First-Time Viagra Guide: Expert Tips for Safe and Effective Use

Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis. The active ingredient, sildenafil, relaxes your blood vessels, allowing for stronger, more reliable erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Contrary to popular belief, Viagra only works when you are sexually stimulated, meaning you shouldn’t get random erections. Simply take your tablet 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to have sex, and you should find it far easier to get and maintain an erection.

Is Viagra safe?

In order to be approved for use, Viagra underwent rigorous clinical trials to ensure safety and effectiveness as an erectile dysfunction medication.

A review of such trials found that Viagra users experienced no more significant side effects than those taking a placebo. However, you still need a prescription for Viagra to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you.

To get the most out of Viagra, it’s important to know what to expect the first time.

Here’s a timeline of what should happen your first time taking Viagra:

Viagra comes in three different strengths to suit individual needs and health conditions. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose based on factors like your overall health, other medications you take, and how your body responds. Below is a simple guide to when the 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg doses might be recommended.

Preparation is the key to getting the best results when taking Viagra. To make the most of your experience, follow our quick guide below on how to prepare for your first time using ED medication.

Medical checklist

Before taking Viagra for the first time, it’s important to review your health and current medications to ensure treatment is safe and effective.

Here are some important things to consider:

• Avoid with certain medications — Do not take Viagra if you are using nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain) or certain blood pressure medicines, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Health conditions — Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, a recent stroke, liver or kidney problems, or any eye conditions, as Viagra may not be suitable.
• Allergies and reactions — If you have experienced allergic reactions to ED medications before, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.

Meal planning

What you eat can affect how fast Viagra works and how effective it is.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid fatty foods — High-fat meals can delay absorption and reduce Viagra’s impact.
• Take on an empty stomach — When taken without food, Viagra is absorbed quickly and it should start working sooner.
• Limit alcohol — Drinking too much alcohol can reduce Viagra’s effectiveness and worsen side effects like nausea and dizziness.

Foods rich in nitrates may improve erections by boosting nitric oxide, which causes your blood vessels to widen. Consider including more beetroot and spinach in your diet to naturally support erectile function.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Creating the right environment

No matter how effective Viagra is, there’s no point taking it if you’re not in the mood. That’s why it’s important to create an atmosphere ideal for intimacy when taking Viagra, especially if it’s your first time.

Follow these tips to create the perfect environment for sexual activity:

• Choose a relaxing, private setting where you feel at ease.
• Light candles, play soft music, or do whatever helps you feel calm.
• Set aside some time so you can focus on having a fun, satisfying experience.

Viagra is generally well-tolerated, but it can produce side effects in some people. These are mild for the most part and should go away after some time, but some may be more serious.

If you experience side effects on 50 mg or 100 mg of Viagra, consider asking your doctor to lower your dose to 25 mg. This reduces the risk of experiencing side effects.

To manage common Viagra side effects like headaches or flushing, stay well-hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider taking it on an empty stomach. If side effects persist or worsen, stop taking Viagra and consult your doctor.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Success using Viagra isn’t just down to physical factors, your mindset also plays an important role. Take note of the following to give yourself the best chance at success when taking Viagra:

Communicate openly

• Be honest and let your partner know you’re using Viagra. They can help you feel at ease.
• Keep things light, reassuring, and playful.
• Express your needs to your partner and listen to theirs. A pleasant experience starts with open communication.

Limit distractions

• Turn off your phone or anything else that could interrupt the moment.
• Stay present and commit yourself completely to the moment.
• Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind before you begin.

Take note of your headspace

• Don’t force the moment. Take Viagra when you’re ready and relaxed, not when you’re stressed.
• Don’t rush things. Some light foreplay or cuddling beforehand can ease you into the process.
• Manage your expectations. Viagra makes things easier, but you still need to put in the effort to make the most of your experience.

Anxiety about performance can counteract Viagra’s effects. I tell my patients that the first dose is about learning how your body responds to treatment. Try to remove the pressure and focus on connection with your partner.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

If Viagra doesn’t work for you, there are alternative treatments that might. Like Viagra, these are all PDE-5 Inhibitors, meaning they work in the same way to treat erectile dysfunction. However, they contain different active ingredients, which can affect how quickly they work, how long they last, and how well they're tolerated.

If Viagra works well for you the first time, that’s a great sign, but it’s only the beginning. If you wish to use Viagra long term, it’s important to take note of how it affects you going forward and check in with your doctor regularly.

If you take the proper precautions and use Viagra safely, it can become a long-term treatment that helps you maintain a satisfying and healthy sex life.

No*, most forms of Viagra are not available over the counter in the UK. They require a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist. At euroClinix, we prescribe Viagra for men over 18 with erectile dysfunction.

A prescription is important because it helps ensure the treatment is:

• Safe for your heart and overall health
• The right dose for your individual needs
• Not affected by other medications you're taking
• Part of a proper assessment for underlying causes of erectile dysfunction

*Viagra Connect (50mg), however, is an over-the-counter version of Viagra. It doesn’t need a prescription, but you’ll still need a short consultation with a pharmacist to check it’s suitable for you.