Can I take Sildenafil for ED?

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Yes

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Can I take Sildenafil for BPH?

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No. Only Tadalafil (Cialis) for daily use been approved for the treatment of BPH.

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How was Sildenafil discovered?

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The story of Sildenafil (Viagra) is fascinating. Sildenafil for ED was discovered accidentally during research for a different medical condition.

In the 1980s, Sildenafil was studied for its potential use in treating angina, a condition characterized by chest pain secondary to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. During the clinical trials, patients noted an interesting side effect of the medication: their erections were stronger, more spontaneous, and more easily attainable. This sparked a change in the trial to investigate Sildenafil’s potential to improve ED and the rest, of course, is history.

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How should I take Sildenafil?

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Take Sildenafil exactly as prescribed by your physician or healthcare professional. Standard doses are 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg. Your physician may increase or decrease your dosage based on your initial and longer-term tolerability and efficacy.

Do not take more than 100 mg of Sildenafil in one day. Do not break or split a Sildenafil tablet unless instructed by your healthcare professional; swallow it in its entirety, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not use other ED medicines or treatments while taking Sildenafil.

Sildenafil is typically prescribed for use as needed. In this situation, you may take your prescribed dose of Sildenafil tablet within 30 minutes to four (4) hours of sexual activity, though 60 minutes (one hour) before sexual activity is ideal.

Never share Sildenafil with others, even if their symptoms are similar, as it may cause serious harm.

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When is the best time to take Sildenafil before sex?

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If you are taking Sildenafil on an as-needed basis, you may take one tablet before expected sexual activity. Generally, Sildenafil can help you have sex within 30 minutes and up to 4 hours after taking one dose.

Taking Sildenafil as prescribed does not guarantee an erection. Sexual stimulation and arousal are still necessary for an erection.

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Can Sildenafil improve my sexual desire?

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Sildenafil will not improve your desire for sexual activity, guarantee an erection, or cure ED. A man’s sexual desire is only one of the many functions of testosterone. A low testosterone level can decrease a man’s desire for sexual activity. Sildenafil does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Sildenafil is not a form of birth control for men.

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Can Sildenafil improve premature ejaculation?

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Premature ejaculation (PE) is defined as ejaculation that:

• Always or nearly always occurs prior to or within approximately one (1) minute of vaginal penetration; and
• The inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations.

The current treatment for PE is the off-label use of paroxetine, an SSRI.

Clinical studies investigating Sildenafil for the treatment of PE failed to provide significant evidence that the medication provides any improvement in PE. However, Sildenafil has been positively associated with increased confidence, self-esteem, and improved relationships. Sildenafil has also been shown to improve the post-ejaculatory refractory time (time after ejaculation in which a man can achieve another erection) and perceived improvement in ejaculatory control.

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Should I take Sildenafil with food?

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Sildenafil is best taken on an empty stomach. If taken with a fat-heavy meal, Sildenafil can take longer to start working.

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Can I take Sildenafil and drink alcohol?

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It is not recommended to take Sildenafil with alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your odds of a headache, dizziness, elevated heart rate, or lower blood pressure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommend no more than two (2) drinks per day for men. One drink is generally defined as 12 ounces of a regular beer (approximately 5% ABV), 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (such as vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila, etc.).

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