As with any medication, Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone.
Your doctor should explain carefully how to use them, and what to expect, but even under the best of circumstances you may find that you need a number of attempts, or possibly an adjusted dose or different type of medication in order to see results.
If you aren’t able to achieve an erection soon after you start treatment, don’t despair. Check to ensure you are taking the medication exactly as directed according to the patient information leaflet supplied with the tablets, and be sure to let your doctor know what happens (or doesn’t happen) when you do. Always consult a doctor if treatment doesn’t work. Studies show an improved response rate after receiving appropriate dose and instructions on administration. You may require further tests and assessment, and possibly alternative treatments.
What is the ‘success rate’ of sildenafil (Viagra)?
From clinical trials the following percentages of men responded to the three different doses of sildenafil as follows:
| Sildenafil | 25mg dose | 62% reported improved erections |
| Sildenafil | 50mg dose | 74% reported improved erections |
| Sildenafil | 100mg dose | 82% reported improved erections |
The results show sildenafil (Viagra, Viagra Connect) is not effective for all men, but the reasons can be complex and varied. Read on to learn a few different things you can try in order to help your medication have the desired effect. These points will help you develop a realistic expectation for your treatment.
Adopt the right mindset
Before all else, try to keep in mind that no erectile dysfunction medicine is a miracle cure. The PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) work by facilitating blood flow to the penis, but they all require sexual arousal. Your body sends the necessary chemicals to the blood vessels of the penis, the medication helps the blood flow, and also block the PDE5 enzymes that eliminate the chemicals, and this helps you get and maintain an erection.
Without proper sexual arousal the medication will simply not take effect. Try to make sure you are receiving stimulation that works for you; whether it’s visual or from touch, scent or taste, you need to feel naturally turned on.
Distractions, interruptions, and low temperatures can stop the production of the chemicals responsible for erections.
Patient expectations
Psychological factors can make a big difference with regard to treatment and outcome, and should not be underestimated (the placebo effect is a good example). Brand, size, shape, and colour of a pill can all have a psychological impact on a patient’s confidence in the treatment. There is also documented evidence that a higher dosage can have a positive psychological effect, however side effects are more likely. Studies also suggest men’s mood improves after taking sildenafil. Read in full
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