best results, and tips for improving its effectiveness.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is an oral medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men 18 years and older. [1]
Viagra comes as a tablet that's taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. The effects last for around four hours. That does not mean you will have an erection the entire time. Viagra helps you maintain an erection when sexually aroused during this window. [1]
Numerous studies show Viagra improves erectile function and allows men who struggle with ED to have intercourse. [2] If you've had issues with ED, talk to your doctor. They can evaluate if Viagra may help, based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
What Happens When You Take Viagra?
When arousal occurs, your body initiates a series of chemical reactions that lead to an erection. Nitric oxide is released, which improves blood flow to the penis. This increased blood flow results in an erection. However, your body eventually produces phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which reverses the process and causes you to lose the erection. [1]
This is where Viagra comes in. Viagra contains sildenafil, which belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. As the name suggests, these medications prevent PDE5 from being produced, so the erection-supporting chemical reactions can continue. [1]
It is essential to understand that Viagra is only effective once you have achieved an erection. Viagra works with your body’s natural arousal process and prolongs the chemical reactions that enable a reaction. [1]
Can Viagra Cure ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. While occasional difficulties maintaining an erection are not uncommon, ongoing problems achieving an erection can be a sign of a more serious health issue and should be discussed with your doctor. [3]
ED can have numerous underlying causes:
- Any issues that affect blood flow or nerve function in the penis
- Psychological or emotional factors like stress, anxiety, or relationship problems.
- As an early warning sign of more serious health issues like atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. [3]
Medications like Viagra can help maintain a healthy sex life. However, it's important to understand that Viagra does not cure ED. No pill has been proven to completely cure ED. [1]
The underlying causes of your ED need to be addressed to work towards a cure. This often requires consultation with a doctor, who can determine the source of your ED and develop a comprehensive treatment plan which may include medication, lifestyle changes, counseling, or other options based on your unique situation. [3]
Duration of Viagra's Effects
After taking Viagra, the medication quickly dissolves into your bloodstream. You can expect it to start working in 30 to 60 minutes. Peak effects are usually felt one to two hours after taking Viagra. These effects will last for around four hours. [1]
However, just because Viagra's effects can last up to four hours does not mean your erection will last that long. Viagra simply allows you to maintain an erection after stimulation at any point within the four-hour window. [1]
If you experience an erection that lasts longer than four hours, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. This condition is known as priapism, and it can potentially cause permanent damage to your erectile tissue. [4]
Optimizing Viagra's Effectiveness
If you're considering taking Viagra, it's important to know that several factors can influence how quickly and effectively the medication works once you take it.
- Do not take Viagra on a full stomach: Taking Viagra too soon after eating a large, fatty meal may delay how quickly it gets absorbed and starts working. While you don't need to take it on an empty stomach, avoid taking it right after a heavy meal. [1]
- Limit your alcohol intake: Having one or two drinks is okay, but more than that can make it harder to get an erection. Alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with your body's ability to respond to the medication. [5]
- Time Viagra properly: Allow 30 to 60 minutes for Viagra to be absorbed into your system before expecting it to work. You'll generally feel the peak effects one to two hours after taking it, and the effects last around four hours. For most men, taking Viagra about an hour before sex leads to the best experience. [1]
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit can increase the level of Viagra’s active ingredient (sildenafil) in your blood. This raises the risk of side effects. [6]
Is It Possible to Ejaculate Multiple Times While Using Viagra?
After orgasm, men experience a natural recovery phase called the refractory period. This is when your body resets itself before you can become aroused again. The length of the refractory period varies from one man to another. [7]
Regardless of whether Viagra is being used or not, all men go through this refractory period. [7] However, experts aren’t certain whether Viagra can shorten this recovery time.
A study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that Viagra significantly shortens the refractory period. [8] However, another study in Urology concluded that Viagra does not impact the refractory period. [9]
Regardless of its impact on recovery time, Viagra can help you get an erection again once the refractory period has passed. Depending on your metabolism, you may be able to have sex multiple times within Viagra's window of effectiveness.
Conclusion
If you're struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra can be an effective tool to maintain your erection. For many men, Viagra provides a more satisfying sex life.
However, it's important to understand that Viagra does not treat the underlying cause of ED. It is not a cure. To fully address the root factors contributing to your ED, it is essential to work closely with your doctor.
The content provided in this article is based on thorough research and in some cases, reviewed by a medical professional. Our goal for the information is to provide helpful, general health informational. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.