Viagra Review: How It Helped With ED

image of the packet of viagra I tried

When I visited Brazil, one of the many things that surprised me was the fact that you can buy Viagra over the counter in many pharmacies.

Since I’ve been having very frustrating erection problems every time I’m with a new partner, I decided to try it out. It was more a whim than a considered medical decision – I just thought “why not?”

And although I’ve decided not to use it on a regular basis – for reasons I’ll explain later – it was definitely an effective way to improve my erection quality during sex.

In this review, I’ll be talking honestly and openly about my experience with it. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful if you’re thinking about trying it and want to know what it’s like.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand name for Sildenafil, and is one of the most commonly used medications for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It was originally discovered by Pfizer while they were trying to create medication for heart-related chest pain.

You can also now find generic Sildenafil, which tends to be much cheaper, as the original patent ran out in 2017.

It comes in a little blue diamond-shaped pill and is taken orally before having sex. The idea is that it helps you get an erection when stimulated, as well as helping you keep your erection for longer.

My experience

The way I got my pack of Viagra was kind of funny. In Brazil, many pharmacies offer a home delivery service. Home delivery Viagra? It had to be done. So I rang the local pharmacy, ordered eight pills and a pack of condoms, and had them delivered to my place.

I’ll never know to this day whether the delivery guy knew what was in the little white packet, but he definitely noticed how amusing I found it.

The anticipation

I think Viagra is one of those things that fills you with both excitement and slight trepidation before you first take it.

I’d read a lot about it online and was slightly worried by the long list of possible side effects. The possibility of a prolonged and painful erection wasn’t so appealing.

However, I also knew how effective it was in research studies, so was keen to see if it would help me get through the initial days with a woman I’d recently met.

There were actually three specific issues I was interested in seeing if it could help with:

  • I’d been seeing someone for a week, and was having my usual ‘It will get better at some point’ erection problems. I hoped the Viagra would make that point happen sooner rather than later.
  • In the past, I’ve also had severe premature ejaculation. Even though it’s fairly under control now, I wanted to see if the Viagra would help with that too.
  • It now takes me longer to recover between sessions than when I was a sprightly 20 year old. So I was very interested to see how many sex sessions I could get in one evening with Viagra.

The first test

The Viagra wasn’t a secret; my open-minded soon to be girlfriend was totally up for trying it out. So I ordered it on a Saturday evening, and as soon as it turned up, opened the blister packet and swallowed one of the 50 mg pills with some water.

We then spent time doing things as we usually would – talking, laughing, kissing and enjoying prolonged foreplay. And in the back of my mind was the constant thought of ‘any second now…any second…’

I’d read that Viagra doesn’t magically give you an erection so much as help you get and keep one when you do normal things to get aroused. But I still had high hopes it would do good things.

The strong erection

What actually happened is that after about 30 minutes I definitely felt a warm feeling and some movement downstairs.

My partner and I were half naked and fondling each other passionately, with my penis happily starting to respond to her touch. And a couple of minutes later it was at maximum hardness.

What usually happens for me with a new partner is that I either get a 50-70% erection, or I get a full one but then lose it as soon as a condom packet is in sight.

But that night, not only did I easily get as hard as I do when I’m with a long-term partner, but I was even harder. I literally had the strongest erection I’ve had in years.

Prolonged sex

I had no problem at all putting a condom on (for once). This was one of those erections that you just know is there to stay. And we then had some amazing sex, thanks to three things that happened:

  • I stayed very erect for a good amount of time.
  • I felt full of confidence.
  • I felt like I could last for ages.

So as I’m sure you can imagine, we were both very happy with the results.

I felt more confident than usual and was very happy about my partner’s obvious enjoyment. I also had the feeling that I was able to control my ejaculation and just keep going.

In the past, I’ve struggled a lot with premature ejaculation. These days, I have it under control but do need to keep some focus on my arousal levels otherwise I can slip back into a quicker finish.

But with the Viagra, I felt like there was no way I was going to come any time soon. And in fact, that first time I think we had sex for 30 minutes. It’s hard to describe the sensation as it’s so different from the typical ‘trying to hold back’ that so often accompanies sex.

Maybe there was a placebo effect at work, but I do think the additional confidence also helped me remain in control too.

Round two in record time

It usually takes me anything from 20 minutes to a few hours to be ready for round two. Maybe longer if there’s an important match on TV. But that Saturday night, I was ready again in under 10 minutes.

I was surprised to find that my erection did soften after the first round; I think I was expecting it to stay hard for several hours, but evidently it doesn’t work like that. However, as soon as my partner started playing with me again, I had no problems in once again getting a good erection.

That night, we had sex several times over the period of about three hours before the Viagra started wearing off and we were both pretty shattered. So it seems Viagra’s reputation as a magic blue pill is indeed deserved – more or less.

The headache

I know so far I’ve only raved about how great the Viagra was. But there was a price to pay. Around halfway through round two I started to get a noticeable headache. I thought it was maybe from dehydration, but it felt different from that type of headache.

It wasn’t so bad that I had to stop, but it was slightly annoying. I thought I’d gotten away without any side effects since nothing bad happened at first. But the headache stayed for a couple of hours, even after the positive effects of the Viagra were starting to wear off.

The second test

A week later, I decided to give the Viagra another whirl. This time I took just 25 mg to see if I could avoid a headache with a lower dose. And that did seem to work – I had more or less the same positive effects but without a headache.

Even though it still worked, the effect wasn’t quite as powerful this time around. I was able to get an erection with ease, but it wasn’t quite as strong as my initial test.

However, I did once again notice that it seemed to give me more control over my ejaculation, and also decreased the refractory period.

Why I haven’t taken it again

I only tried Viagra on those two nights and haven’t taken it again since. It’s not because of the headaches, but actually my partner who asked me not to take it again unless I really need to.

Her view is that it’s a powerful drug, and since my problem with erections only happens when I first meet someone, she doesn’t think it’s necessary or even wise to take it again.

And I think she’s right. Yes, that first Saturday night was amazing, and after struggling to get a decent erection beforehand, it was a relief from the stress I was going through. It was also a lot of fun and a big confidence boost.

However, if I can manage without it, it’s better in the long run I think.

Would I recommend it?

If you have ED, in my experience it’s potentially a simple and effective way to deal with the problem.

I think it’s probably better to get your doctor’s approval before taking it though, since the list of potential side effects and interactions is a concern.

If you can find a way to overcome ED without medication, then perhaps that’s better. But if you’ve had no luck with other techniques or treatment, or are simply desperate for some help, Viagra is an option to consider.

If your problem is one of having to wait for ages to recover between sex sessions, then again in my experience Viagra can help.

As far as premature ejaculation goes, I think it might help some men. But at the same time, there are plenty of other treatment options that don’t come with such a long list of side effects. So I’m slightly more hesitant to recommend it.

Useful further reading

  • For information about the potential side effects, who shouldn’t take it and the correct dosage, check out drugs.com.
  • For more information, take a look at the official website Viagra.com (not a paid link).
  • If you think your problem is anxiety related and/or you’re not keen on taking medication, you might find my article about first night erection problems helpful. It also has many comments from other men that are worth reading.
  • See my tips for dealing with erection problems when you use a condom.
  • Take a look at my review of a penis pump for a good alternative to medication.

Your views

Have you taken Viagra before, or are thinking about taking it? Leave a comment below!

54 Comments

  1. I bought one capsule from a local shop , black diamond (sildenafil 180mg) don’t know how safe it is?

  2. Hi
    Can we use cialis instead of viagra? And one thing more, is it safe to use delay spray and durex lube together?

    • Hi
      That’s a decision to take either with a doctor’s advice or with good research. I don’t think I am the right person to tell you what to take or not.
      As for spray, I would just use one type to avoid the risk of burning sensations etc

  3. My experience was about the same. It was strange. Just like in the text, I felt a headache. But the effect was simply stunning. My cock was stone and I am completely satisfied.

  4. Please I have not use the Viagra before….i have been using dragon delay spray for sex….can I combine the Viagra and the dragon delay spray for sex? Am 22years

    • I’m 72 years old and first used sildenafil 7 years ago after a family tragedy ‘killed’ my libido for about a month. On restarting sex, only a soft erection was possible and no penetration. I got prescribed sildenafil 50mg and right from first use it was very successful and took away the anxiety. Have used this ever since and am always very hard and capable of any penetration. No side effects. Now I use 75mg dose and wait 90mins to make sure.

  5. My experiences were much the same as yours. I tried it for the first time today (generic Sildenafil, not brand-name Viagra, but still prescribed by a doctor – in the US, it is MUCH cheaper to use the generic). I used 60 mg (3 20 mg pills – the generic comes that way, not the 25, 50, 100 like Pfizer’s version).

    I am 55, not in my 30s. I have been having trouble maintaining an erection for a few years, even though I am usually still able to get one with my partner. It just doesn’t last long enough or stay hard enough for sex.

    The effect was astounding. 20 min after taking it, I was fully hard and we had great sex. And like you, about 20 min after the first round, I was easily able to go again, much to her delight. Yes, I agree with your description. My erection seemed to go up and stay up with ease. It was as though it did what I wanted it to do because I was happy and aroused, and we didn’t need to fret or expend much physical effort to make it happen – which is just how it should be.

    I experienced a mild headache – nothing I would take pain relivers for, but it did linger on for several hours. So next time, I will try 40 mg instead of 60. A really nice thing about the 20 mg generics is you can try 20, 40, 60 and take only as much as you really need. With brand-name Viagra, you can only use 25 or 50 (or 100 but I certainly don’t need that!)

    Yeah… the stuff is truly amazing. And there’s no way this was all in my head. I have not been able to have an erection or sex like this for at least 4 years, and even when I was in my 20s, I wasn’t able to “go a second time” in only 20 minutes. I would have to wait about an hour.

    • Hi MrMan
      Thanks for sharing your experience of sildenafil. It’s fantastic that it’s helped you so much! I can understand the appeal of being able to tinker with the dosage in more detail. And you’re right about the variability in cost of these pills!
      All the best
      Ethan

  6. Hi Ethan, I am a 38 years man having two kids and from the last three years I am suffering from ED. On and off I use medicines to have erection, but from the last three month this problem has gone out of control.
    I used all other natural methods like running ,exercising yoga and eating walnuts, almonds and salads etc but no real improvement in errection.
    last week my friend gave me imported viagra. I used 50mg ( half of 100mg) viagra last week in the morning and within 30 minutes I got hard erection and felt as I am in my twenties. Result was so much amazing. Please suggest whether I can take viagra for 15 to 20 years ( rest of my life) to have quality sex. I think I should use 25 mg weekly basis for sex. What is ur precious opinion in this matter. And plz tell hwether it can be used for rest of life. Regards, Shehzad

    • Hi Shehzad
      It’s great that viagra helped you so much! But it’s not my place to tell you if it’s safe to use in the long-term. Really, it’s something to talk to your doctor about. They will know your full medical situation and be able to advise you on safety.
      However, what I will say is if you don’t want to talk to your doctor about this, I would do serious research into the side effects of viagra. It can cause serious side effects, so taking it for 15+ years might be risky.
      Ethan

    • Shehzad
      Can you tell me how to use Viagra? and should we use it before 30 mins or 1 hour of intercourse?
      I am also facing quick ejaculation.
      Waiting for your response

    • Hi
      Yes, it’s fine to use both. If it makes you too numb, try using a normal condom with the viagra. In my experience the combination of viagra and condom helps last longer without the need for any extra numbing.
      Ethan

  7. Will 10 mg of viagra help me? Bcoz I don’t wanna risk with 25mg since I don’t have ED and it’s just to last long

  8. Hi Ethan
    I m from Pakistan
    I have erection and premature ejaculation Problem
    I’m soo woried
    How i can get rid of these Problems
    Plzźzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Help me
    And tell me how i can get delay spray above mentioned at no.1 and 2…..???
    I m be very thankful too u…..

  9. Thanks for the review ethan, really enjoyed reading it. It’s given me some hope that it might work for me as well. Been having terrible ED for a couple of months and really need it sorted asap.

  10. I’m thinking of trying viagra, so it was good to read your review. I have real problems getting an erection, not just keeping it up, so I’ve got my fingers crossed this will be the answer. Wish me luck!

    • Hi Ben
      Good luck! I think as long as you remember that you will need some stimulation alongside the viagra, hopefully you’ll find it helps.
      All the best!
      Ethan

  11. Hi Ethan,
    I face the same problem like you whenever I’m with a new partner, but it my case it might be worse as I cant even get an erection. Is viagra safe to use in this case? I’m 24 btw

    • Hi Delwyn
      To be honest, it’s not really right for me to tell you if it’s safe for you personally. All I can say is that Viagra can be helpful, as long as you’re receiving some sexual stimulation to help it do its work. If you’re not sure if it would be safe for you considering your personal medical history, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor. Otherwise, you can check online for the safety warnings on reputable medical sites and check that you don’t have any of the conditions they say can be problematic with Viagra.
      Ethan

    • Hi Chris
      You might be able to get it on prescription. And if you choose to buy it online, do your research carefully, and use a government approved online pharmacist. There are lots of generic and fake viagra pills sold online, so look into it carefully if you choose to go down that route.
      Ethan

        • Hi Benjamin
          Sorry, I really can’t remember the name of it! I’ve tried to look it up on google maps and it doesn’t appear. All I remember is that it’s in Sao Paolo, at the bottom end of Avenida Paulista where it meets the road dr. raffel de barros. There is a big pharmacy there on the corner – that’s where I got mine. But I suspect you can get it in most pharmacies in Sao Paolo – you just need to check it’s authentic.
          Ethan

  12. This is a great article and really useful review – thanks for sharing! I’ve been having serious problems recently, so am thinking to try viagra and maybe a penis pump too to see if the combination helps. What do you think?
    Sam

    • Hi Sam
      Thanks for the compliment. I’m happy you to hear the article was useful. I personally think it’s probably better to try one at once, rather than the both at the same time. You might find you only need one of them. Viagra is more about keeping your erection once you’ve already been stimulated. Perhaps if for some reason you just can’t get it up in the first place, a pump might help. And then the viagra may help keep it up. But I’m not entirely sure to be honest.
      Ethan

  13. Really great review, thanks for sharing your experience! I laughed at your story of getting the viagra delivered;-) i’m going to try it soon, so hopefully it will work well and i won’t get those headaches! cheers

    • Hi Craig
      Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I hope it works out well for you, and try taking less if you do get any side effects like that.
      Ethan

  14. Hello I have had ED for as long as I can remember, I am 32. I guess it’s from masturbating a lot when I was younger(Never talked to a doctor about it)…I have never lasted more than 10 mins, now I don’t get up to 5 mins, plus I loose an erection real easy. Any suggestions on medication to help keep an erection and last longer than I do now, as it’s beginning to affect my marriage.

    • Hi Lass
      Well, in my experience, Viagra does seem to offer help for both those problems. You just have to weigh up the pros and cons of taking it yourself. Otherwise, it’s probably a case of tackling the 2 issues independently, but in a way that doesn’t conflict. For example, delay sprays are good, but sometimes cause erection problems. So I would look into ways to keep the erection primarily, and then look into the natural techniques for lasting longer than I talk about a lot on this site.
      Ethan

  15. I am a 75 years old. My ED problem started when I was about 60 when I was found to have an enlarged prostate. About 5 years ago I was treated for prostate cancer. This included Brachytherapy, hormone treatment and beam therapy. I am now clear of cancer. I have used the original Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. I have also used Kamagra, 2 other Indian copies of Viagra and numerous Chinese herbal products. I now only use Kamagra 100 ml liquid sachets with great success (I think!). All these drugs work to a lesser or greater extent but do not use them without your doctor’s permission if you have any heart problem. Also have a small salad, not a big greasy meal before you have sex! With Kamagra liquid you will get a hot flush about 15 minutes before the drug starts to work on your penis.

    • Hi Mike
      Thanks for your comment and for sharing your story. Well done for dealing with cancer and becoming one of the growing numbers of cancer survivors out there. I also had cancer a few years back, so I know it’s no easy journey!
      I think your advice about checking with a doctor if you have a heart condition before taking these kind of drugs is exactly right. I also like the idea of a salad rather than heavy meal before sex – we need all that blood sent to other places than the digestive system!
      Ethan

  16. hi, i’m 23 year old. is it safe to use viagra only for last long sex and what will be the duration(approx.), cause i dont have any erectile dysfunction?

    • Hi Kash
      Yes, you can use Viagra even if you don’t have ED. It might help you last longer, and will probably help you keep an erection for longer and be able to get it up again sooner after you ejaculate. How long it lasts varies from person to person, but usually around 3 hours in my experience.
      Ethan

  17. At what pharmacys could you buy of,The counter in Rio? Im here,right now and have a date for,tonight and it is,already 21.30

    • Hi Dave
      Sorry it took me so long to reply – I hope your date went well! I haven’t been to Rio, but if it’s like Sao Paolo, you can probably find it in most pharmacies!
      Ethan

        • Hi Dave
          Are you there yourself? I can’t remember the name of the one I got it from, and just looked on google maps, but it doesn’t appear. I can tell you roughly where it was though. There’s a junction at one end of Avenida Paulista where it meets Praca Oswaldo Cruz. If you look on the map you’ll see a little green triangle, and it was somewhere around there. Sorry I can’t be more exact!
          Ethan

  18. Did your ED go away after taking Viagra two times? Permanently? Because you stated that you only needed it when you first met someone. Meaning you could only get 50-70 percent erection. Do your erection still stay hard like before when you took the Viagra? Im thinking about taking it. My doctor gave me a prescription but im worried it wont be a permanent solution and the side effects worry me. I barely can achieve a 100 percent erection and even if I do . I lose it during sex. Im only 20 so I dont understand why I have ED problems. What can I really do?

    • Hi Chris
      Unfortunately, viagra isn’t a permanent cure for ED. But my problem was that I would struggle to get an erection the first night or two I’m with a new partner, then I’m mostly fine. So for me, it would be helpful because I’d only need it for a couple of days to help me through that initial difficult period.
      The erections it gave me were definitely very strong. Probably like I would have had in my early twenties!
      I know the side effects are a bit worrying – I was concerned too. My advice would be to try a small dose, even splitting the pill at first and see if that helps. Then try it and see how you feel. If you’re happy with it, you can then decide whether to take it again or not. In terms of other things you can do, have a read of my other article I linked to. I talk in there about other things that might help.
      All the best
      Ethan

  19. thanks for sharing , i got nice information about viagra product but what is the difference between kamagra and viagra?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *