When you experience sexual arousal, the muscles in the penis relax, leading to increased blood flow. This blood fills two spongy chambers called the corpora cavernosa that run along the length of the penis.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when there is a disruption in this process. Some potential causes can be physical or psychological, including:

• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Blocked blood vessels
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure
• Sleep disorders
• Scar tissue within the penis
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is quite common. It’s estimated that around 3 million men in the Canada experience some degree of ED. Research indicates that about 50% of men over 40 will encounter ED at some point, and the prevalence increases with age. However, younger men are not exempt; studies show that around 25% of men under 40 may also experience ED. Overall, it can affect men of all ages and backgrounds.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), are generally very effective. Clinical studies show that:

• About 70-85% of men with ED respond positively to these treatments.
• The effectiveness can vary based on the underlying cause of ED, overall health, and individual factors.
• Many men experience improvements in their ability to achieve and maintain an erection, with results often occurring within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the medication.

Occasional difficulties with erections are not typically a cause for alarm and don’t automatically indicate erectile dysfunction (ED).

It’s normal to experience trouble achieving or maintaining an erection in about 20% of sexual encounters. However, if you find that you’re having difficulty more than 50% of the time, it may signal a medical concern.

Do not take Viagra if you are using any nitrate medications, which are commonly prescribed for chest pain (angina). Combining Viagra with these medications can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack or stroke.

It’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider before using Viagra.

You should avoid taking Viagra if you:

• Use nitrate medications like nitroglycerin
• Take recreational drugs known as “poppers,” such as amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate
• Use guanylate cyclase stimulators like Adempas (riociguat)
• Are allergic to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, or any other components in the medication.

Viagra is generally safe for regular use by men, but it should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. Taking it too frequently can lead to side effects, including headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure, priapism (a prolonged and painful erection), and other issues.