Sexual activity makes life worth living. Okay, there are other important things in life. But being able to have sex is definitely near the top.
When you struggle with getting an erection, or keeping one long enough to satisfy your partner, it can make sex a source of stress rather than pleasure. Fortunately, there are several erectile dysfunction medications on the market. Cialis is just one.
Cialis is a drug manufactured by the company Eli Lilly and Company. You may also hear it referred to under the brand name tadalafil.
Know How Cialis Works
There are two different ways to take Cialis — as-needed for help achieving or maintaining an erection, or in a lower dose once daily.
Both methods are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and a healthcare provider can help determine which is best for you.
Like other erectile dysfunction drugs, Cialis is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitor that is prescribed for erectile dysfunction, but also benign prostatic hyperplasia. PDE5 inhibitors work to enhance the effects of nitric oxide (NO) in the smooth muscle cells of the penis.
NO is responsible for starting a chain reaction that leads to increased blood flow to the penis and an erection. In this way, PDE5 inhibitors help men get and maintain an erection if they otherwise struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Have Realistic Expectations
Not every drug works for every person. Tadalafil is a widely effective drug, but this doesn’t mean it’s a slam-dunk perfect fit for you.
According to the scientific literature, how quickly and effectively it works may vary.
For instance, the medicine can remain effective for 24 hours to 36 hours after taking it, or even up to 72 hours. So, for you, it could be effective for one full day, while the next guy could see effects for three days.
Also, one study found the effectiveness rate of 20mg of tadalafil to be 52 percent after 30 minutes, meaning some men could not have successful intercourse even a half hour after taking it.
One thing worth noting about Cialis effectiveness: It doesn’t cause an immediate and spontaneous erection. Because PDE5 inhibitors don’t directly effect the smooth muscles of the penis (and are instead dependent on the initial release of NO), sexual stimulation is still required before your penis will get hard.
Know Your Dose
When you receive a prescription medication like Cialis, your healthcare provider chooses the proper dosage based on how you’ll take it and other factors.
They may opt to start with a smaller dose and increase it if you’re not seeing desired effects, so keep that in mind if you don’t initially see the results you were hoping for.
If you’re taking Cialis as-needed, the starting dose is typically 10mg, but can be increased to 20mg or decreased to 5mg, if needed. This dosage should last up to 36 hours.
If you’re taking Cialis daily, the dose is generally lower. Initially, your healthcare provider will likely start you out at 2.5mg and increase to 5mg, if needed. When taken daily, it’s important to take the medication at the same time every day.
Be Aware of Cialis Side Effects and Drug Interactions
As with nearly any prescription drug, Cialis comes with a lengthy list of potential side effects. Many of these side effects are rare, but knowing ahead of time what you might be able to expect will ensure you’re not taken off-guard.
The most common adverse reactions to Cialis, according to the manufacturer, include: headache, back pain, congestion, flushing, and indigestion.
ED treatments, delivered
Talk to your healthcare provider about all other medications you’re on before beginning Cialis. It may interact with high blood pressure medications such as nitrates and alpha blockers, HIV drugs, antifungals, alcohol, and other medications.
Reduce Your Risk Factors for ED
Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of larger health problems, and addressing these issues can often help ED treatment.
For instance, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and smoking can all lead to or contribute to sexual dysfunction.
By managing these conditions, you may get better results from your ED treatment.
Getting regular exercise, eating healthy foods, quitting smoking, and losing weight go a long way in your overall physical health and ultimately your sexual health.
Talk With a Healthcare Provider
Your healthcare provider knows your medical history and how your experience might compare to other men in similar situations. They’re the best equipped to provide guidance on getting the most of any medical treatment, including the use of Cialis.
If you’re not seeing the effects you anticipated, chatting with your healthcare provider may help you get clarity on what you can do for better results, including potentially trying another medication or a higher dose.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.