Erectile dysfunction is a very common health issue that most men will experience at some point in their lives. It affects around 50% of men aged between 40 and 70.
Viagra one of the most well-known medications for erectile dysfunction. It comes in pill form in doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. It works by improving blood flow to the penis to help you get and maintain an erection during sex.
Viagra typically takes around 30-60 minutes to act and helps you get an erection which lasts around 26 minutes on average.
It can be effective for up to 12 hours after you take it, though for most people the effectiveness wears off within 4 hours. It helps you get erections for as long as it stays in your system.
If you’re thinking of trying Viagra, it’s natural to have questions. Here, we’ll explore how long Viagra lasts, how quickly it works, how often to take it, and how to make it last longer.
Three key takeaways
Viagra takes effect within 30-60 minutes.
It tends to be effective for between 4-6 hours, and for some people up to 12 hours.
Your diet, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and health status can all affect how long Viagra lasts.
How long does Viagra take to work?
It usually takes around 30-60 minutes for Viagra to take effect. However, your diet, your alcohol intake, and your mental state during sex can all effect how long it takes to work.
You can take it up to 4 hours before having sex, although it’s usually recommended to take 1 hour before activity to maximise effectiveness.
How often should you take Viagra?
You can take Viagra every day if you need to, but only take it if you’re planning to have sex.
You should avoid taking Viagra more than once a day. Taking too much can lead to:
a blocked nose
dizziness
headaches
indigestion
vision changes
How long does an erection last for on Viagra?
On average, an erection on Viagra lasts around 26 minutes one hour after taking it.
Taking it at different intervals before having sex will affect how long your erection lasts.
Time after taking Viagra
Length of erection
No Viagra taken
3 minutes
1 hour
26 minutes
8 hours
11 minutes
12 hours
8 minutes
Viagra works differently for everyone, so before being intimate with a partner, you might want to test how your body reacts to it by taking it alone the first time.
This will give you an idea of how long it takes to work for you and how long your erection lasts.
However, taking Viagra won’t automatically give you an erection. You’ll still need to be sexually aroused.
But, by increasing blood flow to your penis, Viagra makes it easier to get and keep an erection when you’re aroused for as long as it’s in your system.
Can Viagra help you last longer in bed?
Viagra can help you last longer in bed by helping you stay hard enough to have sex, but it isn’t a treatment for premature ejaculation.
After orgasm, your erection will go away, but Viagra will help you to get hard and stay hard again until the dose wears off.
“Viagra aids you in getting hard and staying hard as long as it’s in your system, by improving blood flow to your penis. But it won’t do much unless you’re sexually aroused. The true benefit of Viagra is that it helps your body and your mind work better together to achieve intimacy.”
Viagra can stay in your system for up to 20 hours after taking it.
However, for most people, it’s usually only effective for about 4-6 hours of taking Viagra.
This time will vary depending on factors like your age, size, what dose of Viagra you’ve taken, what you’ve eaten, and any other medications you’re taking or health conditions you’re living with.
What affects how long Viagra lasts?
While Viagra can help you in the bedroom, there's more to it than popping a little blue pill. How long it lasts can depend on:
what dose of Viagra you took
your age
diet - eating a big or fatty meal right before taking Viagra can slow absorption
lifestyle factors, like drinking alcohol and smoking, can reduce blood flow to your penis making Viagra less potent and last less time
any other medications you’re taking, as some can interact with Viagra
any health conditions you’re living with
your mental health, as feeling nervous, depressed, or anxious can affect how your body responds to sexual stimulation
How to make Viagra last longer
When it comes to getting and keeping erections, Viagra is just one piece of the puzzle.
Viagra’s essential function is increasing blood flow to your penis.
Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation throughout your body, to help you get hard and stay hard during sex.
To help improve Viagra’s effects try:
adopting a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fibre and protein
developing an exercise routine including cardio, to improve blood flow
limiting your alcohol intake, especially before taking Viagra
limiting sodium in your diet
quitting smoking
eating a light meal and waiting at least 2 hours after eating to take a dose
If you’re experiencing mental and emotional stress that’s affecting your sex life, try:
practicing stress reduction techniques like mindfulness and meditation
trying a form of talking therapy, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to reduce anxiety and depression
talking to your partner about any thoughts and feelings you’re having that may affect your ability to get hard, and how they can support you in staying relaxed and comfortable during sex
“Viagra helps with blood flow, but it’s just one of many things that can do so. Taking good care of your physical and mental health by eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can all improve circulation. If your ED relates to mental health, talking to a therapist and seeking support from your partner can both be a big help.”
There are several alternatives to Viagra that may be worth exploring when treating erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil (Viagra, Noxtio, Liberize, Almus)
Tadalafil
(Cialis, Stamiz, Aserbidox)
Vardenafil
(Levitra)
Avanafil
(Spedra)
Time to take effect:
30 to 60 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
25 to 60 minutes
15 to 30 minutes
Lasts for up to:
4 to 6 hours
24 to 36 hours
5 hours
6 hours
Each of these medications has different benefits which may suit different people depending on their specific needs.
If you’re looking for a fast-acting medication, you might want to try avanafil.
If longer-lasting effects are your priority, tadalafil (brand name Cialis) might be a more suitable option.
For something more cost-effective, sildenafil might be the right choice for you.
FAQs
Can you take more Viagra to make it last longer?
Yes, higher doses of Viagra last slightly longer. The highest dose is 100mg, which may be effective for longer than the 25mg lowest dose. Whichever dose you’re taking, try to avoid taking it more than once a day.
Does Viagra last longer than sildenafil or Viagra Connect?
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and Viagra Connect. All three medicines take the same time to act and last for the same duration. Viagra Connect is a form of sildenafil available without prescription in 50mg doses only. Viagra and sildenafil doses range from 25-100mg.
What happens if Viagra doesn't work?
If Viagra hasn’t worked for you, you can try other ED medications, lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, therapy for mental health issues, or penis pumps.
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