Viagra

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) denotes the difficulty to secure or uphold an erection, which is more prevalent in men over 40 but can be experienced at any age.

Intermittent erection issues are generally not of major concern, but consistent problems can signal underlying health conditions, either physiological or psychological in nature.

Factors like high blood pressure, hormonal issues (such as low testosterone), or side effects from other medications can also induce erectile dysfunction.

Often, emotional distress like stress, anxiety, or depression triggers erectile dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), sex therapy, or other psychotherapies can aid in pinpointing the cause.

Erectile dysfunction may originate from non-emotional issues but can still lead to emotional problems.

Before proceeding to purchase Viagra online, you should consult your doctor to understand the cause of your erectile dysfunction.

Exploring Non-Medical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Several non-medical treatments can also address erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Vacuum pumps
• Penile implants
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises
• Psychological therapy

You should consult your doctor about these alternative treatments before deciding to buy Viagra online as an erectile dysfunction remedy.

Who Might Experience Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can impact any man, irrespective of age, weight, or fitness, because of the diverse contributing factors. Therefore, we provide a spectrum of prescription treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction, while seemingly a trivial issue, can signal more severe health conditions. It's crucial to address any underlying health condition causing the erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction can indicate the presence of serious health issues, such as:

• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Psychological factors that might induce erectile dysfunction include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress

If you are consistently experiencing erectile dysfunction, it's advisable to consult your doctor. They can explore the potential causes of your erectile dysfunction and suggest suitable treatments.

Your doctor might refer you to a specialist, like a psychologist or a sex therapist, who can help manage the psychological issues that may either cause or result from erectile dysfunction.

Addressing the root cause often resolves erectile dysfunction. However, if the issue persists, considering Viagra as a treatment option might be advisable. Ensure to consult your doctor or a pharmacist before deciding to buy Viagra.

Understanding Viagra: How does it work?

The Role of Sildenafil

Viagra's active substance, sildenafil, falls under the category of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines aid in relaxing the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow to the penis.

The Misconception about the Penis

Contrary to popular belief, the penis does not contain any muscle.

The Process of Erection

• When you become aroused, tissues within the penis release a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which triggers vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels).
• This increased blood flow to the cylindrical chambers in the penis (known as corpora cavernosa) results in an erection.
• Analogically, it's like a series of balloons inside the penis filling up with blood, expanding, and building with pressure.

Role of PDE5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase type 5 is an enzyme that constricts blood flow by narrowing the arteries, leading to a weaker erection by reducing the blood reaching the penis. It achieves this by breaking down cGMP - the chemical causing blood vessels to widen.

PDE5 inhibitors, like Viagra, inhibit the enzyme (phosphodiesterase) from breaking down cGMP. Consequently, blood vessels stay dilated for longer, resulting in a longer-lasting erection.

However, it's crucial to note that Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and will not directly cause an erection. Sexual stimulation is essential for Viagra to function effectively.

Viagra simplifies the process of achieving an erection in people with erectile dysfunction.

Viagra's Duration of Effect

Viagra commences working anytime between 30 - 60 minutes after consumption. Taking Viagra post a heavy meal might extend the time it takes for Viagra to start functioning.

The effects of Viagra can persist for up to 4 hours post-consumption. Hence, within these 4 hours, achieving an erection should become easier.

The duration for which Viagra remains active within your body depends on several factors, including dosage, age, metabolism, and other external factors.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.

Viagra Consumption: How should you take it?

General Guidelines for Taking Viagra

• Always adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Consume one Viagra tablet between 1 and 4 hours prior to sexual activity.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Viagra is most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
• Do not crush or chew the tablet.
• Viagra might take longer to work if consumed after a heavy meal.
• If unsure about Viagra's consumption, consult your doctor or refer to the information within the enclosed patient information leaflet.

Initial Dosage of Viagra

Post consultation, your doctor will prescribe the most suitable dosage for you. The lowest dose (25mg) might be prescribed initially. If this dosage proves ineffective, discuss with your doctor about altering the dosage or shifting to a different erectile dysfunction treatment.

Frequency of Viagra Consumption

Your doctor can best determine the frequency of Viagra intake. However, it is generally advised not to consume Viagra for more than 12 days in a calendar month.

Do not consume more than one Viagra tablet within any 24-hour period.

Do not consume Viagra daily. For more details about Viagra intake, consult your doctor.

What forms of Viagra are available?

You can buy Viagra online in three strengths; containing 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg of sildenafil.

Viagra comes in blister packs containing 2, 4, 8, 12 or 24 tablets.

You can also buy generic Viagra, sold under the name of the active ingredient Sildenafil. This is cheaper than branded Viagra, but contains the same active ingredient.

What dose of Viagra should I take?

There are many factors which need to be taken into consideration when prescribing Viagra, including your age, height, weight, as well as the severity of your symptoms.

When you get Viagra from Prescription Doctor, our online prescribers will be able to determine the most suitable dosage for you based the information you provide on the medical form.

It is important to answer the questions honestly. Provide as much information as you can for our prescribers and feel free to ask any questions you have about your condition or the treatment.

It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose of Viagra.

Staying safe with Prescription Doctor

Your safety is our priority and we aim to ensure the erectile dysfunction treatment you choose is right for you.

Viagra can interact with food, drink, and other medications including prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine.

Please inform our prescriber of all medicines you are taking during your consultation for Viagra.

Viagra may not be suitable for you. We urge you to speak to your doctor before you buy Viagra if you:

• are taking nitrates for chest pain
• have heart, blood, or circulation problems
• have a penile deformity such as scarring, severe curvature or Peyronie's disease
• have a stomach ulcer
• have kidney or liver problems
• are taking other medications for erectile dysfunction

Do not use "poppers" (amyl nitrate) while taking Viagra as this can be fatal.

Do not take Viagra with any other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

While taking Viagra, you should moderate your alcohol consumption. Though alcohol may not directly interfere with the medication, excessive alcohol consumption can make it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

Women should not take Viagra.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never take more than the recommended prescribed dose of Viagra.

Never take Viagra past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never share your medication with anybody else, even if they have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Side effects of Viagra

Viagra carries the risk of side effects, though not everyone will experience them. It is important to read the leaflet enclosed with your treatment before taking Viagra.

Some side effects of Viagra are a result of increased blood flow and will subside, whereas others may warrant medical intervention.

Possible side effects of Viagra may include:

• Nausea
• Hot flushes
• Digestion problems
• Lowered blood pressure
• Vision irregularities
• Dizziness
• Stuffy nose
• Sleepiness
• Increased heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Awareness of heartbeat (palpitations)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Viagra can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

You can view the Viagra Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) online.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Viagra if you are allergic to sildenafil or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

If Viagra does not work for you, do not take more of the medication in an attempt to make it work more effectively.

If you experience severe side effects, or if you find it hard to tolerate the side effects, inform your doctor.

Speak to your doctor about alternative treatments to Viagra. There are many alternatives to Viagra, including Cialis, Levitra and Spedra.

If you are at all concerned about the side effects listed above, speak to your GP or a pharmacist for advice.

Where Can I Buy Viagra Online in the UK

You can buy Viagra online in complete confidence from Prescription Doctor's UK regulated pharmacy.

If your order is approved before 3pm weekdays, we can dispatch your order the same day via a discreet, next-day delivery service. This means you could get relief from erectile dysfunction as soon as tomorrow.

We have over a decade of experience in prescribing erectile dysfunction treatments and understand your needs when you order Viagra online. Our secure service is completely confidential. We offer an online consultation so you can save time and maintain your privacy when ordering treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Once your order is approved, your treatment will be dispatched from our UK pharmacy in discreet packaging. The unmarked parcel should arrive at your door the next day. Even if someone else signs on your behalf, they will not be aware of the parcel's content, thanks to our plain, tamper-proof packaging.

If Viagra is not suitable for you, or if you find it ineffective, there are other treatments for erectile dysfunction available from our online UK pharmacy, such as Cialis.

Our online prescribers are at hand to help you find the best erectile dysfunction treatment for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Viagra

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Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 08/01/2017 Reviewed on: 26/10/2023