Instant erections and will your partner know? We answer 11 embarrassing Viagra questions so you don’t have to ask them
Around one in five men will suffer with erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives – finding themselves turning to drugs like Viagra to help
- Andrea Downey
- 19 Jun 2018, 10:57
- Updated: 19 Jun 2018, 14:38
IT’S a drug many men turn to for a lift in the bedroom, but something most are embarrassed to ask about.
Since its debut in 1998 Viagra has enabled millions of men to take control of their sex life and allow for a little more action in the bedroom.
Around one in five men will suffer with erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives – finding themselves turning to drugs like Viagra to help.
But despite what you may have heard, it doesn’t give you an instant erection. you need to be aroused for that.
It also won’t boost your sex life if you don’t suffer erectile dysfunction, so don’t pop the little blue pills unless you have to.
Here’s everything you wanted to know about Viagra.
1. Does Viagra cause an instant erection?
The short answer is no, just like in any sexual situation you need to be aroused to get an erection.
Viagra simply makes it easier for you to get an erection.
“Unlike the myths surrounding Viagra, it will not give you an instant erection, and it will not work unless you are sexually aroused,” Lloyds pharmacist Francesca Brenca explained.
“The recommended dose is one 50mg tablet taken with water around an hour before sexual activity, however it can start to work in just 30 minutes.
“Drinking large amounts of alcohol or having a high fat meal before taking Viagra Connect will delay and possibly prevent its effectiveness, so it’s worth bearing that in mind.
“Some people think that taking Viagra means that they will have an erection that lasts for hours after taking it, this is simply not true. The erection will usually go away after sexual intercourse.
“If you become aroused again shortly after sexual intercourse, Viagra Connect will enable you to achieve another erection in response to sexual stimulation up to four hours after taking it.”
2. Is Viagra an aphrodisiac?
This is another myth.
As mentioned above, the dug only helps you get an erection, it doesn’t help with arousal.
“This is another common misconception,” Francesca said.
“Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and will require sexual arousal in order to work.”
3. Will it make my erections harder and bigger?
Yes, it can do, but only if you have erectile dysfunction.
“Having erectile dysfunction can mean that you are able to get an erection but it’s not hard enough to have sex,” Francesca said.
“In this situation, Viagra will make your erection harder and bigger but if you are already able to get a hard erection, it won’t give you a bigger erection.”
4. Will my partner know I’ve taken Viagra?
No, your partner won’t be able to tell, but it’s important you discuss any problems you are having in the bedroom.
“Taking Viagra is simple and discreet, however it is always advisable to have an open conversation with your partner if you are experiencing issues with getting and maintaining an erection,” Francesca said.
“It is definitely not something to feel ashamed of and talking to your partner could help determine any underlying issues such as stress or tiredness.”
5. Can my wife or girlfriend take Viagra?
We all remember that scene from Sex and the City when Samantha takes Viagra and has the time of her life.
“Viagra has only been researched and tested on men so its side effects on women are unknown, and therefore the medicine is only suitable for men,” Francesca added.
6. Can I use Viagra even if I don’t have erectile dysfunction?
Just like with any other drug, you should only take Viagra if you have erectile dysfunction.
LET DOWN The 10 times you should NEVER take Viagra
“It will not help you unless you experience symptoms nor will it help with other sexual issues such as premature ejaculation or lack of libido,” Francesca explained.
In other words, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
7. Do I need Viagra?
You only need Viagra if you suffer from erectile dysfunction.
“If you’re regularly unable to get or keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex, then Viagra is an effective, safe solution,” Francesca said.
“Occasional erectile dysfunction isn’t uncommon and can be due to issues like stress, alcohol, recreational drug use or tiredness.”
If you’re worried you might have erectile dysfunction you can check using this erection checker.
8. How often can I take Viagra?
It’s important to remember that Viagra is a medicine, so you should only take it as directed by a GP or pharmacist.
“Viagra is safe for continued use but should be only be taken once a day,” Francesca said.
“Men are advised to book a check-up with their GP within six months of their first supply.”
9. How does Viagra work?
As already mentioned Viagra doesn’t work as an aphrodisiac, it simply makes it easier for your body to get and maintain an erection.
“Viagra contains an active ingredient called sildenafil that relaxes the blood vessels that bring blood into the penis, which in turn enables more blood to flow to the area,” Francesca explained.
“This will help you to achieve and maintain an erection that lasts long enough for sex.”
10. Where can I get Viagra and who is eligible?
“Men seeking to buy Viagra must be over 18 years old and be experiencing issues with getting and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse,” Francesca said.
“Some medications may interact with Viagra and men with certain health problems related to the cardiovascular system are not suitable for the medication.
“Therefore it is extremely important to seek professional, pharmacist advice before taking Viagra.
“You will be asked a few straightforward questions including medication you are currently on and underlying health issues but this is nothing to worry about.”
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11. Do I have to go to a pharmacist?
If you are worried about going into a pharmacy to ask for Viagra, you can buy it online.
“If you are looking to try Viagra you can complete a private consultation online, over-the-phone or arrange an appointment in store to talk to a pharmacist in a private consultation room,” Francesca said.
“If the pharmacist thinks Viagra is the right solution for you then the medicine can be bought in store or online and then delivered using a discreet home delivery service.”
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