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How Long Does Viagra Take to Work: Timing And Effects

Viagra is a popular medication millions of men use to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Its effectiveness and relatively quick onset of action have made it a preferred choice for many. But how long does it take for Viagra to work, and what factors can impact its effectiveness?

What is Viagra?

Viagra, a brand name for Sildenafil, is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5-I) medication. It is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra enhances the natural NO-cGMP mechanism of penile erection following sexual stimulation, increasing blood flow to the penis and subsequent erection.
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How Long Does It Take for Viagra to Work?

Time to Onset of Erection

In general, Viagra takes about 30-60 minutes to start working, so it is recommended to take the medication at least one hour before engaging in sexual activity. However, the time it takes for Viagra to work can be influenced by various factors such as food, alcohol, and sexual stimulation.

Food

Eating a meal, especially a fatty one, before taking Viagra can slow down the absorption of the medication, resulting in a delayed onset of action. For best results, it is advised to take Viagra on an empty stomach or at least two hours after eating.

Alcohol

Consuming more than one or two units of alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of Viagra. Excessive alcohol intake can compromise erections, regardless of whether you have erectile dysfunction.

Sexual Stimulation

Viagra requires sexual arousal and stimulation to work. It will not produce an erection on its own. Therefore, engaging in sexual activity or foreplay can help trigger the desired effect.

Duration of Action

Viagra typically remains effective for around four hours. However, it’s essential not to take Viagra in the morning if you plan to have sex in the evening, as the effects may have worn off by then.
Related: How long does Viagra last

How Does Viagra Work?

Viagra relaxes the muscle cells in the blood vessels supplying the penis, allowing for increased blood flow. Erections occur when blood flows into the penis, so this increased blood flow enhances the chance of achieving an erection.
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How Effective is Viagra?

Viagra is effective in 62% and 82% of cases, depending on the dosage. However, its effectiveness can decrease if taken after a heavy meal or with large amounts of alcohol. Without sexual stimulation, Viagra will not produce any results. The underlying cause and severity of erectile dysfunction also impact how successfully you respond to Viagra.

What Factors Can Affect Viagra’s Performance?

Several factors can impact the effectiveness of Viagra. These include:

• Age: Older men may experience a slower onset of action and a decreased duration of effect due to age-related changes in metabolism and blood flow.
• Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or liver problems, and cardiovascular diseases, can affect how well Viagra works for an individual.
• Medications: Certain medications can interact with Viagra, increasing or decreasing its effectiveness. Some examples include alpha-blockers, nitrates, and other PDE5 inhibitors.
• Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can all impact the effectiveness of Viagra, as they can interfere with the arousal and stimulation process.

Alternative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Some men don’t respond successfully to Viagra, but there are many alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Levitra: Similar to Viagra in the length of effect but can be taken with meals.
• Cialis: The most expensive treatment but also the longest-lasting. Cialis remains active in the body for up to 36 hours.
• Sildenafil: Sildenafil is the active ingredient of Viagra. It is essentially the same medicine without the Viagra brand name and, therefore, significantly cheaper.
  
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Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Sildenafil is a safe therapeutic option for erectile dysfunction and PAH that has been available for over two decades. Some barriers to successful sildenafil therapy in erectile dysfunction include cost and social stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction. 

All members of the interprofessional health team can help eliminate these barriers through compassionate education, a thorough review of systems during clinic visits, and establishing an open line of communication with the patient to better address their medical needs. This will result in better patient outcomes, increased quality of life, and fewer adverse events.