Why doesn’t Viagra work for me? This little blue pill is supposed to be the answer to erectile dysfunction but there are instances when it just doesn’t deliver. Of course, this can be extra frustrating.
However, have you been following the right way of taking it? Viagra is to be taken 30 minutes to an hour before sex. You also have to be sexually stimulated for it to work.
If this blue pill still fails to deliver, then there might be some issues involved that need understanding.
Why Doesn’t Viagra Work for Me?
Viagra is meant to answer ED in one way only—by improving blood flow. This mode of action may not answer all cases of ED. Only about 75% of ED cases respond to this drug.
If you’re having a hard time getting the little blue pill to work, you need to consider these possibilities:
#1. It’s psychological, not physical!
Most people think that ED is always the result of a physiological issue. Truth is, many cases are actually of psychological nature (1).
Sexual stimulation may not be enough to trigger an erection if the man is insecure or worried about his sexual performance. Stress, not being into it, and being too tired are other possible barriers to having an erection. Likewise, problems in bed may stem from depression or addiction.
If your ED is psychologically driven, it may be necessary to seek help from a therapist instead. Openly communicating with your partner, especially about your worries and insecurities, may also be a good start.
#2. Underlying medical conditions
Another possible reason for Viagra not producing the desired effects is when ED is caused by an underlying condition (2). Examples of these health issues are diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart disease.
Take hypertension and diabetes, for example. In these medical conditions, the blood vessels might have become abnormal, either becoming inelastic or too constricted. It’s also possible that the walls of the blood vessels can no longer dilate or constrict normally to properly regulate blood flow.
These health dilemmas need to be managed first before ED can be resolved. At times, treating underlying conditions can resolve ED even without Viagra or similar pills.
Obesity is also one likely reason for Viagra to fail. There are too many problems caused by obesity (e.g. too much cholesterol, hormonal imbalances) that may interfere with the blue pill’s mechanism of action.
#3. Dosage is not enough
Doctors prescribe low doses of Viagra to start the treatment for ED. This low dose may not be enough for some. The standard starting dose is 50mg. Some men might require up to 100mg in order to get the desired effects (3).
If you’ve been taking Viagra for quite some time and you noticed that it’s becoming less effective as of late, you probably need some dosage adjustments as well.
#4. Drug interactions
Viagra may interact with certain drugs, making it less potent. An example of these medications are nitrates, which are commonly used for managing heart disease (4).
Viagra and nitrates, when both present in the body, may produce side effects like a bad headache or difficulty distinguishing the color blue from green.
In some cases, the combination prevents Viagra from working. One reason for this is that the blood vessels become too relaxed. More blood might be coming in yet a good amount is also flowing out.
#5. It just isn’t compatible
Sometimes, even though none of the abovementioned causes are present, Viagra still does not work. It may be because the body is simply not being affected by the drug.
There are a few cases like this and this is not limited to Viagra. There are instances where certain people are not responsive to drug treatment just because the drug design does not work for them.
#6. Eating and drinking
Food and alcohol plus Viagra isn’t a good combination.
Food slows down the drug’s absorption. When the stomach is full, more blood goes to the digestive system for the digestion process. Viagra may not be able to divert enough blood to the penis for an erection.
Alcohol, on the other hand, lowers blood pressure and so does the blue pill. This can lead to very low blood pressure which can worsen side effects. At times, this can turn into a serious condition.
Excessively low blood pressure reduces the amount of blood going to the organs. Viagra trying to shuttle more blood to the penis can worsen the problem and further reduce blood flow to vital organs.
What to Do If Viagra Doesn’t Work
There are a few things you can do in case Viagra is not producing the effects that you want.
#1. Do not drink alcohol or eat a full meal before taking Viagra
No alcohol. Likewise, avoid having a full meal a few minutes before taking Viagra. It may take a few hours for a full meal to be digested. If you’re really hungry, eat a small, light snack before taking the drug.
#2. Seek medical treatment for underlying conditions
If you are suffering from diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, or obesity, seek medical help (5). Treat these conditions first then get evaluated for ED. If ED persists, Viagra may be prescribed again. From here, see if the drug takes effect.
#3. Try other options
Viagra is just one of several drugs classified as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (6). If Viagra does not work, try other similar drugs like tadalafil or vardenafil.
Viagra Fails to Work? Visit Your Doctor
Are there underlying medical conditions causing ED that Viagra cannot help with? Are there drugs interacting with the PDE5 inhibitor? As you’ve learned, there are many possible reasons why the blue pill wouldn’t work.
Of course, the best way to determine the underlying issue is to consult a doctor.
This is also the easiest means of finding out how to resolve the problem, or knowing whether it’s necessary to try another ED drug.
Why doesn’t Viagra work for me? Instead of continuing to ask that question and wondering about the presence of other health concerns, do the right thing and schedule a consultation with your physician.
If you have any questions specifically for us though, just leave a message in the comments section.
Originally posted 2022-05-08 01:30:00.