12 Myths about Viagra

Viagra is one of the most popular erectile dysfunction treatments but there are many myths surrounding Viagra. We found the 12 most popular myths surrounding Viagra and we’re here to tell you what’s true and what isn’t.

Myth #1 Viagra kicks in immediately

It takes between 30 minutes to an hour to start to work in your body. Also, it will not start to work on its own. While it helps to get an erection and maintain it, it needs sexual stimulation as well.

Myth #2 You will have an erection for hours

The active ingredient sildenafil will remain active in your body for up to 4 hours. This does not mean that you will continually have an erection during this time, but it is the timeframe in which the Viagra is most effective. Viagra increases the blood flow to the penis when sexually aroused and so helps to get and maintain an erection satisfactory for intercourse.

Myth #3 It is the only option for erectile dysfunction

There are several treatments for ED, Viagra is just the better known one as it hit the market first. If it does not work for you, there are alternatives available that can suit you better. Levitra, Tadalafil and Spedra all have other active ingredients with different properties. Cialis lasts the longest and also comes in a daily tablet option. If you are not sure which is the best one for you, your pharmacist can give you advice that will suit you best.

Myth #4 If it does not work the first time, it will not work

For many men, Viagra does not work the first time. It is recommended that a patient takes Viagra on at least eight separate occasions before ruling it out completely and moving on to alternative treatments or changing dosage.

Myth #5 It increases your drive

Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and will not increase your sex drive, it can only help you to achieve and maintain an erection for sex.

Myth #6 It can protect against sexually transmitted infections

No, Viagra and all other ED medications offer no protection from STIs and STDs whatsoever. To be safe, use condoms during sex, especially if you are unsure about either your or your partner's sexual health.

Myth #7 It works best when taken on an empty stomach

This is actually true! Medications are generally absorbed faster when your stomach is not digesting a large and heavy meal. For Viagra to be most effective, it is recommended to take the tablet on an empty stomach and not to mix it with alcohol.

Myth #8 You can’t take it with alcohol

Alcohol decreases the effectiveness of Viagra so it makes the symptoms of ED worse. Drinking alcohol excessively will prevent Viagra from taking full effect. You can read more information about Viagra and alcohol here.

Myth #9 The more tablets you take, the better the effect

You should always follow your pharmacist’s guidelines. Do not take more than one tablet of Viagra in 24 hours or with any other ED medication. More tablets will not increase the effect and if one is not effective do not take another one as it will not improve the experience and will increase the likelihood of serious side effects.

Myth #10 It can have side effects

Like all medications, Viagra can have some side effects. These might not affect every patient taking Viagra and can vary from person to person. Normally, the side effects are quite mild and rare but the more common ones are nausea, dizziness, headaches and skin rashes.

Myth #11 You can’t take it with other medications

Certain medications interact negatively with Viagra so if you are taking any other medications including prescription or over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, you should consult your doctor or your local pharmacist to make sure that it is safe to take Viagra as well.

Myth #12 You need a prescription to buy viagra

Viagra was a prescription only medication for many years however, the manufacturer Pfizer formulated Viagra Connect for sale in the UK without a prescription. This has increased the availability of the medication and also helped to deter patients from turning to counterfeit drugs.