“It’s crucial to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.” On this evidence, it would seem Viagra is a bit hit and miss for women – mind-blowing orgasms for some, mind-blowing migraines for others. Yet, there is one portion of the population who take Viagra regularly, but rarely get a look in on discussions about the drug, and its effectiveness. And that’s mainly for one deceptively simple reason: their use of the drug isn’t sexy at all.
Louise, whose name has also been changed for privacy reasons, is in her late twenties, and has been taking tadalafil – a Viagra equivalent – since she was 16. She was put on the drug by specialist doctors, after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).
| Study Phase | Cialis Research in Women | Viagra Research in Women | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Limited | Limited | Safety and dosing |
| Phase 2 | Emerging | Emerging | Efficacy for sexual arousal |
| Phase 3 | Not widely conducted | Not widely conducted | Large-scale efficacy and safety studies |
“The simplified version is that my condition causes blood vessels in the lungs to be quite brittle,” she explains. “Tadalafil and other vasodilators widen those blood vessels, which reduces the high pressure in my lungs.” At first Louise was put on a full dosage and immediately experienced side effects – “dizziness, nausea and uncontrollable hiccups” – but her dose was reduced and she eventually acclimatised.
What she was yet to acclimatise to was people’s responses to her taking an erectile dysfunction drug.
Although no one has ever assumed she takes the drug recreationally, she says people’s initial responses are still “almost universally funny”.
| Benefit | Explanation | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Blood Flow | May enhance vaginal circulation | Moderate |
| Extended Effect Duration | Longer-lasting effects than Viagra | Theoretical |
| Reduced Frequency Dosing | Can be taken less frequently, once daily | Anecdotal |
Yet, while Louise now sees her condition as “one of those ‘if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry’ situations”, she is also clearly frustrated with the lack of public knowledge.
“I think it’s part of a wider conversation about how the life 50mg viagra of a drug works,” she says. “Lots of things begin as one thing, then are found to be useful for another.” In a nutshell, this has always been the story of Viagra: the heart medication that just happened to give guys boners. Perhaps now, it’s time to stop thinking of that as its sole purpose. Compare common side effects, interactions, warnings, and more. Cialis® (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis. Cialis is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower daily dose option is also available for continuous treatment. Common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.
Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to 4 hours prior. It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in blood pressure. The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH) ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH) Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat: Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses) Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses) Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures *This information is from the label for brand name Cialis®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. While pervasive cultural narratives about Viagra are surely partly to blame, Louise thinks some culpability also lies with pharmaceutical companies, and the medical establishment more broadly, for not prioritising or even acknowledging that Viagra and equivalent drugs might be useful for more than male pleasure. In 2013, a team of scientists in the US conducted a promising study into the effective treatment of menstrual pain with Viagra, but it failed to secure further funding and was twice rejected by the National Institutes of Health for additional grants.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 270 + 30 Pills | 390.61€ 372.01€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 330.21€ 314.49€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 147.18€ 140.17€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 10 Pills | 25.19€ 23.99€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 76 + 4 Pills | 306.59€ 291.99€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 20 Pills | 62.99€ 59.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 184.26€ 175.49€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 204.80€ 195.05€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 83.06€ 79.10€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 20 Pills | 61.69€ 58.75€ |
“I just feel they’re out of touch with women’s health,” Dr Richard Legro, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Penn State University, told StatNews. Louise says her tadalafil prescription leaflet doesn’t even allude to the drug’s alternative uses.
This inevitably leads women – like those with conditions like Louise’s, as well as those experimenting with Viagra for sexual pleasure – to conduct their own unlicensed and private experiments. “I think it’s part of a wider conversation about how the life 50mg viagra of a drug works,” she says. “Lots of things begin as one thing, then are found to be useful for another.” In a nutshell, this has always been the story of Viagra: the heart medication that just happened to give guys boners. Perhaps now, it’s time to stop thinking of that as its sole purpose. Compare common side effects, interactions, warnings, and more.
Cialis® (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and increasing blood flow to particular areas of the body, notably the penis.
Cialis is known for its long-lasting effects, allowing for more spontaneity, as it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It is typically taken as needed, but a lower daily dose option is also available for continuous treatment.
“It’s crucial to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.” On this evidence, it would seem Viagra is a bit hit and miss for women – mind-blowing orgasms for some, mind-blowing migraines for others. Yet, there is one portion of the population who take Viagra regularly, but rarely get a look in on discussions about the drug, and its effectiveness. And that’s mainly for one deceptively simple reason: their use of the drug isn’t sexy at all. Louise, whose name has also been changed for privacy reasons, is in her late twenties, and has been taking tadalafil – a Viagra equivalent – since she was 16. She was put on the drug by specialist doctors, after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).
“The simplified version is that my condition causes blood vessels in the lungs to be quite brittle,” she explains. “Tadalafil and other vasodilators widen those blood vessels, which reduces the high pressure in my lungs.” At first Louise was put on a full dosage and immediately experienced side effects – “dizziness, nausea and uncontrollable hiccups” – but her dose was reduced and she eventually acclimatised. What she was yet to acclimatise to was people’s responses to her taking an erectile dysfunction drug. Although no one has ever assumed she takes the drug recreationally, she says people’s initial responses are still “almost universally funny”. Yet, while Louise now sees her condition as “one of those ‘if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry’ situations”, she is also clearly frustrated with the lack of public knowledge.
While pervasive cultural narratives about Viagra are surely partly to blame, Louise thinks some culpability also lies with pharmaceutical companies, and the medical establishment more broadly, for not prioritising or even acknowledging that Viagra and equivalent drugs might be useful for more than male pleasure. In 2013, a team of scientists in the US conducted a promising study into the effective treatment of menstrual pain with Viagra, but it failed to secure further funding and was twice rejected by the National Institutes of Health for additional grants. “I just feel they’re out of touch with women’s health,” Dr Richard Legro, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Penn State University, told StatNews. Louise says her tadalafil prescription leaflet doesn’t even allude to the drug’s alternative uses. This inevitably leads women – like those with conditions like Louise’s, as well as those experimenting with Viagra for sexual pleasure – to conduct their own unlicensed and private experiments. Common side effects of Cialis include headaches, indigestion, back pain, and muscle aches, which typically resolve within a few days. It is important to use Cialis with caution, especially for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, and to avoid combining it with nitrates or certain other medications due to the risk of serious interactions.
| Aspect | Cialis | Viagra |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tadalafil | Sildenafil |
| Onset of Action | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Duration of Effect | Up to 36 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, nausea | Headache, dizziness, flushing |
Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.
It is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to 4 hours prior. It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in blood pressure. The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) The signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH) ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH) Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat: Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses) Typically taken orally as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once daily (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses) OR taken orally once daily (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses) Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets Comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated Administration of Cialis to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to Cialis or Adcirca Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, alcohol, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Cialis if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure Use of Cialis with alpha blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to low blood pressure Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering Cialis is not recommended in combination with alpha blockers for the treatment of BPH, because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted If taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, dose should be adjusted Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Cialis and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Cialis and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms Prior to initiating treatment with Cialis for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures *This information is from the label for brand name Cialis®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tadalafil.