Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the consistent or recurring inability to maintain or get an erection when sexually stimulated. While not a commonly discussed topic, ED affects roughly a third of men globally. ED is also very common in the UK, affecting over 25% of young men.

ED is commonly caused by stress, excessive alcohol consumption, side effects from some medications and tiredness. If erectile dysfunction is persistent and frequently occurs, it may be due to underlying conditions such as hormone problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety or diabetes.

ED is generally not a serious or life-threatening condition and there are many effective temporary treatments available.

One well-known ED treatment is Viagra. It is available in different strengths in the UK with a prescription. Recently, Viagra Connect has been allowed as a non-prescription pharmacy medication, meaning that you can purchase it over the counter (OTC).

There are many counterfeit Viagra products on the market that are not regulated by any medical body and often do not have the correct active ingredient. These “medications” may also be filled with fillers that can cause serious side effects, on top of not treating your ED.

When looking to purchase Viagra and other ED medications over the internet, it is important to use a reputable source, such as Digital Drug Store, that is legally registered as a pharmacy in the UK.

Read on to learn what Viagra is, how to use it and its potential side effects according to real user Viagra reviews.

Viagra overview: what is it and how to use it?

Active ingredients

Viagra is the brand name of the generic Sildenafil. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil citrate.

How Viagra works

The active ingredient in Viagra, Sildenafil, belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil was the first PDE5 inhibitor available for the treatment of ED.

PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the action of a specific enzyme (PDE5 enzyme), which has an important role in regulating or increasing blood flow into the smooth muscles of the penis. This increase in blood flow makes it easier to get an erection. Sexual stimulation is required for PDE5 inhibitors to work and cause an erection.

How long does it take for Viagra to kick in?

A dose of Viagra normally begins to kick in at least 30 minutes after taking it. For some people, it may take up to an hour to begin working.

How fast Viagra begins working is dependent on the dose and whether you have eaten or not. If you eat a large meal before taking Viagra, it may take longer for the body to break down and absorb the drug. For the most effective outcomes, it is recommended to take Viagra on an empty stomach at least an hour before you plan on having sexual intercourse.

Viagra may keep working in your body for up to 4-6 hours, which means that you may be able to get multiple erections over this period of time. However, if you experience an erection that lasts 4 hours or more after taking Viagra, it is important to seek medical attention to avoid possible long-term damage to the penis.

How much Viagra can be prescribed on the NHS?

On the NHS, Viagra, a branded version of Sildenafil, is not available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension except in special circumstances.

Special circumstances in which men are eligible for treatment with Viagra for ED on the NHS include:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Radical pelvic surgery
• Severe pelvic injury
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Prostate cancer
• Kidney failure treated by transplant or dialysis
• Spinal cord injury
• Prostatectomy
• Single-gene neurological disorder

NHS treatment guidelines stipulate that one treatment (one pill) a week is appropriate for most erectile dysfunction patients.

Dosage and usage recommendations

Viagra tablets used to treat ED are available in different dosages: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. How much Viagra you need to take varies from person to person. The general dose is 50mg, to be taken when needed.

It is important not to take more than one dose of Viagra in a 24-hour period. Depending on how well you tolerate 50mg and its effects, your pharmacist or GP can either increase the dose to 100mg or decrease it to 25mg.

Take your prescribed dose of Viagra at least 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual intercourse. Viagra can be taken up to 4 hours before you plan on having sex. For this drug to work as intended, you need to be sexually aroused to get an erection.

How does it feel after taking Viagra?

After taking Viagra for the first time, it will normally take at least 30-60 minutes before it results in an erection. It is important to remember that you have to be sexually aroused for Viagra to result in an erection.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that Viagra will work every time you take it. If you are taking Viagra for the first time, you may want to try it out on a “trial run” to make sure it works for you. If Viagra continues not to work after trying it a couple of times, talk to your pharmacist or GP, as there may be underlying conditions that need to be treated first.

Are there any known side effects?

There are known side effects when using Viagra; however, not everyone may experience them. Common and mild side effects of Viagra may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Facial flushing and hot flush symptoms
• Indigestion
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Stuffy nose
• Back or muscle pain
• Rash

Talk to your GP or pharmacist about persistent mild side effects to determine if there might be another ED medication that you can tolerate better.

Serious side effects of Viagra are rare and only affect 1 in 1,000 people; they can include:

• Stroke
• Fainting
• Heart attack
• Irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• An erection that lasts longer than 4 hours (priapism)

If you experience any serious side effects when taking Viagra, contact your GP or call 111 immediately.

In very rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to Viagra. In this case, seek emergency medical attention (call 999).

Interactions with other medications

Viagra may negatively interact with other medications, either influencing the way they work, influencing how Viagra works or causing side effects. Medicines that interact with Viagra include:

• Other PDE5 medications or treatments for erectile dysfunction
• Medicines called nitrates
• Some antifungals, such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Medications used to treat high blood pressure
• Medicine used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir and other HIV protease inhibitors
• Other medications that contain Sildenafil citrate
• Antibiotics such as erythromycin, Biaxin or telithromycin

Tell your pharmacist or GP about any prescription and OTC medications, supplements or herbal remedies that you’re taking. Ensure that you discuss the dosages and frequency of prescription medications that you are taking.