What is vardenafil?

Although erectile dysfunction typically affects men over the age of 40, it is a very common condition and can affect anyone at any age. In fact, some 25 per cent of cases occur in men under the age of 40, with millions of people in the UK experiencing symptoms such as decrease in sexual desire and the inability to get and/or sustain an erection.

Although erectile dysfunction can be distressing and frustrating, there are treatment options available, such as vardenafil, which relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels around the penis to increase blood flow and produce an erection.

Vardenafil will help you achieve a firmer and longer-lasting erection, although sexual arousal is required in order for the medication to be effective. The treatment is successful in around 70 per cent of men, although bear in mind that the results will vary between individuals.

Furthermore, this type of medication will only treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and will not address the psychological or physical cause of your condition, nor will it increase your levels of sexual desire.

Although erectile dysfunction may not be a serious cause for medical concern, it can have a significant impact on mental and emotional health and wellbeing. It can affect your self-esteem and confidence, as well as causing anxiety, depression and relationship conflict.

You may find it advisable to consider counselling and/or therapy while taking the medication to help address the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction.

How does vardenafil work?

Vardenafil works by preventing the chemical phosphodiesterase type 5 from working, which helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis once you’re sexually aroused. This will help you get and sustain an erection.

The effects should make themselves felt within 30-60 minutes after taking vardenafil, lasting up to five hours. Note, however, that sexual arousal is required in order for this medication to be effective.

How to take vardenafil

Take one tablet between 30 minutes to an hour before you want to have sex, preferably on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

Drinking alcohol will have an impact on the effectiveness of the medication and it is advisable not to use it alongside other medical treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg doses. It is likely that you will initially be prescribed the 10mg dose tablet, but this may be changed in the future depending on how you react to the treatment.

Your dosage may also be affected by your age, weight, height and the severity of your condition, as well as the underlying cause of the problem.

Avoid taking more than one dose of vardenafil in a 24-hour period.

Are there any side-effects to taking vardenafil?

As with any medication, there is a risk of side-effects when taking vardenafil, including:

– Headache
– Indigestion
– Lightheadedness
– Palpitations
– Facial flushing
– Blurred vision
– Nasal congestion

Side-effects should go within a few hours, but if you’re worried about your health, seek further medical advice.

You are able to string vardenafil discreetly online here at MENS following a confidential online consultation with our UK-based certified prescriber.