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Erectile dysfunction is a serious condition that currently affects millions of men globally. In fact, one in ten men suffers from ED. Men aged 75 and above are at least 75% likely to experience ED symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean that men in their teens and twenties are immune to ED! Younger men are equally susceptible to the condition.
Viagra seems to be the miracle pill for ED patients. However, partly due to the potential side effects associated with the blue pill, some people are hesitant to use it. For first-time Viagra users, knowing more about Viagra will help you anticipate what to expect when you actually decide to take the drug. This post will provide you with nearly everything you need to know about first-time Viagra usage.
Is 25mg of Viagra enough?
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that Viagra is available in 25, 50, and 100-milligram dosages. The primary goal of Viagra as an ED medication is to find the smallest amount of drug that guarantees a satisfactory erection. The goal is not to find the highest Viagra dose you can handle but to find an effective and safe dose that can affect an erection without causing any side effects.
What’s more, Viagra dosages aren’t one-size-fits-all. After all, different men have different needs, so your doctor will provide a dose that he/she feels will work best for you based on your ED symptoms. For some individuals, a 25mg Viagra dose is all they need to address their symptoms and have a great experience.
Others may need to take the maximum available dose to get the same results. Your urologist will recommend and offer the best Viagra dosage based on your symptoms, expectations, medical history, among other factors.
Most importantly, be open and honest with your doctor and don’t hold any information relating to your symptoms and medical history!
With that in mind, the typical starting Viagra dose for most ED patients is 50mg. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms and are on course to start using the drug, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe a 50mg Viagra dosage.
It is also essential to remember that this medication only helps to reverse ED symptoms when you are sexually stimulated or aroused. It works by enhancing blood flow to your penile region, but this will only occur if you are already in the mood. It’s not meant to boost your sex drive at any dosage!
What to expect when first taking Viagra?
From a scientific perspective, Viagra works by relaxing your muscles and blood vessels, allowing for more blood to flow toward your penis. It features sildenafil as the active ingredient, which belongs to a family of drugs referred to as PDE-5 inhibitors.
At the base of your penis, there are smooth muscles that contract to prevent blood from flowing into your penis. When you are stimulated sexually, a series of complex chemicals are released and signals are transmitted via your central nervous system and these smooth muscles relax, permitting blood to enter. This means you’ll get erect.
On the other hand, when you aren’t turned on, your body releases an enzyme known as PDE-5, which causes those smooth muscles to contract, stopping blood flow, and your erection diminishes. Viagra works by suppressing this enzyme and your penis stays hard or erect for longer.
When you take the medication for the first time, it will take between 30 and 60 minutes to enter your bloodstream. And as already explained, it will cause the blood vessels and arteries found in your penile region to expand, attracting more blood to your penis, eventually leading to an erection.
How much Viagra should I start with?
As already mentioned, Viagra comes in 25, 50, and 100mg dosages. However, the recommended dosage of Viagra for erectile dysfunction is 50mg which is usually taken nearly one hour before sexual activity. You can take it between 30 minutes and 60 minutes before sexual activity.
However, after trying the 50mg dose and your symptoms seem not to improve, you can always let your doctor know how your body responded to the dosage. And this includes informing whether you experienced any side effects or your erectile dysfunction symptoms improved. And depending on this information, your doctor may decide to either decrease your dosage to 25mg or increase it to 100mg.
Does Viagra work the first time?
While Viagra remains arguably the best ED medication, there is no guarantee that it will always work the first time. Despite having a success rate of more than 70%, Viagra won’t work for everyone! However, if Viagra fails to work the first time you give it a try, you shouldn’t give up immediately.
Sometimes it takes a couple of trials for it to work. That said, if it doesn’t work on the third, fourth, or fifth time of taking, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. There are a few possible reasons why Viagra might not work for you the first time, including:
- You are not aroused: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might need a relatively higher dosage of Viagra. Alternatively, you might respond better with either a Viagra alternative or a totally different type of treatment.
- You are highly anxious or stressed: Anxiety and erection are two great enemies! And while Viagra tends to work well for ED patients whose symptoms are primarily psychological, still, it might not work if you are either feeling stressed or anxious. If this is the case, your doctor might recommend combining your Viagra treatment with lifestyle changes such as routine exercise, eating a healthy diet, reducing your alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. He may also incorporate counseling into your ED treatment regimen.
- You have underlying health issues: Viagra may not deliver the desired results if you are taking other kinds of medication, have other health problems, or using illicit drugs. And this is why you are often advised to discuss all your personal circumstances with your healthcare provider so that he can provide a treatment plan tailored toward addressing those concerns.
How do I know if Viagra is working?
Viagra takes between 30 minutes and 60 minutes to start working after taking it. However, it may take up to two hours to work. It works by dilating your blood vessels and arteries to allow more blood to enter your penis, causing an erection.
But Viagra doesn’t cause erections on its own. You will still have to be sexually aroused or stimulated to achieve an erection. Also, feeling comfortable and relaxed might help ensure the drug takes effect sooner!
What foods help you get an erection?
Generally, the types of food you consume offer the building blocks you need to fuel your body, including your sex organs such as the penis.
And this implies that you can enhance your bedroom prowess by filling your diet with highly nutritious whole foods that help your blood to deliver the nutrients and ingredients your member, prostate, and other sexual organs need to function optimally.
The below food can help boost your sexual health and function.
Foods rich in flavones:
Flavones are a sub-compound commonly found in vegetables and fruits. They are part of their parent compound, flavonoids, usually found in fruits, teas, and vegetables.
A ten-year prospective study indicated that males who consumed flavonoids had a 9-11% reduced incidence of erectile dysfunction when compared with those who consumed less. The authors established that the chance of ED was reduced by at least 19% in those who ate the below flavonoid-dense berries and other fruits.
- Blueberries.
- Strawberries.
- Apples.
- Pears.
- Citrus fruits.
Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods:
Research has shown that a higher intake of omega-3 helps to address or rather reduce psychological damage, which in turn, may lower erectile dysfunction. The National Institutes of Health lists cold-water salmon as one of the great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish such as mackerel, trout, and fresh tuna are also great sources of omega-3 fatty acids and will keep your arteries and blood vessels well-oiled.
Whole grains:
According to this study, a Mediterranean diet, which constitutes whole grains, can be more beneficial to treat erectile dysfunction compared to a low-fat diet. Whole grains sources include barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet, bulgur, whole-wheat bread, pasta, or crackers.
Meats and poultry:
A food ingredient that could potentially benefit ED patients is I-arginine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Research has proven that I-arginine levels are fairly lower in ED patients. Your body uses this compound to manufacture nitric oxide, which is a compound that widens and relaxes blood vessels, boosting blood flow to your penile region. Foods that are good I-arginine sources include:
- Poultry.
- Red meat.
- Nuts.
- Fish.
- Dairy products.
- Nuts.
Leafy greens:
Nitrates are food compounds that can enhance nitric oxide levels. Research shows that they may also lower inflammation as well as blood pressure. Foods that are rich in nitrates include:
- Spinach.
- Lettuce.
- Radish.
- Arugula.
Coffee and tea:
Research shows that teas boost flavonoid levels as part of a healthy diet. Coffee, on the other hand, is filled with antioxidants that may help build your resistance to inflammation thereby improving prostate health.
What is the best vitamin for erectile dysfunction?
Minerals together with vitamins help your body to function optimally, including your reproductive system. There are few studies that suggest vitamin deficiencies can potentially result in erectile dysfunction. The three best vitamins for ED patients include:
- Vitamin B9: Also known as folic acid, vitamin B plays a vital role in sexual health. Vitamin supplementation may be a useful part of erectile dysfunction treatment. Vitamin B is available in two forms; a synthetic version that manufacturers add to food products and folate, which occurs naturally. Food sources rich in folate include avocado, greens such as broccoli, sprouts, kale, citrus fruits, bananas, and eggs. Other sources include peas, beans, legumes, and lentils.
- Vitamin B3: Also known as niacin, can also help improve erectile function. It can improve ED symptoms in people with mild to severe ED. Foods rich in niacin include peanuts, mushrooms, avocados, meat such as beef, pork, chicken and turkey, brown rice.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin may help improve blood circulation and increase testosterone; two things vital for sexual function. Vitamin C-rich foods include tomatoes, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, green and red peppers, greens such as spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and sprouts, among others.
The bottom line – How Much Viagra Should I Take The First Time?
Most people may find it quite tough to talk about their ED symptoms. However, knowing and understanding the cause of your ED symptoms is key to finding a treatment plan that works. If you experience persistent difficulty having and maintaining an erection, talk to your doctor for relevant advice on your treatment options.
