Viagra: The First Timer's Guide

Using Viagra for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. If this is your first time treating erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms, it's natural to have some questions.

Viagra is a highly effective and well-tolerated ED drug, but it's important to take it correctly to maximize its benefits. Keep reading to find out how much Viagra you should take, what happens if it doesn't work, and everything else you need to know to get you quickly in the swing of things.

How Much Viagra to Take

The recommended starting dose is 50 mg of Viagra. When you place an order on mailMymeds, you'll be asked to answer a medical questionnaire that will help our partnering physicians write a personalized prescription.

Your prescription will account for factors like your age, medical history, and any concurrent meds you're taking. Whether you are prescribed 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg, that is the dose you should start on.

Timing Your First Viagra Dose

Just as important as taking your prescribed dose is your timing. When you're taking Viagra for the first time, you might need to acquaint yourself with some planning work.

You'll want to take Viagra at least 30 minutes before you plan on having sex. The reason is that Viagra takes a little while to circulate in your system, so it's important to give it time or you might not get the best results.

If you are taking Viagra after a meal, it's recommended that you wait up to 60 minutes before having sex. Heavy meals, especially fatty foods, can delay Viagra's onset. For the quickest working time, take Viagra with a lighter meal or on an empty stomach.

Understanding How Viagra Works

Now that you've taken the right dose and timed it to perfection. What now? The moment of truth, of course. With sexual stimulation and natural arousal, Viagra will help you get hard. After a dose, you'll have an approximate 4-hour window to have sex.

After this period, Viagra slowly exits your system, so you'll want to make the most of this window of opportunity. After a passionate night, you might be wondering how it all worked so well. Here's how:

Viagra enters your bloodstream and dilates your blood vessels, widening them to promote blood flow both throughout your body and into the penis. Strong blood flow to the penis means you achieve a rigid erection. Simultaneously, Viagra prevents an enzyme (PDE5) from stopping your erection too soon, helping you maintain your hard-on. Simple, reliable, and effective.

First-Time Side Effects of Viagra to Expect

As a first-time Viagra user, you'll likely need some time to adjust. Extensive studies show that the side effects of Viagra are mostly mild and tend to go away quickly. ¹ However, having a sense of what to expect can make the process of starting your ED treatment all the more pleasant.

According to the studies mentioned above, the most commonly reported side effects are headache, flushing, upset stomach, and nasal congestion. ¹ These side effects really shouldn't be too bothersome, but it's advisable to see a doctor if they stick around for more than a few weeks.

Does Viagra Have Serious Side Effects?

When starting Viagra, you'll also need to be wary of the potential for serious side effects. While severe adverse effects are rare, knowing what to do in the event of one can make a major difference.

In rare cases, Viagra may cause severe side effects like vision changes, low blood pressure, hearing loss, and an erection that doesn't go away (priapism). If any of these occur, it's very necessary that you seek medical attention. Without treatment, conditions like priapism can cause lasting damage. For more details about the common and severe side effects of Viagra, you can read our dedicated Side Effects of Viagra article.

Essential Checklist: The Do's and Don'ts of Taking Viagra

With so much information to keep in mind, taking Viagra for the first time can feel overwhelming. To make things easy to remember, here are the essential points for the Viagra first-timer.

• Do: Take the exact prescribed dose. No more, no less.
• Do: Allow at least 30 minutes for the effects of Viagra to kick in.
• Do: Enjoy yourself. Viagra requires sexual stimulation to work, so get busy.
• Don't: Eat heavy meals before you plan on having sex.
• Don't: Drink too much alcohol because that can impede your performance.
• Don't: Take Viagra with any interacting foods or drugs. Learn more here.

If you keep these tips in mind, you'll have a much higher chance of having a perfect first-time experience using Viagra.

What If Viagra Doesn't Work?

You've done all the recommended steps, but you step up to the plate and strike out. While this unfortunate scenario doesn't occur often, here's what you'll need to do.

Talk to your doctor to find out the reason. Often, Viagra may not work as expected if you are taking meds for another condition. Viagra may also fail if the cause of your ED is physical damage to the penis. Once you and your doctor get to the bottom of why Viagra didn't work for you, there are usually many options.

A common step is to increase your dose. However, you should never increase your dose yourself. Instead, place an order for the new dosage strength recommended by your doctor and fill out the online questionnaire once more, this time with additional details from your first experience with Viagra. Based on your new answers, one of our partnering board-certified professionals will write a new prescription. Following these steps will help ensure the safety and efficacy of your treatment.

A Quick Summary

Taking Viagra for the first time can be a very positive experience. Remember to be patient, allow time for Viagra to take effect, and keep the communication channels open with your partner. If you encounter any troublesome side effects, speak to your doctor about adjusting your dose.

With the right approach, Viagra can be an indispensable tool for managing your ED symptoms and enhancing your sexual well-being. To learn more about Viagra, take a look at mailMymeds' dedicated Viagra blog where you can read up on everything from whether you can take Viagra every day to taking Viagra with a heart condition.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.