What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a tablet ED treatment. It relaxes your blood vessels, which can help to improve your erections. You usually take a tablet around an hour before you have sex, and once you’re sexually aroused it can help you get and maintain an erection.
How does Sildenafil work?
It belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase-5, or PDE5, inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme (PDE5), which allows your blood to flow more easily. PDE5s are sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Who is Sildenafil for?
Sildenafil is for men aged 18 or over who want to improve their erections. ED typically affects men from age 40 onwards,[1] and can have a number of different causes.
Conditions that affect blood flow, such as hypertension, can affect your ability to maintain an erection, but so too can psychological issues such as stress and anxiety. Certain medications can also contribute to ED.[2]
Is Sildenafil the same as Viagra?
Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra. It’s the active ingredient in the famous blue ED pill, and works in exactly the same way.
Generic medications are often cheaper than branded ones, but generic versions might appear different to branded drugs depending on who manufactures them.
Which dose of Sildenafil should I use?
The tablets come in four different strengths: 20mg, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
If you’ve not used Sildenafil before, you’ll usually be prescribed the lowest strength tablet to see if it improves your ED. If needed, you can speak to your physician about trying a stronger dose.
When is the best time to take Sildenafil?
It’s recommended you take your pill around an hour before you’re sexually active. It might work differently for each person that uses it, though, so you might need to take it earlier than this.
You’ll only take one Sildenafil pill a day, whichever dose you’re prescribed.
Will Sildenafil help me get aroused?
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to improve your erections once you’re sexually excited. It won’t increase feelings of attraction to your partner, and it doesn’t work instantly.
Once you’re aroused, Sildenafil can help you maintain an erection. This can help you build your confidence about having sex, which might improve your libido over time.
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