Sexual Health

6 Tips For Getting The Best Results With Sildenafil (Viagra)

Emily Mullins

by Emily Mullins

February 27, 2024 05:18 pm ET Estimated Read Time: 6 Minutes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Carlie Bell
6 tips for getting the best results with viagra
Posted on02/27/2024

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread ailment that affects more than 50% of men over the age of 40. As such, sildenafil, also known by the name brand Viagra, is one of the most popular prescription drugs in the United States.

People with ED struggle to get and maintain erections during sex, and sildenafil helps by improving blood flow to the penis during arousal. It’s a fairly effective treatment, but there are a few key factors that can influence how well it works.

Whether you’re new to taking Viagra or a seasoned user hoping to increase its efficacy, follow our helpful tips to get the most out of Viagra and enhance your sexual experiences.

What is Sildenafil (Viagra)?

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, sildenafil breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) molecules to relax blood vessels, arteries, and smooth muscles in the penis. This allows for stronger blood flow and, as a result, better erections.

This medication typically comes in blue (Viagra) or white (sildenafil) pill form, but some manufacturers are working on faster-acting versions of this drug. However, these aren’t widely available as of yet.

It’s important to note that sildenafil does not work unless you are aroused. Merely taking it without experiencing arousal will not lead to an erection. However, if you do experience an unwanted or prolonged erection lasting more than four hours, contact a healthcare professional for assistance.

Additionally, it’s vital to be aware of the potential side effects that may occur as a result of taking sildenafil or Viagra. If you experience any of these after trying sildenafil, avoid taking it again until you talk to your doctor.

Potential side effects of sildenafil include: 

  • flushing
  • headaches
  • insomnia
  • nosebleeds
  • congestion
  • vision changes
  • heartburn
  • muscle pain

Tips to Make Viagra More Effective

Although Viagra is an effective medication on its own, following these tips will help you get the most out of the medication so you don’t have to stress during a high-pressure situation. If you feel confident in yourself, you’re more likely to enjoy your experiences!

Consider trying the tips below to safely and effectively use sildenafil for ED.

Take the Right Dose 

Although it can take some trial and error to find the right dose for you, more isn’t necessarily better. Sildenafil typically comes in 25, 50, and 100-milligram tablets based on the patient’s needs.

The standard dose, and the one your doctor will likely start you at, is 50 milligrams. If it doesn’t work, talk to your doctor. Do not take more than recommended, and don’t take more than one pill per day. Doing so can put you at an increased risk of experiencing harmful side effects.

Take Sildenafil With Water

Interestingly, taking sildenafil with certain types of drinks can speed up or slow down your absorption rate. Taking it with water is one of the most effective ways to get it down, and water can help with potential side effects like nausea.

Water will also help the medication be absorbed into the bloodstream faster than other liquids, such as milk or juice. If you decide to take Viagra with juice, avoid grapefruit and pomegranate juices, as they can cause negative interactions with sildenafil.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

While small amounts of alcohol are generally considered safe with Viagra, it can decrease the efficacy of the medication. The depressant effects of alcohol can inhibit adequate blood flow, which is necessary to get and maintain an erection.

Sustained alcohol and drug use can also damage other parts of the body, such as the liver or heart, and may worsen ED symptoms over time.

Take Sildenafil at the Right Time

The time you take Viagra can have a big impact on your sexual functioning. It needs some time to work, so taking it immediately before sex won’t help you with erections. For best results, take it 30 minutes to one hour before sex.

Viagra is effective for anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours after taking it. Try taking it at various times before sex to determine what works best for you.

Don’t Take Viagra On a Full Stomach

Many medications are designed to be taken with food, but sildenafil actually works better when taken on a more empty stomach. Taking Viagra during or right after eating a heavy, fatty meal can slow its absorption rate and make it less effective overall. You may find that you can’t get an erection or that it doesn’t last long enough.

You don’t need to have a completely empty stomach when you take Viagra, but eating lighter foods or snacks can help prevent these issues.

Work On Overall Health

Having a healthy body is one of the best ways to ensure any medication works as directed. This is particularly true of cardiovascular health since Viagra works so closely with blood flow.

Avoiding smoking, doing regular cardio workouts, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet are all essential pieces on the path to success with sildenafil. Doing these will help clear toxins out of your body and promote blood vessel and heart health, which will, in turn, lead to better erections. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding a new fitness routine to your regimen, including regular cardio workouts. 

Making the Right Choices for Your Health

If you’re already doing the above tips and still finding that sildenafil isn’t working for you, consult with your doctor. A different dosage or medication may be needed to help you achieve the results you want. Avoid trying internet hacks, such as chewing or snorting Viagra, as this is not how the medication is intended to work.

If you’d like to try sildenafil or Viagra for ED, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today to start your journey toward sexual satisfaction.

Citations

  1. Smith BP, Babos M. Sildenafil. [Updated 2023 Feb 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
  2. Pușcașu C, Zanfirescu A, Negreș S, Șeremet OC. Exploring the Multifaceted Potential of Sildenafil in Medicine. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Dec 17;59(12):2190. doi: 10.3390/medicina59122190. PMID: 38138293; PMCID: PMC10744870.

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