Sildenafil, or Viagra, is most well-known as a solution for a specific medical issue—and not much else.
But did you know the drug can make flowers stand upright or be used to offset the feelings of jet lag? Sildenafil is even actively saving endangered animals!
Men commonly use Viagra, so women often think the use of the drug has to do with attraction. But most of the time, it doesn’t at all. Most people don’t know that when both partners are aware of its use, it can enhance the sexual experience for everyone.
However, many men don’t disclose that they’re using the drug. Or, at least, not immediately. And this leaves women wondering how to tell if a man is taking Viagra.
Keep reading to find out.
Table of contents
- Why Do Some Men Want to Hide Taking Viagra From Their Partners?
- What Are Men’s Symptoms After Taking Viagra? [How to Tell if Your Partner Is Taking It]
- How Common Is Taking Viagra (Sildenafil) Among Men? Should They Be Ashamed of Taking It?
- How To Tell if a Man Is Taking Viagra
- It Starts With Information
- FAQS
- References:
Read more: Can You Become Dependent on Viagra? Everything You Need to Know
Why Do Some Men Want to Hide Taking Viagra From Their Partners?
Often, the use of Viagra is hidden by men because of what the drug is associated with: erectile dysfunction (ED). Many men don’t want to face that they have this issue, although it is common, and sharing it becomes more of a hassle.
However, men often take Viagra for various reasons that don’t correlate with attraction or interest at all.
These include:
- Combatting the effects of alcohol
- Experiencing erectile dysfunction
- General curiosity
- Wanting an erection to last longer regardless of firmness
It’s misperceived that the use of this drug reflects a person’s desire. Spoiler alert: it usually doesn’t.
And the benefits of Viagra aren’t only for men. Women can experience benefits as well.
In one study, at least two-thirds of women rated their sexual relationship with their partner as “satisfying” after their partner started using Viagra (sildenafil)—even compared to pre-Viagra performance.
If the conversation is had between partners, it could help lower the barrier when men struggle to communicate their use of sildenafil.
What Are Men’s Symptoms After Taking Viagra? [How to Tell if Your Partner Is Taking It]
Are you wondering how to tell if a man is taking Viagra and whether there are any telltale signs of your partner using Viagra? There are plenty!
Their sexual performance provides some clues: how long their erection lasts and the frequency of their erections.
Keep in mind that this drug doesn’t affect a man’s emotions. The response to the drug is purely physical.
Frequent use of Viagra as an erectile dysfunction solution can also enhance their response to the medication. However, there are also a few symptoms to be aware of that a man may experience.
These include:
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Priapism (in some cases, an erection lasting four hours or longer)
- Muscle aches or pain
- Runny nose or blocked nasal passages
- Nosebleeds in some cases
Knowing if your partner is using sildenafil is the first step to helping them feel more comfortable disclosing their use. It’s also the first step toward expanding your sex life and gaining a new sense of closeness.
Read more: Cialis Dosage: Strengths, Forms, and Usage Guide
How Common Is Taking Viagra (Sildenafil) Among Men? Should They Be Ashamed of Taking It?
Nearly half of all Canadian men over 40 have ED, so this doesn’t include other sildenafil users with different reasons to prefer the drug.
This usual reason that men take sildenafil is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Viagra is a standard solution to help an erection last longer and become firmer, which is difficult for men who suffer from ED.
It can also treat other conditions, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, making blood flow to the lungs easier. Viagra can help increase blood flow to the lungs and do the same for the penis. And this is the reason behind its popularity.
It makes getting and maintaining an erection more achievable and enjoyable. If you have open communication, sildenafil can enhance your sex life.
How To Tell if a Man Is Taking Viagra
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among Canadian men of different ages. Using Viagra (sildenafil) to combat this condition is standard practice.
It’s not hard to tell if a man is using Viagra. But the signs can be easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. Observing differences in habits may provide the answer.
Length of Erection
The duration of an erection differs from person to person.
The person’s age, when they start taking Viagra (anyone over 18 can take it if needed), the dose, and even a person’s metabolism will determine how long an erection will last.
The average erection naturally lasts from just a few minutes to an hour. Of course, an erection can last longer than that, but such durations are typically painful.
In fact, erections that last longer than four hours without the influence of medication are considered abnormal. Medical professionals advise anyone experiencing this symptom to seek emergency care.
However, if a man takes Viagra (sildenafil), their erection could last four to eight hours. So if you notice your partner’s erection hasn’t gone away after at least an hour, they might be taking Viagra.
Decreased Alcohol and Prescription Intake
Alcohol and ED medications do not mix. Alcohol counteracts the effects of this drug.
While this is the general rule for most medications, if you observe your partner consuming less alcohol and showing other signs of taking Viagra, they’re likely using this commonplace ED medication.
If your partner consumes alcohol while using Viagra, they may experience side effects, such as headaches.
There are also certain medications you can’t take with Viagra. For example, drugs for chest pain, high blood pressure, or an enlarged prostate may interact with this drug.
Pay close attention to any behavioural changes related to medication consumption.
Rapid Erection After Ejaculation
Did you know the average ejaculation time is between five and 10 minutes? For most men, an average finish time is about five-and-a-half minutes.
When taking sildenafil, your partner can achieve an erection after ejaculation faster. The refractory time between erections will be significantly reduced based on whether or not they’re taking this drug and how much of it they’re taking.
It Starts With Information
Now, you better understand how to tell if your partner is taking Viagra.
Knowing this can help bring you closer to your partner and expand your sex life. For example, using Viagra can help a man regain and maintain his confidence. In this way, it has the potential to improve the sexual experience for everyone.
Did you find this article helpful? Then, read more of our content on enhancing your sex life and sexual health.
FAQS
There are a variety of questions that people have about Viagra (sildenafil). Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked.
Typically, a man starts to use Viagra at around 50, although it can be used by any man 18 or older as a treatment for ED.
Like any medication, sildenafil must be absorbed in the bloodstream before it takes effect. Some men start to experience an erection in less than 15 minutes, depending on the person.
It may or may not work for each person, so, for the first time, it’s good practice to be sexually aroused before taking it to get the best results.
Anyone who suffers from certain conditions directly affecting the heart should avoid using sildenafil. Someone who uses blood pressure medication or has previously had an allergic reaction to this drug is also not a good candidate for its use.
Speak with a physician if you’re unsure if this is the best place to start.
References:
- A tiny bit of Viagra is enough to keep fresh-cut flowers standing up for an extra week, Insider, https://www.insider.com/
- For Some Women, Viagra Is A Turnoff, Healthy Place, https://www.healthyplace.com/sex/male-sexual-dysfunction/for-some-women-viagra-is-a-turnoff
- Men speak out on life with erectile dysfunction, Healthing, https://www.healthing.ca/wellness/men/erectile-dysfunction-causes
- Who can and cannot take sildenafil, NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/who-can-and-cannot-take-sildenafil/
- Priapism, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/priapism/symptoms-causes/syc-20352005
- Ask the Doc: What’s a ‘normal’ length of time to last during sex? Healthy Male, https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/ask-the-doc-whats-a-normal-length-time-to-last-during-sex
