If you’ve seen Viagra in films and tv shows, you might assume it ​automatically gives you a long-lasting erection. The truth is, you need to take this famous blue pill correctly to get the best results. Here, we explain how Viagra works and what can affect it, so you can get the most out of your sexual performance.

How does Viagra work?

To understand the ​best way to take Viagra​, first you should learn exactly how erections work, and how the drug affects them:

• When you’re aroused, the muscles around the blood vessels at the base of your penis relax, allowing blood to enter and create a firm erection.
• If these muscles contract and reduce your blood flow during sexual activity, it might mean you can’t maintain an erection during sex. This is erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Viagra is the brand name of the drug ​sildenafil citrate​, which is a PDE5 inhibitor. These drugs prevent the muscles in your penis from contracting, helping you have a long-lasting erection.

However, you can’t take Viagra and expect an instant erection. There are a number of factors that affect how fast the drug works, and whether it kicks in at all.

What factors affect Viagra’s effectiveness?

Like any drug, Viagra can be affected by other physiological – and even psychological – factors. Let’s look at some things which might influence how Viagra works:

Sexual arousal

Viagra only works if you’re actually aroused. Just taking the drug won’t immediately lead to an erection. If you’ve stopped feeling aroused, or have a low sex drive, Viagra won’t help with that.

It’s worth looking at your lifestyle, communicating with your partner and maybe seeking counselling to work out the underlying causes:

• Are you distracted by work, or other stressors?
• Do you have personal issues such as body image problems, guilt or other psychological factors that prevent you from enjoying sex?

Alcohol consumption and illegal drugs

Alcohol and some illegal drugs have long been associated with erection problems, even in men who don’t usually experience erectile dysfunction. They can affect the amount of blood that flows to your penis, so taking them with Viagra may make your treatment less effective. 

Heavy, high-fat meals

Like any other oral medication, Viagra’s absorption is affected by food in your stomach. Fatty foods in particular take a long time for your body to process, which can slow down the effects of Viagra.

Prescription drugs

Some medicines are linked to erectile dysfunction, including blood pressure medications, some hormone-related treatments and some anti-depressants. If you take regular medications, speak to your doctor to discuss possible drug interactions before you take Viagra. 

Dosage

The recommended starting dose of Viagra is 50mg, but doses range in strength from 25mg to 100mg. If you’re taking a lower dose and haven’t had the results you hoped for, speak to your clinical team to discuss your dosage. ​Do not​ take a larger dose until you’ve spoken to a medical professional, as taking too much can cause negative side effects, especially if you have certain health conditions.

How to use Viagra for the best results

You should always take Viagra exactly as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dose. Here are some extra tips for getting the most out of your treatment, especially if you’re taking it for the first time: 

1. Get in the mood

Viagra isn’t a magic pill that creates instant erections, so getting in the mood is an important first step. Tell your partner that you’re thinking of taking Viagra so you can both get prepared for sexual activity. Relax and spend some time together to reduce any performance anxiety.

Because Viagra takes 35-40 minutes to start working, it’s important you take it when you’re confident you’re not going to be interrupted. You shouldn’t take more than one Viagra dose per day.

2. Plan ahead

Viagra usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to start working, and will help you get erections for around four hours after. You don’t need to plan every minute of sexual activity, but it’s a good idea to take your pill around an hour before sex to give the medicine plenty of time to take effect. 

3. Think about what you’re eating and drinking

Food and drink can impact the rate at which Viagra is absorbed into your body. It works most efficiently on an empty stomach, or after a light meal. Avoid eating a heavy meal or fatty foods before taking the pill. 

You should also avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating the fruit before taking Viagra, as it can cause unwanted side effects. Limiting your alcohol intake and recreational drug use could also help you have prolonged erections. 

What to do if Viagra is still not working?

If you’ve tried the tips above and find that Viagra still isn’t giving you harder erections, speak to your clinical team. We may increase your prescribed dose or put you on a different erectile dysfunction medication.

You should also speak to your GP about investigating your medical conditions further. There may be something else preventing the drug from having the desired effect.

Do not double up on PDE5 inhibitor drugs — for example, don’t take Cialis at the same time as Viagra.

Common side effects

While you’re taking Viagra, it’s important to pay attention to any side effects you may experience. Potential side effects include: 

• Headaches
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Muscle pain

Seek medical attention if you experience more severe side effects, including: blurred vision, temporary vision loss, chest pains, a sudden decrease in blood pressure, an allergic reaction or a long-lasting, painful erection that doesn’t settle.

Understand the ​best way to take Viagra

While Viagra is normally very effective, there are a range of factors that can limit its effectiveness. By understanding how Viagra works and the best way to take it, you can have a stronger erection during sex. 

Want to have firmer erections? Find out what treatment is suitable for you on our website.