How VIAGRA Works

Results matter. But knowing how they happen matters, too. Check out the video below to find out how VIAGRA works:

Here's how VIAGRA works: VIAGRA increases blood flow to the penis—helping it become harder, and stay harder for longer.

Dr. Steven Lamm is a paid spokesperson.
Click here to read his bio.

Erections depend on proper blood flow.

Here's how they happen:

  • The penis has arteries that carry blood through it
  • When a man is sexually aroused, this blood fills the spongy tissue inside the penis
  • The penis hardens and becomes erect

But sometimes, this blood can't flow properly. And that can cause erectile dysfunction. Learn more about erectile dysfunction causes.

How VIAGRA works for men with ED.

VIAGRA increases blood flow to the penis. This causes the penis to become harder and stay that way longer.

VIAGRA works only when you need it—when you are sexually aroused. After sex? Your erection will go away.

Plus, VIAGRA can work for up to 4 hours.

So don't worry. There's plenty of time to be spontaneous with your partner.

Want to find out if VIAGRA can help your ED symptoms? Talk to your doctor. Together, you can decide if VIAGRA is right for you.


VIAGRA is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BELOW.

Do not take VIAGRA if you take nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, as this may cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Discuss your general health status with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to engage in sexual activity. If you experience chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts during sex, seek immediate medical help.

In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury.

If you are older than age 65, or have serious liver or kidney problems, your doctor may start you at the lowest dose (25 mg) of VIAGRA. If you are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your doctor may recommend a 25 mg dose and may limit you to a maximum single dose of 25 mg of VIAGRA in a 48-hour period.

In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicines, including VIAGRA) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these medicines or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including VIAGRA, and call a doctor right away.

Sudden decrease or loss of hearing has been rarely reported in people taking PDE5 inhibitors, including VIAGRA. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of hearing, stop taking VIAGRA and contact a doctor right away.

If you have prostate problems or high blood pressure for which you take medicines called alpha blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of VIAGRA.

VIAGRA should not be used with other treatments that cause erections. VIAGRA should not be used with REVATIO as REVATIO contains sildenafil, the same medicine found in VIAGRA.

VIAGRA does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

Please see full prescribing information for VIAGRA (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg) tablets.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. By clicking on this link you will be leaving VIAGRA.com. This website is neither owned nor controlled by Pfizer. Pfizer is not responsible for the content or services of this site.