Cialis for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction: what it is

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Prevalence rises with age, but ED affects ~30% of men age 40-70. Often the first visible sign of underlying cardiovascular disease — penile arteries are smaller and develop atherosclerosis earlier than coronaries.

How Cialis fits into erectile dysfunction treatment

First-line: PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil/Viagra, tadalafil/Cialis) — effective for 60-80% of men. Lifestyle: cardiovascular fitness, weight loss, smoking cessation. Second-line: alprostadil intracavernosal or intraurethral. Third-line: penile prosthesis. Treat underlying conditions (hypogonadism, depression, vascular disease) when present.

Cialis works by: Same mechanism as sildenafil — PDE5 inhibition. Longer half-life (17.5 hours vs 4 hours for sildenafil) means effect lasts longer per dose.

Who qualifies for Cialis for erectile dysfunction

Adult men with ED. Daily low-dose also FDA-approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Same contraindications as sildenafil (nitrates, alpha-blockers, etc.).

How Cialis compares to other erectile dysfunction treatments

• Viagra for erectile dysfunction

  First PDE5 inhibitor for ED. 30-60 min onset, 4-6 hour duration. Now widely available as generic sildenafil.…

Frequently asked about erectile dysfunction

What's the difference between Viagra and Cialis?

Viagra (sildenafil) works in 30-60 minutes and lasts about 4 hours — designed for on-demand use. Cialis (tadalafil) works in 30 minutes but lasts up to 36 hours, so the timing window is much wider; it can also be dosed daily for ongoing readiness. Same efficacy class, different time profile.

Are there free or low-cost ways to treat ED?

Generic sildenafil and tadalafil are widely available and cost a fraction of the brand-name versions. Telehealth platforms offer the generics at $1-5 per dose. Insurance coverage of ED treatment is plan-specific and often excludes lifestyle indications.

Can ED be a sign of heart disease?

Yes. ED frequently precedes cardiovascular events by 2-5 years because penile arteries are smaller than coronary arteries and show endothelial dysfunction earlier. New-onset ED in a man over 40 warrants a cardiovascular risk assessment.

Can I take PDE5 inhibitors if I'm on heart medication?

Nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) are an absolute contraindication — the combination can cause life-threatening hypotension. Alpha-blockers require careful timing and dose. Always disclose every cardiovascular medication you take to the prescriber.