What To Do If Viagra Doesn’t Work For You
Five Considerations For Improving Erectile Function
Disclaimer: Your healthcare provider is the best source of health and medical information. Articles written by UPGUYS are informed by peer-reviewed studies and research, as well as governmental health authorities and agencies — but they cannot replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns you might have.
The year is 2003. Canada’s Prime Minister is Jean Chretien. Toronto is in the midst of a SARS outbreak. Vancouver is awarded the 2010 Winter Olympics. And most importantly, for the millions of Canadian men who experience erectile dysfunction, Viagra hits the shelves in Canadian pharmacies from coast to coast to coast. (Yes — there are three coasts in Canada.)
In the 17 years since its approval, Viagra (as well as other erectile dysfunction medicines like Cialis and Levitra) has played an important role in helping improve erectile function for men in Canada and around the world. In one study of over 1300 men who were given sildenafil citrate (the medical ingredient in Viagra) over a period of four years, 94 percent responded that they were satisfied with how the drug affected their erectile function.
But an article published in 2014 by Harvard Health assesses that Viagra is effective in 70 percent of men. Seventy percent still suggests Viagra/sildenafil is highly effective, but what should guys representing the other 30 percent do when Viagra doesn’t work?
Psychological and Organic ED
First, an important distinction needs to be made. Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by a variety of factors, but can be split broadly into two categories: psychological and organic (mental and physical). Psychological ED usually allows for some retention of normal erectile function, such as becoming erect while sleeping, capable of becoming aroused by things other than intercourse, and an ability to perform with some sexual partners, just not others. Physical ED is usually caused by conditions like diabetes and hypertension, spinal cord injuries and other forms of physical trauma. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on what men with psychological-related erectile dysfunction can do when Viagra doesn’t work for them.
Explore Different Medicines
Viagra is far from the only prescription medical option for men looking to address their erectile issues. Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) is part of a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs all promote blood flow to the penis by relaxing smooth muscles and blood vessels in the body — allowing for improved erectile function when sexual stimulation is also involved. Luckily for Canadians, Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are two other proven effective drugs in the PDE5 inhibitor group that might be worth checking out if Viagra isn’t doing the trick.
Try Different Doses
Viagra, Cialis and Levitra all come in a range of doses. Viagra, for example, is commonly available in doses of 50mg and 100mg; Cialis from 2.5mg to 20mg; Levitra 10mg to 20mg. If your doctor deems it appropriate, taking a higher dosage might help men who aren’t experiencing the full benefits of Viagra at a lower dose. Additionally, if timing your dose to be taken 1–2 hours prior to sexual activity is too cumbersome, Cialis is available in a lower, daily-dose meant to be taken at the same time every day. It’s highly important that you do not increase your dose without first talking to your doctor, so make sure to consult with him or her if your current dose isn’t working.
Set Yourself Up For Success
While Viagra mixed with sexual stimulation works wonders for a lot of guys just fine, there are steps you can take to maximize prescription medicine nevertheless. Avoid eating a high-fat meal before taking ED medication. This can slow your body’s ability to metabolize and absorb Viagra, making it less effective. What’s more, eating a diet low in saturated fats and sugar, as well as exercising regularly, can all improve your body’s overall health, including erectile function. Limiting your tobacco and alcohol intake can also be beneficial. You should avoid grapefruit products when taking PDE5 inhibitors.
Give it Time
Erectile dysfunction drugs don’t always work the first time you take them. While Viagra and its PDE5 inhibitor relatives are likely to produce noticeable effects, becoming aroused still requires the right mix of sexual stimulation and sound state of mind. Consult your doctor if Viagra still isn’t working after a few separate attempts. But don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work the first time!
Consider Sex Therapy
While prescription medicine and lifestyle changes prove effective for many men in combating erectile dysfunction, having a conversation with a professional therapist who specializes in sexual dysfunction might be worthwhile. A licensed sex therapist can help to understand some of the root causes of your psychological ED, perhaps even making prescription medication unnecessary.
Talk To Your Doctor
For Canadians experiencing erectile dysfunction, a lot has changed since Viagra first hit the market in 2003. Not only are there now several available prescription options to treat ED, medical professionals have a more profound understanding of the underlying causes. Speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing erectile function issues. They will be able to assess your current situation, as well as medical history and any medications you’re taking, and develop a plan that’s right for you.
