What are the pros and cons of Viagra (sildenafil)?

Viagra is the first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction. 

You don’t have to take the medicine every day—only when needed before sex.

Viagra is ideal for people who only use erectile dysfunction medication occasionally.

Sildenafil was FDA-approved for ED treatment in the 1990s and has been safely and effectively used by millions of men since.

Viagra only works if you are sexually aroused.

You need to take the tablet one hour before sex, so it takes some planning, and the sex cannot be completely spontaneous.

Viagra is not suitable for everyone. For example, you can’t take it if you’ve had a stroke or heart attack in the last six months. You also should not use Viagra if you are on nitrate drugs for chest pain.

The incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with age. However, Viagra can cause more side effects in older patients (age 65+).