How Long Does Viagra Take To Work? Expert Answer

How long does Viagra take to start working? On average, Viagra tablets (also available as generic Sildenafil) take about 30 to 60 minutes to start working for most people. The effects, or period of action, usually last for about 4-6 hours.

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Viagra, also known as sildenafil, is a popular erectile dysfunction medication. It helps improve blood flow to the penis to help get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. For many men, Viagra is not just an effective medication; it’s a means to regain confidence in their sexual performance and intimacy in their relationships, providing effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.

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It’s important to remember that each person’s experience with Viagra is unique, and its effectiveness and duration can vary, which is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. It depends on factors like dose, body weight, age, and existing medical conditions. These variables impact how fast and long Viagra works for each individual.

Let’s explore more about Viagra’s onset and duration of action. Understanding how this common erectile dysfunction drug typically works can help set reasonable expectations.

Key Findings:

• Viagra takes around 30-60 minutes on average to start working in the body, while the effects last for about 4-6 hours.
• The time for Viagra to take effect and the duration can vary between individuals based on health factors like dosage, weight, other medical conditions, and more.
• While Viagra helps enable erections during sexual activity, it does not necessarily allow immediate, repeated erections or increase sensitivity. It improves blood flow mechanics related to arousal.
• Following usage instructions carefully and talking to your doctor helps ensure safe, effective, personalised treatment of erectile dysfunction that optimises results from medication like Viagra.

How Long Does Viagra Take to Work?

The amount of time it takes Viagra to produce effects and start working can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

According to clinical studies and trials, Viagra usually begins working in about 30 minutes on average for most adult males. The erectile dysfunction medication reaches its highest blood levels and peak concentration around 60 minutes after taking an oral tablet dose.

However, Viagra’s actual onset time can be faster or slower, depending on several individual health factors.

Factors Affecting How Quickly Viagra Starts Working

The dose of Viagra plays a role in how fast it takes effect. Higher prescribed doses like 50mg and 100mg may start working slightly faster than lower 25mg doses.

Everyone’s body responds differently to Viagra. For instance, men with a higher body weight might notice it takes a bit longer to work, but this is a natural variation and nothing to worry about.

Age can also affect how long Viagra takes to work, with older men generally experiencing slightly slower onset times.

Other factors like medication use and existing health conditions further influence Viagra’s absorption and how quickly it starts working in the body.

When it comes to your diet, there’s no proof that it could impact how well Viagra (sildenafil) works for you. So, it’s up to you whether you take the treatment with food or on an empty stomach. However, make sure that you don’t drink grapefruit juice when taking Viagra. It could increase the concentration of sildenafil in your blood and lead to unwanted side effects.

So, while Viagra takes around 30 minutes on average, the actual onset time can be sooner or later. Being aware of individual factors that play a role can help set realistic expectations.

How Long Does Viagra Last?

Viagra helps improve blood flow to produce an erection after sexual stimulation up until about 4-6 hours after taking a dose. Its efficacy begins to decline after this point.

However, the duration of Viagra can vary from person to person based on individual health factors and the dosage you take. In some men, the effects may persist longer than 6 hours, while they may wear off sooner than 4 hours in others.

The Duration Varies from Person to Person

A man’s age, weight, diet, other prescriptions, and underlying medical conditions can all impact how long Viagra remains effective.

For example, older men tend to have a shorter duration of effectiveness compared to younger men. Men who have conditions like diabetes or take blood pressure medications may also find the effects do not last as long.

On the other hand, some factors, such as taking a larger dose, can prolong the length of time Viagra works to improve sexual functioning. But dosing should always follow medical guidance.

Does Viagra Help You Last Longer in Bed?

While Viagra may help men obtain and maintain an erection during sex, it has not been proven in studies to directly increase stamina or delay ejaculation and orgasm once sexual activity commences.

Some think Viagra makes them last longer during intercourse before climaxing. But its actual mechanism of action is to improve blood flow for firmer erections. There is no shortening of the refractory period after orgasm or impact on sensitivity.

It’s best to have realistic expectations but speak to a doctor if premature ejaculation is an ongoing bothersome challenge. Other solutions may be available to help if this remains a problem, even after addressing erectile dysfunction with medications like Viagra.

See more in our guide: Does Viagra Make You Last Longer

Comparing Viagra to Other ED Medications

The duration of erectile response and improvement provided by Viagra tends to be similar amongst other popular prescribed ED pills like sildenafil citrate and tadalafil (Cialis).

For example, Viagra and sildenafil, which share the same active ingredient, are considered effective for around 4-6 hours on average before diminishing effects.

However, Cialis (tadalafil) is unique in that lower regular doses may work for up to 36 hours in some men, compared to Viagra, lasting for just 4-6 hours per dose.

There are also daily use options for both Cialis and generic tadalafil that allow men to maintain continual support for erectile function rather than relying on taking medication in anticipation of sex.

A licensed healthcare provider or urologist (a specialist in urinary and male reproductive health) can suggest the best erectile dysfunction medication for you, whether it’s Viagra or other alternative treatments. They’ll consider your health history, possible side effects, and your lifestyle. Comparing options helps determine the ideal erectile dysfunction treatment plan.

See our guide on: The Best Viagra For Men

What Can I Do to Make Viagra Work Faster?

While these adjustments may accelerate Viagra beginning to work to improve erectile response, it remains vital to strictly follow medical advice and label instructions when using this prescription ED medication. However, some research-backed practical tips include:

• Stay well-hydrated with 6-8 glasses of water daily
• Engage in extended foreplay to promote arousal
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake before using Viagra
• Discuss any changes in results with your doctor

Keep in mind individual results will vary even when optimising use. Responsible, supervised use is imperative for patient safety with this erectile dysfunction drug.

Take the Next Step With The Independent Pharmacy

Dealing with erectile dysfunction is a journey that goes beyond just medication. It’s about understanding and addressing your health holistically, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Developing an effective, personalised treatment plan is crucial for lasting results.

The Independent Pharmacy offers convenient online consultations to assess your health history, needs, and goals. Our experienced team can then provide customised recommendations just for you.

After an online assessment, our medical professionals will suggest treatment options that may include prescription medications like Viagra if appropriate.

We understand that discussing sexual health can be sensitive. That’s why The Independent Pharmacy offers discreet support, making it easier and more comfortable for you to take control of your sexual health and tackle problems like low sex drive or performance anxiety.

Reach out today to connect with their compassionate, caring clinical staff for a customised erectile dysfunction action plan.

Related Reading

• Can You Take Viagra Daily
• Does Viagra Make You Bigger
• What Does Viagra Do

FAQs

Does Viagra keep you hard after coming?

No, Viagra itself does not delay the refractory period or the time it takes to get hard again after ejaculation and orgasm. It works to support erectile function during existing sexual activity but does not shorten recovery time or allow men to maintain an erection after climax.

Does Viagra get you super hard?

Viagra can help men get very firm, rigid erections by improving blood flow to the penis when aroused. However, it does not necessarily increase pleasure or sensitivity. While erectile function may improve, factors like ejaculation timing and orgasm intensity seem unaffected. Discuss realistic expectations about performance with your doctor beforehand.

Can you take 2 Viagra pills at once?

No. Taking more than one Viagra pill together exceeds the safe dosage. Doubling your dose does not make it work better or faster. Very high doses of sildenafil can significantly raise your risk for serious side effects like fainting, vision changes, stroke, heart attack, and others requiring emergency care. Always follow your doctor’s exact Viagra dosing instructions.

Does chewing up Viagra work faster?

No, chewing or breaking Viagra tablets is not shown to get it into the bloodstream quicker or make effects happen faster. Allow it to reach maximum efficacy by swallowing the tablet whole about 1 hour before sexual activity based on orders from a healthcare professional.

Sources:

About sildenafil (Viagra) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Sildenafil - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

Common questions about sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)