How Does Cialis Work, and What Can You Do If It Doesn’t?

Cialis is a medicine used to treat the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Erectile Dysfunction is the inability of men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) to get and maintain an erection.

BPH is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate that put pressure on the tube that carries urine.

Understanding how Cialis works is crucial to make an informed decision about your health.

This article will discuss how does Cialis works, which factors affect its function, and what you can do if it is not working for you.

How does Cialis work

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cialis for treating two medical conditions, i.e., ED and BPH.

Here we discuss the working mechanism of Cialis for both conditions in detail. 

How Cialis treats Erectile Dysfunction

Cialis contains the active ingredient Tadalafil, which belongs to a class of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Cialis works by enhancing the effects of Nitric Oxide (NO), which is released in the body during sexual stimulation.

NO helps in the production of cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP).

cGMP is a crucial molecule that promotes the dilation of the blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis.

This enhanced penile blood flow helps men to get and maintain an erection.

However, the PDE5 enzyme breaks down cGMP levels. This prevents the dilation of blood vessels and restricts blood flow to the penis.

Cialis (Tadalafil), being a PDE5 inhibitor, blocks the action of the PDE5 enzyme. Thus, restoring cGMP levels and improving blood flow to the penis.

Keen on understanding the complete role of Nitric Oxide in the erection process? Dive into this article – What is Nitric Oxide Erection? Know How it Works and Its Supplements.

Cialis working mechanism for treating BPH

Cialis does not treat BPH by reducing the size of the prostate.

Instead, it offers relief by relaxing smooth muscles in the bladder and enhancing urine flow.

The exact mechanism of how Cialis treats BPH is not fully understood yet.

It is believed that Cialis’ ability to inhibit PDE5 enzymes in the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder plays a role.

This medication blocks the action of this enzyme. As a result, cGMP levels in the smooth muscle cells of the prostate and bladder increase. 

High cGMP levels promote the relaxation of the smooth muscles and improve the flow of urine. 

Curious about the connection between an enlarged prostate and ED? Explore this article to gain insights into the question – “Can a Swollen Prostate Cause Erectile Dysfunction?“.

How fast does Cialis work

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Cialis does not work immediately.

When taken as prescribed, Cialis may begin to work within 30-60 minutes of consumption.

For treating ED, Cialis also requires sexual stimulation to start working.

Certain factors can affect the onset of action of Cialis, including

1. Other health conditions you may have

Conditions like kidney or liver problems can impact how Cialis is absorbed and metabolized.

This may lead to a delay in its onset of action.

2. Other medications you may take

Cialis (Tadalafil) can interact with other medicines, which may affect the absorption and working of this medicine.

Time's up

3. Your age

Older individuals often have slower metabolism, which can slow down the breakdown of the medication.

Thus, causing Cialis to take longer to work.

4. Cialis dosage

Taking the incorrect dosage at the wrong time may not produce the desired effects.

Only a doctor can prescribe the right Cialis dosage based on your specific needs.

You must be wondering when is the best time to take Cialis for optimal results. Explore this article– When to Take Cialis for Best Results? Answering All Your Questions.

How long does Cialis work for

Cialis lasts for 36 hours in the body.

In some cases, it may last as long as 72 hours.

Cialis has higher patient satisfaction ratings because it allows more spontaneous sexual activity.

The following factors determine how long does Cialis work for:

• Your age
• Other medications you may be taking
• Your health condition
• Your lifestyle and diet

Eager to discover if Cialis prolongs sexual duration? Uncover the answer in this article – “Does Cialis Make You Last Longer?“.

How does Cialis work best

Smoking, excessive drinking, unmanaged stress, and a poor diet can impact ED and how Cialis works.

A nutritious diet and increased physical activity are crucial for overall health and can reduce the severity of ED.

Below we have discussed the things you should avoid taking with Cialis.

Do not take Cialis with other medications

Some medications can interfere with Cialis’ effectiveness. They are as follows:

• Nitrates
• Anti-seizure medications
• HIV medications
• Oral antifungal medications
• High blood pressure medications

To avoid medication interactions, consult your pharmacist before self-medicating.

Drink less alcohol

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Cialis and alcohol should not be combined.

Too much alcohol can make it hard for you to get sexually excited. 

It can also cause blood pressure to drop too low when taken with Cialis.

Timing is key

If you are taking Cialis for treating ED, timing will matter.

You need to take this medicine 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse.

For an in-depth exploration of this subject, refer to this article – A Guide on How to Get the Maximum Effect from Cialis.

What to do if Cialis doesn’t work

Cialis is one of the most effective medicine for ED and BPH.

It is preferred over other medications because it has a longer half-life.

Even though all PDE5 inhibitors work the same way, some men prefer one over the others. 

If Cialis doesn’t work for you, talk to your doctor about possibly using a different ED and BPH medicine that might work better for you.

You might be unsure about which doctors to approach for your ED symptoms. This article is your guide to understanding “Erectile Dysfunction Doctors: Know the Top 3 Experts“.

Final thoughts: How does Cialis work

Erectile Dysfunction and BPH are common problem, and many men are affected by it.

Cialis is one of the most popular drugs for treating ED and BPH.

It doesn’t start working immediately.

It may begin to work within 30-60 minutes of consumption.

Cialis lasts longer than other PDE5 inhibitor drugs like Viagra and Levitra.

Frequently Asked Questions

• healthline.com
• webmd.com
• fda.gov

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