Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra all belong to a class of medicine known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (or PDE5-I for short) and are effective in combating erectile dysfunction.

How do they work?

PDE5-I works on tiny muscles within the blood vessels in the penis. They prevent the breakdown of certain hormones during sexual stimulation, which helps increase blood flow to the penis allowing for stronger and longer lasting erections.

What are the doses and how long does the effect last? 

Standard doses and duration of effect are as follows:

Viagra – 50mg to 100mg – lasts approximately 4 hours (viagra is also available in a 50mg orodispersible form – this means it melts in the mouth)

Levitra – 10mg – last approximately 5-6 hours

Cialis – 20mg – lasts up to 36 hours

Don’t panic – this doesn’t mean the erections will last this long! The duration of effect just means the medication will help to maintain erections during periods of intercourse. When you are not having sex, the medication will remain dormant.

When should I take them?

All medication has a similar time of onset so we recommend taking the medication approximately 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Taking on an empty stomach has often shown to produce faster and more effective results.

Are there any side effects?

Headaches are the most common side effect and if they occur then we recommend reducing the dose. Other side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, hot flushes, and nausea.

Are there any times I can’t use them?

PDE5-I has been shown to be quite safe but should you have any known heart issues then it is best you speak to your doctor before commencing the medication.

Can I use it with medication I am taking for premature ejaculation?

Yes you can. But be aware that side effects may be more prominent.

What if it doesn’t work or I need more information?

Then the best thing to do is come in to see us and we can discuss your issues personally. That way we can decide upon a unique plan for yourself and continue to monitor you. Sometimes other issues may be present, such as low testosterone, which may be causing your issues.