Sexual enhancement pills such as Viagra are life-changing for men who experience erectile dysfunction. They have been helping men in Canada for over 20 years and could also help you enjoy your sex life again. But where do you begin with this medication?
Before deciding whether to take Viagra, learning more about this medication is important to determine if it is right for you and to answer some questions and concerns, like how long Viagra lasts in your system.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Viagra and how to get the most out of this medication.
Table of contents
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is the well-known brand name for sildenafil, one of the main medications used to treat male sexual difficulties, such as ED. The oral medication works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Sildenafil has the same dosage and active ingredient as Viagra but isn’t sold under a brand name, instead often referred to as ‘generic Viagra.’
It’s worth mentioning here that sildenafil is also the name of the active ingredient in both Viagra and the generic Viagra (sildenafil).
Read more: 7 Bee Pollen Benefits for Male Health
Does Viagra Last the Same for Everyone?
Viagra is a popular medication for men who suffer from ED. However, several factors can impact its duration. These factors include:
- Your diet
- Your age
- Mental well-being
- Physical well-being
- Other medications
Stress, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties can impact sexual arousal, so some men struggling with their mental well-being may need to focus on arousal first.
Your diet and age can also impact the duration of Viagra. For example, if you eat a high-fat meal before taking the medication or if you have a slower metabolism, it will take Viagra much longer to start working.
Medications can also interact with Viagra, so it is essential to consult with a professional before taking this medication.
Read more: Flomax vs. Viagra: Are Tamsulosin & Sildenafil the Same Thing?
How Long Does a Viagra Pill Last on Average?
On average, Viagra begins to enter the system within 30 mins to 2 hours of consumption. So, once you feel the effects, how long does Viagra last in your system? Again, several factors influence how long the effects of Viagra last, but on average, it will last up to 4 or 5 hours.
During that time, patients may achieve multiple erections, but they should not have an erection the entire time. If you have an erection longer than 4 hours, you should seek medical attention.
Can I Take a Larger Dose to Extend the Effects?
Usually, you will begin Viagra on a lower dose, such as 25mg or 50mg, and see if this helps you maintain an erection. However, if you have severe ED or you are not noticing the effects, you may be prescribed a higher dose of Viagra.
Increasing the dose of a Viagra pill will also extend the time the medication takes to leave your system. For example, 25mg of Viagra may last only 2 to 3 hours, whereas a higher dose will average 4 hours or more.
However, Viagra is a prescription medication, so your doctor needs to approve the dosage. Never take more than your prescribed amount of Viagra, as it can put your safety at risk. You may maintain a longer erection but are more likely to experience adverse effects such as low blood pressure, fainting, nausea, and headaches.
How Long Does Viagra Last as a 100MG Dose?
100mg of Viagra is usually the highest recommended dosage. On average, it will last for around four to five hours.
You should not consume more than your recommended dose in 24 hours. Give it time to be absorbed by your system, and consult your doctor if you do not notice any effects.
Are There Longer-lasting Alternatives?
There are a few alternatives to Viagra that may be more suitable for you. For example, Cialis can last up to 36 hours and, on average, takes 30 minutes to enter your system. Its active ingredient is Tadalafil, which is also the name of the generic version of this medication.
Levitra lasts almost as long as Viagra. It should be taken around one hour before sexual encounters and lasts for an average of four hours. Its active ingredient is Vardenafil.
What medication suits you will depend on your doctor’s assessment. You may have to try different options to determine what works best.
Other Alternatives
Some people who experience erectile dysfunction have found natural alternatives to help increase sexual function. But these methods have not been clinically tested in the same way that Viagra has, and there is not enough research to determine the duration of any effects.
What you require will depend on the root cause of your issue. For example, many decide to take a medication such as Viagra due to its duration and choose to have therapy to address any mental health difficulties that are impacting their sexual arousal.
Viagra FAQs
One of the most commonly asked questions about Viagra is how long it lasts. However, there are more details about its duration that can help inform your choice. Here are several more FAQs that can help you learn about this medication.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Viagra will last longer the first time you take it; in fact, Viagra doesn’t always work the first time users take it.
If you do not feel anything the first time, it’s best to avoid increasing the dose. The dose shouldn’t be increased until you have used the medication multiple times.
It’s recommended that you take Viagra roughly an hour before intercourse to enjoy its duration. You will also learn how Viagra works for you once you begin your prescription. Viagra should be consumed on an empty stomach, if possible, to ensure your system can efficiently absorb it.
While side effects of Viagra are rare, some users will experience them. If you experience side effects, they should be mild and pass quickly. Seek medical attention if the side effects last longer or are more severe.
Learning more about Viagra will help inform your decision about this medication. The best way to get the most out of Viagra is to follow your doctor’s recommendations so that you can enjoy Viagra’s duration without any difficulties.
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References:
- FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BRAND NAME VIAGRA!, Viagra, https://www.viagra.ca/Questions
- 5 Effective Strategies to Help You Overcome Sexual Dysfunction, Anxiety.org, https://www.anxiety.org/how-to-stop-anxiety-and-depression-from-causing-sexual-dysfunction
