The million dollar question - How long does sildenafil last?

How long does sildenafil last is a question that can be answered by taking a look at a clinical study that was published in 2004. It was conducted by the Department of Urology, Southmead Hospital, England. The aim of the study was to investigate the duration of action of sildenafil tablets in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

The study involved 16 men with an average age of 55 who had ED. They received sildenafil or placebo one, eight or twelve hours before visual sexual stimulation. A penile plethysmography was used in the study and this tests a man's level of sexual arousal by placing a pressure-sensitive device around the penis and measuring minute changes in erectile responses. The results were as follows:

·         After 1 hour their erections lasted 26 minutes

·         After 8 hours their erections lasted 11 minutes

·         After 12 hours their erections lasted 8 minutes

When the men took placebo, an inactive substance to compare the difference, they experienced erections that lasted only 3 minutes. This study demonstrated that sildenafil is most effective after one hour and some patients still benefit from the medication after twelve hours.

Various factors can affect how long sildenafil stays effective
Exactly how sildenafil works and how long it lasts can be affected by various things. Men who are over the age of 65 may find this medication lasts longer because their metabolism is slower. This means the medication stays in the body for a longer duration than younger men.

Having a large or high-fat meal just before taking sildenafil can cause it to take longer to start working. The reason for this is that fat in the digestive system can cause the medication to enter the bloodstream at a slower rate. Taking sildenafil on an empty stomach will make it work faster so it is advisable to take this medication two or three hours after a meal or with a light meal.

Drinking alcohol can reduce blood flow to the penis which makes it difficult to get and keep an erection. Alcohol can also cause dehydration and increase the likelihood of side effects. Men are advised to avoid alcohol or limit consumption to about two units when taking sildenafil.

The amount of sildenafil a man takes can also affect the length of time it stays effective. The smallest dose is 25mg which will not last as long as the 100mg dose. Higher doses come with an increased risk of side effects so men often start with 50mg and eventually increase their dose to 100mg.

Men with certain health conditions such as liver or kidney problems may find the effects of this medicine last longer. The reason for this is that the body takes longer to break down the medication and eliminate it. A patient should get assessed by a medical professional to determine if a lower dose is necessary.

How sildenafil works
During sexual stimulation, the penis fills with blood and this is what gives it the rigidity that is needed for sexual activity. Sildenafil works by enhancing a chemical that occurs naturally in the body called nitric oxide. This is the same chemical that increases during heart-healthy conditions like exercise and it causes blood vessels to dilate. As a result, blood flow to the penis improves and erections become firm and sustainable.

Most men find sildenafil effective
Sildenafil remains a popular choice for men with ED because it is highly effective. Approximately 82 percent of men are able to achieve a firm and sustainable erection within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a tablet. Many years of clinical studies have shown sildenafil is safe to use and only likely to cause mild to moderate side effects in a small percentage of users.

Sildenafil can be ordered online
Sildenafil tablets can be ordered online from www.sildenafil4uk.com . This online pharmacy stocks UK licensed and approved sildenafil that is supplied by Teva Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories so customers can be sure of high quality. Customers simply need to decide on the quantity they would like and add it to their online shopping cart.

The answer to the famous question - How long does sildenafil last - can vary from one person to another but most men eventually benefit notably from the use of this medication.