If you listen to pop culture, you might assume that taking Viagra automatically gives you a long-lasting erection which works at the click of your fingers and solves all erectile dysfunction problems. Truth is, it’s not so simple.

While Viagra is proven to have an impact on mens’ erections, it’s essential to know how to use viagra for the best results. You might find that the “little blue pill” doesn’t work as fast or as efficiently as you expected. To get the best results, you need to learn how Viagra works.

Let’s examine how Viagra can be taken for best results.

How does Viagra work?

It is important to first understand the workings of Viagra before you can decide how to best take it.

• Viagra is the brand name of Sildenafil, which is one of a range of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs, such as Cialis, can all be used to help with erectile dysfunction.
• A man’s penis muscles relax when he is awake. This allows blood to flow into the body, making it more difficult.
• Both physiologically and psychologically, these muscles can contract during sex. That means the penis is not as strong as the man may want. PDE5 stands for the enzyme responsible for these muscles contracting.
• Viagra, a PDE5 inhibitor drug like Viagra, stops the release of PDE5 which prevents the muscles from contracting. It also ensures that the man has a lasting erection.

However, only using Viagra won’t guarantee you an erection. There are many factors that can affect the speed at which the drug works and whether or not it kicks in.

What are the factors that can impact Viagra’s effectiveness and safety?

Viagra, as with any drug is susceptible to other physiological and psychological influences. Let’s examine some factors that might affect or reduce Viagra’s performance.

1. You are not aroused

Viagra works only if you are actively aroused. It will not instantly cause an erection. Viagra won’t work for you if you don’t feel aroused anymore. You should examine your lifestyle and talk to your partner about any issues.

• Are you too distracted or stressed by work?
• Do you feel like your partner has lost interest in you?
• Are there personal issues, such as guilt, shame or body image problems that are keeping you from enjoying sex.

2. Consumption and use of alcohol and other illegal drugs

The use of alcohol, like other drugs, has been associated with erection issues. The amount of blood that gets to your penis can be affected by alcohol, so it is important not to take Viagra while you drink. You may also find Viagra and alcohol can increase your blood pressure, which can lead to problems.

3. You’ve eaten too much fatty foods

As with any other oral medication, Viagra’s absorption rate is affected by what foods you are eating. Your body takes longer to process fat foods which can slow down the effects.

4. Medications that cause erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is caused by some medicines. These include blood pressure pills, hormone-related prescriptions, anti-depressants, and many other medications. Talk to your doctor if Viagra is something you consider taking, but also a regular medication.

5. You may not get the right dose

Viagra dosages can range in strength from 25mg through 100mg. The usual recommendation is 50mg. Talk to your doctor if the dose you are taking is not working for you. Don’t self-prescribe or increase dosage without talking to a trained professional. Overdosing can lead to serious side-effects.

How to Take Viagra for the Best Results

If your GP has prescribed Viagra, it is important that you take it exactly as they instructed and in the recommended dosages. The following tips will help you to make the most of viagra.

1. Get in the mood

Viagra works best when you feel euphoric. Tell your partner you’re thinking about taking Viagra. You can then prepare for the fun part later. Enjoy a fun activity together to create a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Perhaps prepare a(light!) You could prepare a light meal, light candles, or share a tub together. This will ensure that you both are mentally prepared for sex.

It’s important to take Viagra only when you feel confident that you won’t get interrupted. You should choose a day when you know you won’t be interrupted by your children or if you are extremely stressed from a tiring day at work. It can be saved for a weekend, or even taken a short break.

2. Plan ahead

Viagra usually takes 30-60 minutes for the effects to kick in. Then, it can work for up to 4 hours (sometimes even longer). It can be depressing to set a timetable and remember when you should take your medicine. It’s not necessary to rush after you’ve taken Viagra. Instead, enjoy the time together. Read our article on how fast it takes for Viagra to work for more information.

3. Consider what you are eating

You can affect the rate at Viagra is absorbed into your body by what you have eaten before. You can get the most out of it if your stomach is empty. However, if you are hungry, try to eat a lighter, healthier meal first. Bloated after eating a heavy, large meal is not conducive to loving someone.

These are the main tips.

• Avoid grapefruit juice consumption and eating the fruit. It can cause unwanted side effects.
• Try to live a healthier life. This drug works best for people who exercise regularly, eat well and have a balanced diet.
• For temporary vision loss, or allergic reactions, you should seek medical attention.
• Double up on PDE5 inhibitors drugs. Don’t take Cialis and Viagra together.