Sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra has been around since 1998 as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). For many men, the introduction of Viagra into their sex life has helped transform relationships for the better, giving them a new sense of confidence and increased sexual performance. But what can you do when Viagra no longer works for you?
Here at Moorgate Andrology, we’ve helped thousands of men regain their confidence when Viagra has no longer been a viable option. Whether it has never had the desired effect, or has stopped working suddenly, the good news is that there are a number of alternatives to Viagra that you can consider! So you needn’t worry about your erection not lasting or not happening at all any longer, as we have a variety of solutions to the issue that doesn’t involve Viagra.
Here, we provide an in-depth look into why Viagra may not be working for you, the potential side effects of regular use and other options available that you can think about to combat erectile dysfunction.
How does Viagra work?
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the penis to cause or maintain an erection long enough to have sex. The severity of erectile dysfunction can vary from one man to the next, with some not able to obtain an erection at all, whilst others experience some hardness, but not enough for penetration.
Viagra works by dilating and relaxing the blood vessels in the body, allowing blood to flow more easily and therefore increasing the blood flow to the penis. This enables you to get an erection and have sex. This medication is only to be taken as and when required and can be consumed anywhere from 4 hours to 30 minutes before it’s needed. It’s worth noting that Viagra only works when you are sexually stimulated, so taking the tablet alone will not cause an erection.
To get the desired effect, the usual dose of Viagra is 50mg when required, although dosing may differ based on your specific circumstances, so it’s always advised you speak to a medical professional before taking Viagra for the first time.
It is important to note that this medication should not be taken more than once a day.
Why didn’t Viagra work for me?
Whether you’ve just tried Viagra for the first time or have relied on the medication for a while to improve sexual intercourse, if the results fall short of the mark, then it may come as a surprise. If this does happen to you though, don’t worry as you’re certainly not alone. In fact, studies have shown that around 30% of men don’t get past their first prescription of Viagra.
Although Viagra can improve erectile dysfunction in approximately 85% of men, it’s also true that this medication may be unsuitable for some due to pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, Viagra can suddenly stop working, or in some men could fail to cause the desired effect from the get-go, and this can occur for a whole host of reasons.
Here at Moorgate Andrology, we have many men come to us wondering and worrying why Viagra hasn’t worked for them. It can often invoke feelings of concern that no treatment may ever work for them, which simply isn’t the case. With the reasons listed above, you can be reassured that unsuitability with Viagra can be common, with plenty of other alternatives out there proving more appropriate for your needs. This, in turn, will give you the desired results you’re looking for.
If this strikes a chord, or you’re unsure whether you can take Viagra to begin with – take a look at some of the most common reasons why Viagra may not be working for you:
You may not be using Viagra correctly
If you’re struggling to get any results from using Viagra, then it may be possible that you’re using the medication incorrectly. This can be the case amongst men are using Viagra for the first time or haven’t been guided on how to use it in the correct way. It’s worth noting that Viagra only works when sexually aroused and will not cause an erection on its own. If you are taking Viagra in the hopes that it will lead to an erection or arousal, you will likely find that the results are disappointing.
Understandably, it can be difficult to know exactly when you will be having sex. In these cases, you could be taking Viagra too last minute, in which case you may find that you cannot get or maintain an erection during sex. The best window to take Viagra is anywhere between 4 hours and 30 minutes before sex, although it should be noted that it can take anywhere up to 60 minutes to take effect.
It’s advised that you read the patient information leaflet that comes with Viagra before consuming for the first time, as this will include the best practice way to take it, helping you to avoid any frustration later on.
Not taking enough Viagra
There are a number of safe ways that you can get hold of Viagra, including:
- Through your GP under the NHS
- As a private prescription
- At the pharmacy
- Online
In some cases, for example if you purchase Viagra online, you may not have the opportunity to consult with a medical professional about the best dose for you. We understand that speaking to someone in person about personal Viagra use can seem embarrassing. This is why we recommend that you see a medical professional first. This way, you’re sure of your ideal dosage and can even get it prescribed to you. In you do purchase your Viagra online, it is advised that you opt for the lowest available strength as too much Viagra can lead to some unpleasant side effects. The smallest available strength of Viagra is 25mg and can go up as high as 100mg, although the most commonly prescribed strength is 50mg.
If you are finding that Viagra is not working, you could consider increasing the strength, however we would advise consulting a medical professional before doing so.
Taking Viagra too early
Whilst it’s certainly possible to take Viagra too last minute to see good results, it’s also possible to take the medication too far in advance. Viagra can be taken up to 4 hours before sex, but anything longer than this will likely have little effect – for example, if you’re taking the medication in the morning in order to have sex that evening – the chances are that the effects will have worn off. As you can only take one Viagra a day, it’s vital that you wait until around 4 hours before sex to avoid wasting it.
In cases where you have taken Viagra well in advance of sex and are no longer seeing the effects, it is important that you refrain from taking any further doses. This can lead to serious side effects that can leave you seeking medical attention. If you’re ever unsure whether it is safe to take Viagra, speak with a medical professional.
We understand that making an estimate as to when your Viagra could be best utilised isn’t ideal. However, by sensibly predicting a window in which you may have sexual intercourse, you are giving yourself the best chance of maintaining your strong erection.
Taking Viagra with an underlying health condition
Although Viagra is the first port of call for most men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, for some it is not an option at all due to underlying health conditions. If you have been consuming Viagra properly but find it’s having no effect, then it’s possible that you could have another health condition that you may not have been aware of. Again, you should never take more than your prescribed amount, but instead report your findings to your GP who will perform in depth tests as to why your Viagra is not working.
Those suffering from heart disease or other heart conditions should not take Viagra, as it can have a dangerous effect on blood pressure when combined with nitrate medication. It is advised that you also speak with your GP first about taking Viagra if you have any of the following health conditions:
- Heart or liver problems
- Past history of stroke
- Past history of heart attack
- Low blood pressure
- Rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa
- Peyronie’s disease
- Stomach ulcer
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Multiple myeloma
Consuming alcohol before sex
Drinking alcohol can significantly reduce the levels of testosterone, as well as posing a risk of adverse effects when combined with Viagra. At best though, drinking alcohol whilst taking Viagra can cause the medication to not work as effectively or at all during sex.
Alcohol consumption alone can cause erectile dysfunction, especially when done in excess. If alcohol is consumed in large volumes over a long period of time it can also impact the arteries and blood supply to the penis.
As a general rule, those looking to benefit from Viagra are advised against consuming large amounts of alcohol or taking recreational drugs. Otherwise, they will likely find that their Viagra is not working.
Potential side effects of Viagra
Viagra is no different to any other kind of medication in that it can cause some adverse side effects, which can vary between users depending on certain circumstances such as those discussed above. It’s important to note that Viagra, like any medication, can cause side effects even when taken appropriately.
For the majority of people using Viagra for erectile dysfunction, there may be no adverse effects, or these will likely be mild and may include:
- Headaches
- Feeling nauseous
- Hot flushes, particularly in the face
- Indigestion
- Blurred vision
- Changes in colour vision
- Congestion
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Back pain
- Mild rash
The above side effects of Viagra are pretty common and are typically nothing to be concerned about. However, there are more serious side effects to taking Viagra which should be dealt with immediately by a medical professional if experienced. These include:
- Chest pain
- Priapism (a prolonged erection that will not go away)
- Painful erections
- Serious skin reactions
- Sudden loss of vision
- Seizures
- Serious allergic reactions
- Sudden hearing loss
If you do experience any of these rare but serious side effects, we advise you call 999 or attend A&E for immediate attention.
What if Viagra doesn’t work?
It’s important to note that Viagra may or may not work for you depending on the reason for your erectile dysfunction. Although ED can be caused by a physical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, in many men it can be as a result of psychological issues or a combination of the two.
If you find that you commonly suffer from stress in your daily life, have depression, anxiety or are worried or insecure about your ability to perform sexually – then you may be adding to the issue without realising it. We can work with you on a holistic level to address underlying psychological issues that may be at play and having an impact on your ability to get or maintain an erection.
We treat each of our patients with the utmost respect, dignity and discretion – so if you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction and feel you could benefit from our expertise and help, contact our team today through our dedicated helpline.
If you believe your erectile dysfunction is as a result of your lifestyle, you may find that making small changes could mean that Viagra has a more positive result. Consider the following points that could be impacting the efficacy of Viagra:
- Alcohol consumption
- Recreational drug use
- Cutting down on smoking
- Poor diet
- Eating too much (which can prevent how much Viagra is absorbed into the bloodstream)
- Lack of exercise
Viagra alternatives
The truth is that Viagra just isn’t the right treatment for erectile dysfunction in some men, and so you could be doing everything right but still be seeing minimal results. If that’s the case, then there are a number of alternative treatments you can consider that can help.
Alongside oral medications like Viagra, there are other treatments we offer including:
- Self-administered injections
- Topical applications
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
It’s worth noting that every man is different and what works for one may not work for the other. So, if you’re struggling with Viagra don’t be disheartened, here we will take you through two of our most successful alternative treatments that can help get your sex life back on track.
Penile injections for erectile dysfunction
Penile injections are our most popular option when Viagra has not been successful, and it can serve as an effective and straight-forward treatment for erectile dysfunction.
When you opt for penile injections for impotence, one of our urologists will consult with you first, ensuring that you’re suitable for this method of treatment, and are happy to proceed. Following this, you will be taught how to administer the penile injection to make sure that the results work as desired. and that you’re comfortable with how the injection needs to be handled.
Once the correct dosage has been determined by your urologist, and you feel confident and comfortable with the administration process, you will then be able to take the penile injections home for self-administration. It’s important to note that penile injections should not be administered more than once a day, or more than 3 times per week.
How do penile injections work for erectile dysfunction?
Alprostadil has been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction for many years now and has proven to be a successful alternative to Viagra. Alprostadil can be used in a few forms, including injections, topicals and pellets. Typically, these penile injections have a success rate of over 80% in men who did not respond to Viagra.
Penile injections work by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow to the area. They are available in a range of strengths to accommodate varying severities of erectile dysfunction, and unlike Viagra, penile injections are only available on prescription.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for erectile dysfunction
Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is one of our most versatile and in-demand treatments thanks to its range of benefits. At Moorgate Andrology, we often combine PRP treatment with penis enlargement injections as the two yield incredible results, but for those suffering from erectile dysfunction, this treatment can also be a great solution. Using your own blood to stimulate the regeneration of cells, repair damaged tissue and release growth factors, PRP can be an effective way of stimulating longer lasting and stronger erections for those struggling with impotence.
How does PRP work for impotence?
It may sound complex, but PRP is actually a fairly straight-forward and low-risk way of treating erectile dysfunction. To begin, one of our doctors will take a sample of blood from your arm, and this sample will then be placed into a special centrifuge where it is spun at a fast rate in order to separate the plasma and platelets, these form the basis of PRP treatment.
Once separated, the doctor will inject the platelets into your penis. It’s worth pointing out that numbing cream will be applied to your penis before any injections to reduce any discomfort.
In total, PRP treatment takes around 30 minutes, and you are safe to go home immediately after your procedure. The great news is you only need to wait 24 hours before having sex if you’re receiving PRP as a stand-alone treatment, and you should be able to see the results quickly.
Trust in Moorgate Andrology to treat your erectile dysfunction
Whether Viagra is inappropriate for you or has simply stopped working – the most important thing is not to panic. We’ve been established as the UK’s leading andrology clinic and pride ourselves on our high-quality treatments and levels of patient care, and we’re confident we can help you overcome your erectile dysfunction.
Should you want to know more about how Viagra works and how you could potentially benefit, the team of experts here at Moorgate Andrology will be gladly on hand to help. A quick email at patientservices@moorgateandrology.co.uk or call with one of our friendly employees on 0333 009 8619 could be all you require to obtain the answers you need.
Take the first step to a better sex life today and contact one of our specialists for a confidential, no obligation chat about how we can help you.
