Ask the doctor
Ask our video doctor your erectile dysfunction questions.
If I take ED medication, will I have an erection 24/7 or will I get one from any slight stimulation?
Answer
Many patients think that if they take a PDE5 inhibitor that they'll get an erection for eleven or twelve hours, or for however long the tablet works. That is not true, for example if you happen to be sat down watching football on the television you’re not going to have an erection if you've taken a tablet before the football match. On the other hand if then when you go to bed and you start having foreplay with you’re partner, you will then find that it will work and you will get an erection.
Browse our questions about erectile dysfunction
About ED
- What is erectile dysfunction?
- What causes erectile dysfunction?
- How common is erectile dysfunction?
- Is there a cure for erectile dysfunction?
- Is erectile dysfunction a psychological problem that you get when you're stressed or tired?
- Is there anything I can do to prevent erectile dysfunction?
- At what age do men usually get erectile dysfunction?
Causes and risk factors
Myth vs reality
- Is it true that taking medication for ED can cause heart problems?
- I've heard that ED medication increases blood pressure. Is that true?
- I've heard that smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using drugs can contribute to ED. Is this true?
- I'm over 80. Am I too old to benefit from today's ED treatments?
- I've read that erectile dysfunction is often just in the mind. Is that true?
- I've heard taking ED drugs at the same time as poppers can kill you. Is this true?
- What kind of treatment is there for low sex drive?
- I have a bend in my erection – what does this mean?
- There's so much information about ED and ED medication online. Who can I trust?
- Is it safe to buy ED drugs online?
- Even though I have problems with ED, I sometimes wake up in the morning with an erection. What does this mean?
- Is it true that ED medication can shrink your testicles?
- Can ED medication really give you an erection for 5 hours at a time?
- When taking the medication, will I still have an erection after I ejaculate?
- I've heard that it also gives you a sense of euphoria - is that true?
Treatment for ED
Taking medication
- How do PDE5 inhibitors work?
- What should I do if I experience side effects when I take the ED medication?
- Why should ED drugs never be taken with medications that contain nitrates?
- Are there any medications I shouldn't take with ED drugs?
- How long will it take for the ED medication to work?
- Will I always need to take medication for ED?
- Could I become dependent on ED medication?
- If I take ED medication, will I have an erection 24/7 or will I get one from any slight stimulation?
- Are PDE5 inhibitors effective for severe erectile dysfunction?
- What do I do if I take ED drugs, and they don't work very well?
- What should I do if I experience side effects when I take the ED medication?
- Will my diabetes medication affect or interact with PDE5 inhibitors?
- Will taking medication make my performance better?
- Will my erection be any bigger than usual when I take ED medication?
