What to expect when taking Viagra for the first time?
If you're taking Viagra for the first time, you may be wondering what to expect. In this article, we’ll explain how Viagra works, how long it takes to start working and whether it will be effective the first time you use it. We’ll also cover how to take Viagra for the best results, whether it can help you last longer and if it affects penis size. As well as these topics, we’ll also discuss potential side effects and outline alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Key Takeaways
Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about using Viagra for the first time:
Viagra increases blood flow to the penis but does not cause an erection on its own. Sexual stimulation is required.
Viagra takes 30 to 60 minutes to work and lasts up to 5 hours, however, factors like food, alcohol consumption, and anxiety can influence how well it works.
Viagra does not make you last longer or increase penis size permanently.
Possible side effects are usually mild and temporary. Some men may experience headaches, nausea, flushing, indigestion, a stuffy nose, or dizziness, but these effects typically wear off quickly.
Alternative treatments like Cialis, Levitra and Vitaros are available if Viagra isn’t effective.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which you can also buy as a generic medication. Sildenafil works by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis when you become sexually stimulated. It does this by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection so that you can engage in sexual activity [1]. It’s important to note that Viagra only works when you are sexually stimulated. It does not cause an erection on its own, which is a common misconception about the medication.
What Should I Expect When I Take Viagra For The First Time
When you take Viagra for the first time, you may start to feel its effects within 30 to 60 minutes. If you are sexually aroused, you should find it easier to get and maintain an erection. It’s important to remember that Viagra won’t work unless you are sexually stimulated. This is because the medication helps blood flow to the penis. If you are not sexually stimulated, blood flow to the penis is normal and you will not get an unwanted erection.
It’s also important to note that its effects will vary from person to person. If it doesn’t work as expected the first time, you may need to try it a few times or consult with your doctor for advice on changing your dosage.
How to Take Viagra for Best Results
To get the best results from Viagra, take it around 60 minutes before you plan to have sex. Swallow the tablet whole with water and avoid taking it with a heavy or high-fat meal, as this can slow down how quickly it works. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol, as this can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. If you’re unsure about using Viagra, it is important to consult with your doctor before you do so. They will be able to reassure you that you’re using the right dosage, and can also provide advice on using the medication properly.
Will Viagra Work the First Time?
Viagra works for many men the first time they take it, but this isn’t always the case. Factors such as anxiety, alcohol consumption, or taking it with a heavy meal can affect how well it works. If you don’t get the desired results the first time, don’t be discouraged; it can take a few attempts for your body to respond fully. If Viagra doesn’t work after multiple tries, a different dosage or an alternative treatment might be necessary. A healthcare professional can help you find the best option for you.
How Long Does Viagra Take to Work?
Viagra usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. However, it won’t cause an erection on its own. You need to be sexually aroused for it to work. Viagra can help you achieve and maintain an erection for up to 4 to 5 hours, but this doesn’t mean you’ll have a constant erection during this time. If Viagra doesn’t seem to be working, factors such as food, alcohol, or anxiety could be affecting it.
Does Viagra Make You Last Longer?
Viagra is not designed to make you last longer during sex, but it can help some men stay erect for longer by improving blood flow to the penis. It does not delay ejaculation, so if you experience premature ejaculation, Viagra may not help you. Some men find that increased confidence (because of the ability to maintain an erection) helps them feel more in control during sex. If lasting longer is a concern, you should speak to a healthcare professional about other treatment options that may be more suitable.
Will Viagra Make Me Bigger?
Viagra does not permanently increase penis size. However, by improving blood flow to the penis, it can help you achieve a firmer and fuller erection, which may make your penis appear slightly larger than usual. Always remember that this effect is temporary and only lasts while the medication is active in your system. If you stop using Viagra then you may notice your penis is slightly smaller when you have an erection. As mentioned, this is because Viagra helps erections to be fuller and firmer.
Potential Side Effects When Taking Viagra for the First Time
When taking Viagra for the first time, most people experience few or no side effects, especially if it’s used for erectile dysfunction on a short-term basis. However, some men may experience mild side effects such as [2]:
Headaches
Nausea
Hot flushes
Indigestion
A stuffy nose
Dizziness
These side effects are typically temporary and should end shortly after the medication wears off. If they persist or cause significant discomfort, you should speak to a healthcare professional who may recommend adjusting your dosage or trying a different treatment.
Alternative ED Treatments
As mentioned above, if you do not get the results that you were expecting from Viagra, there are a number of alternative treatments that may be more suitable for you. Below are the most common alternatives, with a brief outline of what they are and how they are different to Viagra (Sildenafil).
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Cialis is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, similar to Viagra, however, it contains a different active ingredient (Tadalafil). The main difference between the two is that Cialis lasts longer than Viagra. Viagra remains active for around 4 to 5 hours, whereas Cialis can last up to 36 hours. This longer duration allows for more spontaneous sex.
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra is another erectile dysfunction medication that works similarly to Viagra by increasing blood flow to the penis. The active ingredient, Vardenafil, usually works after around 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for around 4 to 5 hours, like Viagra (Sildenafil). Levitra is sometimes considered a better option for men with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, as it may be less affected by food and alcohol compared to Viagra.
Vitaros (Alprostadil Cream)
Vitaros is a topical cream that contains alprostadil, a medication that directly increases blood flow to the penis. Unlike Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, which are taken as tablets, Vitaros is applied directly to the tip of the penis. It works within 5 to 30 minutes and can be a good alternative for men who cannot take oral erectile dysfunction medications due to medical reasons.
Final Thoughts
Viagra is a widely used treatment for erectile dysfunction. Knowing what to expect when taking it for the first time can help you achieve the best results. It typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, but factors such as food, alcohol and anxiety can affect it. While it won’t make you last longer or increase penis size permanently, it can help you achieve a firmer and fuller erection. Most men experience little to no side effects, but mild issues such as headaches or flushing can occur. If Viagra doesn’t work as expected, alternative treatments like Cialis, Levitra, or Vitaros may be more suitable.
Sources
[1] About sildenafil (Viagra) - NHS
[2] Side effects of sildenafil - NHS
