Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition where males frequently or consistently cannot get or maintain an erection for penetrative sex. There are many possible causes of ED. For example, it can be linked with mental and physical health conditions like diabetes, depression, or heart disease.
Viagra, also known by its generic drug name, sildenafil, is a popular solution. It’s a type of oral phosphodiesterase-5(PDE-5) inhibitor. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication to treat both ED and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Getting the best results from sildenafil (Viagra)
FG Trade/Getty Images
When you take sildenafil (Viagra) for ED, it increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels. This allows for improved circulation, which helps lead to a stronger erection. You don’t stay erect continuously after taking sildenafil (Viagra), so you will still need sexual stimulation to get an erection.
To maximize your Viagra results, factors like dosage and timing are important.
Dosage
A 2024 article explains that the typical starting dose of sildenafil (Viagra) is 50 milligrams (mg) per day.
Depending on how your body responds, a healthcare professional may adjust your dose down to 25 mg or up to 100 mg.
For instance, if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or are 65 years or older, you may only need 25 mg. Meanwhile, if you do not have any health conditions and find that 50 mg does not have the desired effects, you may benefit from a higher dose.
It’s important that you do not take sildenafil (Viagra) more than once per day.
100% online care
Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.
Viagra starts working within 30 minutes of taking it. For the best results, it may be best to take it around 1 hour before sexual activity. The effects can last for up to 18 hours.
The sildenafil (Viagra) package insert suggests that you take it no more than 4 hours before expected sexual activity.
Determining the optimal timing for taking Viagra before sexual activity can involve a degree of trial and error. After taking it a few times, you’ll get a better feel of when you experience its best effects.
Need a prescription or refill for ED medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks with no video or appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional. Get started here.
How does food affect Viagra
To make Viagra work better, you can also consider factors like your diet.
Foods to avoid
According to the sildenafil (Viagra) package insert, taking it with a high fat meal delays how quickly it works by an average of around 60 minutes. High fat foods also reduce overall absorption by an average of around 29%, meaning the drug may be less effective.
The label does not indicate that any other foods affect its efficacy or safety, so you can take it with your regular diet.
Foods to eat
While there’s no specific Viagra-friendly diet, maintaining a balanced diet can positively affect your overall health and specifically sexual health.
For example, a 2023 systematic review found that the Mediterranean diet can improve erectile function. Specifically, aspects like eating plenty of plant foods, eating lower calorie foods, and getting omega-3 fatty acids appeared beneficial.
This may be especially true if you have ED, and it’s linked with health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
To learn more about how dietary changes could improve your health and ED, you can talk with a primary care professional or a specialist like a registered dietitian or urologist.
Before taking Viagra, it’s important to tell the prescribing healthcare professional about any other prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), or herbal medications you take to help ensure your safety and well-being.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
As with any medication, sildenafil (Viagra) may be accompanied by side effects.
More common and mild side effects include:
headache
flushing
reflux and indigestion
nasal congestion
If these side effects persist or become severe, stop taking the medication and consider getting medical attention.
In rare cases, an erection lasting more than 4 hours, known as priapism, can occur. This requires immediate medical intervention.
There have also been rare reports of severe side effects like heart attack or stroke. However, many of these rare events were in people with preexisting heart health risk factors.
For this reason, it is important to discuss your current health and lifestyle with a treating healthcare professional before you start taking any new medications, including sildenafil (Viagra).
Discussing alternatives with a healthcare professional
If you do not find that sildenafil (Viagra) works well for you, or if you experience side effects, a healthcare professional can suggest suitable Viagra alternatives.
Other PDE-5 inhibitors: Besides sildenafil (Viagra), other PDE-5 inhibitors can improve ED. They may offer differences in duration and side effects. A common option is tadalafil (Cialis).
Lifestyle adaptations: Many people benefit from increased physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, stopping smoking (if they smoke), and getting treatment for any chronic conditions like diabetes or depression.
Testosterone: If PDE-5 inhibitors do not work for you, or if you also have low sexual desire (libido), a healthcare professional may check your testosterone levels. If they are low, testosterone supplements might be helpful.
Devices: Vacuum devices with a pump can help some men achieve an erection for up to 30 minutes. Although using it for the first few times can require some practice, it’s generally safe and effective.
Injections: Injecting prostaglandin directly into the penis can also help you get and maintain an erection. Research has shown it to work for up to 94% of men. However, the administration may cause some pain.
There may be more options besides these. You can discuss sildenafil (Viagra) alternatives with healthcare professionals like a primary care physician or a specialist like a urologist.
Summary
If you’re looking to learn how to use Viagra for best results, there are several factors to consider.
For instance, taking the right dosage at the right time and avoiding taking Viagra with a high fat meal are important. Keep in mind that your overall health and diet can affect your sexual health and erectile function. For example, chronic health conditions like diabetes or lifestyle habits like smoking can worsen ED symptoms.
If Viagra is not suitable or effective for you, there are many alternatives you can try.
Talking with a healthcare professional is a great way to learn more about maximizing Viagra’s effects, including lifestyle changes that can help reduce ED and Viagra alternatives you might consider.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
