Scott Weaver
Updated at: October 19, 2023 · 5 min read
How long does Viagra take to work?
First introduced in the 1990's, Viagra is the most popular remedy for erectile dysfunction. It is not a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction but taking a pill every time before having sex will help men produce a stronger and longer-lasting erection. Viagra is available as a prescription drug in the United Kingdom until 2018 when it was approved for over the counter sale under the name Viagra Connect. Since then, the consumption has continued to rise, but how exactly do you use it?
How long does Viagra take to work?
In general, Viagra takes thirty to sixty minutes to work which is why it's recommended to take it sixty minutes before having sexual intercourse. This recommendation takes into account the maximum time for the medicine to kick in, but a lot of people will feel the effects sooner. The timing can vary from man to man and how soon each individual will experience the effects depends on many different things. However, if a man does not experience the effects of the drug within sixty minutes then there is some underlying problem and they should contact a doctor.
When it comes to how quickly the drug will kick in, there are three major influencing factors. Diet, alcohol consumption and sexual arousal or stimulation will determine if Viagra effects will be felt sooner or later. If you have just eaten meal (especially a large one) and then you take a Viagra pill, you may notice that it takes longer than usual to kick in. This is because food is an impairment and slows the rate at which the drug comes into effect. While the body is busy trying to process the food, it is too distracted and occupied too properly process the drug in the normal way. Foods rich in fats are especially bad for this, and to see the quickest results from Viagra, it’s best to take it on a relatively empty stomach. This doesn’t mean that you need to fast in any way; taking the pill around 2 hours after a meal is plenty of time for it to be able to be absorbed into the bloodstream optimally.
The second major influencing factor on Viagra is alcohol consumption. Even after 2 standard units of alcohol (which is approximately one pint of beer or glass of wine), you’ll notice that the pill may not be as effective as it’s supposed to be. This is because even for those who don’t suffer with erectile dysfunction, alcohol can have a direct (and damaging) effect on erection. It may increase sexual arousal, but it decreases the ability to perform. If you pair this fact with an existing case of ED then it makes sense that the drug would have a harder time than normal to aid an erection and it may not work as well. This doesn’t mean that the pill is ineffective, it just means that it’s a good idea to stay teetotal before taking it. It’s worth noting that the occasional inability to get an erection due to excess alcohol consumption is not the same as the chronic condition, as it’s temporary and normal function will return once the alcohol is out of your system.
The third major factor influencing how soon the drug starts to work is sexual arousal or stimulation. Contrary to popular belief, Viagra does not produce an instantaneous erection the second you take it. The drug works by changing the blood flow to the penis and affects how the muscles work when stimulated. The ‘when stimulated’ is the important stipulation though; Viagra needs sexual arousal and stimulation to be able to work. The stimulation includes the psychological kind in some instances, but there has to be some kind of sexual arousal for the drug to work as intended.
Best practices while taking Viagra
Take the blue pill at least an hour and a half and ideally two hours after a meal and avoid consuming alcohol in the lead-up. If you are wondering where to buy Viagra, you can do so here at UK Meds. Make sure you have it anywhere from thirty minutes to sixty minutes before you want to have sexual intercourse; you can always begin foreplay in the interim while waiting for it to kick in. The effects of Viagra can last anywhere from four to six hours, the average being around five hours. Again, this does not mean a 5-hour-long erection, but merely that the drug can sexually assist you at some point in that given timeframe. However, the most potent effects last for around thirty to forty minutes and the peak stage of the erection usually starts around forty to fifty minutes after taking the pill.
It’s important to remember that Viagra is a standalone drug. It should not be combined with any other medicine, and you should not take two Viagra at the same time or two pills in a 24 hour period. If you experience any side effects then you may need to review the dosage and should contact a doctor for guidance.
More information
Related Blog Posts
Here to help you
Our Customer Service is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999. Visit our help section
