Viagra the brand name for Sildenafil oral tablets commonly used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Viagra helps in stimulating erections in men, and one of the most common questions men have is - "How long does Viagra last?" Viagra wouldn't work if the person is not ready for sex. A person needs to be aroused, and then when brain signals, Viagra helps in increasing blood flow in the penis, leading to a longer erection. Viagra can be taken anywhere from 30mins - 2 hours before having sex. And Viagra lasts up to 4 hours, in some men, it works longer. It is important to understand how Viagra works, the different dosages available, the erection duration, and possible side effects before taking Viagra. Viagra is a strong drug, and it is advisable to consult with the doctor for dosage before taking it.
Viagra Dosages
Viagra is available in 3 doses, and they are 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. All the variations of Viagra should be taken 1 hour before sex and should be taken once a day, not more than that. To choose the right dosage of Viagra depends on whether a person has taken Viagra before.
- Starting with 50mg: If a person hasn't tried Viagra before, he can start with 50mg.
- Move down to 25mg: If the person has got side effects with 50mg, however, happy with the erections, then the person can switch to 25 mg.
- Increasing to 100mg: If trying 50 mg doesn't work, the person can increase the dosage to 100mg, until the person doesn't get any side effects.
If 100mg doesn't work, the person needs to look for alternate options. If trying 25mg gives side effects, the patient needs to talk to his doctor and look for alternate options.
How long does Viagra last?
An erection needs blood flow and stimulation in the penis. A person, suffering from erectile dysfunction will not have sufficient blood flow into the penis. Viagra helps in relaxing the blood vessels, thus allowing more blood to flow in and cause an erection. It is important to know that Viagra will not work if the person is not sexually aroused. Viagra doesn't alter the feelings or induces sexual moods; it helps in improving blood flow in the penis.
Once Viagra is taken, it is quickly absorbed in the bloodstream. maximum concentration reaches in 45-60 minutes, and thus Viagra starts working after 30 minutes and lasts from 2hours-4hours. For erection, the person must be in the mood, and Viagra doesn't work on its own. Hence, it is advisable to take Viagra 30mins - 1hour before sex, and erection due to Viagra may last from 2-4 hours. The duration of Viagra lasting in the body depends on the dosage, metabolism and other external reasons.
Factors affecting the Viagra duration
Here are the 5 factors, that matter how long Viagra lasts in the body:
- Dosage: 25 mg will not long last when compared to 100 mg. However, 100 mg leads to side effects and is not recommended unless medically suggested.
- Age: Viagra lasts longer for older men.
- Diet: Eating a meal before taking Viagra helps in lasting longer. Alcohol before taking Viagra makes it less effective and the effect doesn't last long.
- Medications: Certain medicines like antibiotics such as - Biaxin, Cipro and others interact with Viagra and the effects may vary.
- Psychological state: Sexual intercourse needs mental stimulation, depression, stress and not being excited will never help in erection, and Viagra will not work. Relaxed and comfortable mind and body support Viagra to last longer.
Conclusion
Viagra takes 1 hour to start working and may last up to 4 hours. Viagra is a strong drug, talking to a doctor with regards to ED and then one must take the prescribed dosage. Understanding the effects, and taking the right dosage is very important as taking a higher dose may lead to serious side effects.