Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Prostate Disorders | Correct Viagra Usage

• Researchers have discovered that many of these so-called “Viagra failures” were actually using the drug improperly.

Men who undergo radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy for prostate cancer often fear they will be unable to resume sexual activity after treatment. If a procedure does result in erectile dysfunction, oral medications—the newest advance in the treatment of erectile dysfunction—are often the initial therapy.

Of these drugs, Viagra (sildenafil) is the oldest and still the best known, (Other popular drugs include Levitra and Cialis.) Yet while Viagra has helped many men, others who tried it found that it didn’t work.

However, researchers have discovered that many of these so-called “Viagra failures” were actually using the drug improperly. Some of the men had taken Viagra after a heavy meal, which may interfere with absorption of the medication. Others took a suboptimal dose of Viagra (50 mg instead of 100 mg, the highest dose), or they expected results too soon after taking Viagra.

Other men completely overlooked the role of direct sexual stimulation (having the partner becoming more involved in the sexual process is critically important) in achieving an erection suitable for partner penetration.

Then, too, some men gave up on the drug after trying Viagra just once.

Mistakes such as these may explain why a significant number of men don’t renew their Viagra prescriptions—and also indicate why it’s important that you discuss with your doctor any problems you are having with Viagra or a similar erectile dysfunction medication rather than simply assuming it doesn’t work for you.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Prostate Disorders | Correct Viagra Usage