What is it like before and after Sildenafil?
Before taking Sildenafil, you may have trouble getting or keeping an erection. After taking Sildenafil, you should find that it starts working in 30 to 60 minutes, and the effects last for around 4 hours. Sildenafil causes the blood vessels in your penis to relax and improves blood flow, which should help you to get and keep an erection more easily. For more information, read our page on what to expect before and after starting Sildenafil.
What if Sildenafil doesn’t work?
Sildenafil is effective for most men, but it doesn’t work for everyone. It is worth trying sildenafil on a few separate occasions to see if it will work for you. If you are taking 25mg or 50mg of Sildenafil and you’re still finding it difficult to get or maintain an erection, then you may want to ask a doctor about trying Sildenafil 100mg. If you try Sildenafil 100mg and it does not work for you, then Sildenafil may not be the right erectile dysfunction treatment for you, and you may want to try other options.
It is also important that you have an assessment by your doctor to try and find out the cause of your erectile dysfunction. This ensures there is nothing serious wrong, and they may even be able to find a cause that they can treat.
Are there any alternatives to Sildenafil?
There are several alternatives to Sildenafil. Similar medicines include Tadalafil, Vardenafil and Avanafil, which are prescription medications that work in similar ways. Some men find that lifestyle changes, such as exercise or stopping smoking, can also be helpful in overcoming erectile dysfunction, as well as discussing with a doctor to address any psychological cause like anxiety. For more helpful information on what other options are available to treat erectile dysfunction, read our doctors recommendations on Sildenafil alternatives.
Can women take Sildenafil?
No, women can’t take Sildenafil. It is only licensed for men in the UK, though in places such as the USA there is “female Sildenafil” or “female Viagra” available. These drugs work in a completely different way to Sildenafil for men, and are used to increase sexual desire and satisfaction in women, though there is limited evidence that they actually work. For more information on how Sildenafil affects women, read our doctors’ advice about what happens when women take Sildenafil.
Can I take Sildenafil with other erectile dysfunction medications?
No, you should never take Sildenafil with another erectile dysfunction medication. Erectile dysfunction medications all work in the same way, so taking them together could cause serious side effects, or even cause an overdose.
Does Sildenafil expire?
Sildenafil, like most medications, has a shelf life and can become less effective if it’s left unused for too long. You should check the expiry date on your packet, and make sure you take it before then. Sildenafil should be stored below 30°C and out of direct sunlight.
If your Sildenafil is past the expiration date, it might not be safe to take it. In this case, take the box to the pharmacy to be safely disposed of and buy a new packet of Sildenafil.
Why do I need to get a prescription?
Sildenafil is a prescription-only medication, which means that a doctor has to make sure it’s safe for you to take it. This is because it may react with other medications you are taking, or may not be suitable for you if you have certain health conditions.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
There are many different factors that can cause erectile dysfunction, and often there are several factors working together, not just a single cause. This can include psychological factors such as stress, to physical problems with your circulation. For more information, read our doctors’ advice on the causes of erectile dysfunction.
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