Medications · FAQ
How does sildenafil help with erectile dysfunction?
Short answer
Sildenafil helps increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. This can help some people get and keep an erection. Results vary. It belongs to a drug group called PDE5 inhibitors. It does not increase sexual desire or cause an erection without sexual stimulation.
Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction, or ED. ED means having trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. Sildenafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5. This helps blood vessels in the penis relax during sexual arousal, allowing more blood to enter. It may make erections easier to get and maintain. Results vary.
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. However, a compounded sildenafil product is not FDA-approved. Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient. They do not go through the FDA approval process used to review approved drugs for safety, effectiveness, and quality.
Sildenafil does not increase sexual desire. You still need sexual stimulation for it to work. It also does not prevent pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted infections.
A licensed physician in your state decides whether sildenafil is appropriate for you. Tell them about your symptoms, health conditions, and all medicines you take. ED can sometimes be linked to diabetes, blood vessel disease, stress, or other health concerns that also need care.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.