What Is Sildenafil? The Ultimate Guide to Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common, affecting millions of men around the world. It can be very distressing for the men who experience it.

But ED is treatable.

One of the most common treatments for ED is a class of medications called Phosphodiesterase 5 (​​PDE5) inhibitors. Of this class of medications, Viagra and its generic equivalent sildenafil are probably the most widely known.

So what exactly is sildenafil? Does it work? What are the side effects? And how can you get some? This article has answers to all of that and more.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

To get an erection, many different bodily systems have to work together. Sexual stimuli send signals through the brain and nerves, which release a chemical called nitric oxide in the penis. Nitric oxide relaxes muscles in the penis and allows blood vessels to dilate and get larger. The dilated blood vessels fill the penis with blood, making it grow rigid.

Because this process relies upon so many systems—psychological, neurological, and vascular—there are many things that can go wrong. That’s why there are many potential causes of ED. Some of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Psychological factors and mental health. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological factors can impair the body’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
• Lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors can play a role in ED. Limited sleep, drug use, tobacco products, alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle each can make ED more likely.
• Medical conditions. Several medical conditions can contribute to ED, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
• Medications. Some medications are known to play a role in contributing to ED.
• Physical injury. Damage to nerve tissue or to the pelvic area can impede erectile function.

What is sildenafil and what does it do?

Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibiting medication work by helping blood vessels in the penis relax so they can fill with blood. They do that by increasing nitric oxide. More nitric oxide allows the muscles in the penis to relax and let more blood flow in.

PDE5 inhibitors work best for guys who are experiencing ED because of psychological factors or because of some issues with blood vessels in the penis not relaxing like they should. The result is that these medications:

• Make it easier to get an erection
• Reduce recovery time after orgasm

Note that sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibiting medication are not appropriate treatments for all forms of erectile dysfunction. For example, if you have nerve damage to the penis, they may not work. The right treatment depends on what’s causing the ED—that’s why you need a doctor to prescribe these treatments for you.

Also, note that sildenafil does not enhance sexual desire or libido. It does not cause an erection without sexual stimulation. It just makes it easier for an erection to occur when sexual stimuli is present.

Does sildenafil work?

Yes, there is a large body of research that has found that Viagra and sildenafil are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. Studies find that it’s effective for between 77% and 84% of men.

However, Viagra and sildenafil are more effective for some people than for others. For example, while it has been found to lead to significant improvement of erectile function in all age groups, it appears to be more effective for younger men than older men. It also appears to be more effective for men with mild to moderate ED compared to those with severe ED.

Also, sildenafil may work differently if you take it with food. Food slows down absorption and can delay its effects.