Can You Take Viagra Daily?

Ahh. Daily Viagra®. 

But first, Picture this: You’re in the mood to get intimate, things are getting steamy and — womp, womp — your body won’t cooperate. If this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with erectile dysfunction. And you wouldn’t be alone.The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that about 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED.

Thankfully, there are erectile dysfunction medications to keep your sex life healthy. One of the most common? Viagra, also known by its generic name, sildenafil. People tend to like it because it is FDA-approved, fast-acting, safe and it works. 

So can you take Viagra daily? And if so, what are the benefits of taking Viagra daily?

Read on to find out.

How Sildenafil Treats Erectile Dysfunction

Here’s how an erection should occur: When you are turned on or experience sexual stimulation, signals get transferred from your brain to the muscles that control the blood vessels that allow blood to flow to your penis. From there, blood flows into your penis, which helps it increase in size and firmness.

Your penis then stays hard for sex because something called the tunica albuginea (a fibrous covering that wraps around where the blood flows to) contracts. Through this process, you stay firm until you ejaculate.

If this process doesn’t happen as it should, sildenafil can help. It dilates the arteries that help blood flow into your penis, to help you get hard and enjoy sex. The medication kicks in and works when you get aroused, so you don’t have to worry about walking around with an erection when you don’t want one. 

Read more: how to take sildenafil

Sildenafil Side Effects 

First, know this: Sildenafil is safe. But, like with anything you take, there are always potential side effects.  For the most part, they are minor. 

However, you should never start taking something new without filling your healthcare provider in on pre-existing medical conditions. 

The most common side effects of sildenafil include: 

• Headaches

• Flushing

• Dyspepsia (indigestion)

• Abnormal vision 

• Nasal stuffiness 

• Back or muscle pain

• Myalgia (muscle aches)

• Nausea

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Rash

If you experience any adverse effects while taking sildenafil, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

Can You Take Sildenafil Daily? 

Generally, there are three doses of sildenafil that are prescribed: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Your healthcare provider will assess which dose is right for you.

Oh, and you should never take more than a single dose at once. Not only can this increase side effects, it can lead to a condition called priapism. This involves getting an erection that lasts longer than normal and it can cause permanent damage to your penis. 

As for taking your prescribed Viagra daily, it is possible. Some healthcare providers believe that taking sildenafil on a daily basis could prevent impotence. The thinking here is that blood flow to the penis on a regular basis can keep it healthy.

However, if you’re taking Viagra daily, your doctor may advise you to take a lesser dose. So, if you want to consider daily sildenafil, you shouldn’t just start taking what you have every day. 

Instead, discuss your plan with a healthcare provider. They will be able to assess whether or not your current prescription is okay to take daily — or even if you should take it daily at all.

Daily Use of Sildenafil 

Letting erectile dysfunction ruin your sexual activity is not the way to go. Sildenafil, commonly known by its brand name Viagra®, is a medication that is prescribed to help with erectile function.

It is considered safe and effective and, for most people, it causes only mild side effects. Those side effects could include headaches, dizziness and rashes, among other symptoms. If you experience any side effects, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. 

As for taking sildenafil daily, some healthcare professionals think this could be a good way to keep your penis healthy. That said, you should never just start taking your current prescription daily. That’s because you may be better off taking a smaller dose daily. 

If you’re interested in learning more about taking sildenafil daily, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.