Wondering if you're too young for Viagra?
The little blue pill is often seen as a solution for older men. In this article, we'll debunk this myth and shed light on how Viagra can help treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Can Young Men Take Viagra?
The FDA has given Viagra the green light to treat ED in men ages 18 and older. 1
It’s important to understand that ED isn’t just a one-time difficulty in achieving an erection. A man is diagnosed with ED when he repeatedly can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. The cause can be emotional, mental, or physical. 2
The age at which you'll experience ED depends on your health, genetics, and lifestyle. Research shows that a man in his 40s has a 40% chance of running into ED. This risk increases by 10% every decade afterward. 3
This isn't to say younger men don't encounter ED. A 2013 study published by the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 26% of men under the age of 40 experienced ED. 4
While Viagra is an effective tool to improve erections, it doesn't treat ED itself. 1 To properly treat ED, working with your doctor to identify the root cause is important.
Viagra Effects on Young Men
Viagra has the same effects on all men, regardless of age.
A common misconception is that taking Viagra causes an erection. Unfortunately, the little blue pill doesn’t work that way.
To understand how Viagra helps with ED, we need to know how erections happen and where Viagra fits into the picture.
When you get in the mood, your brain sends a signal to your penis to release a chemical called nitric oxide. This chemical starts a process that increases blood flow to your penis, which results in an erection. 1
Viagra jumps in after you get an erection. It stops a compound called PDE5, which would typically cause the loss of your erection. 1
Basically, Viagra doesn’t help you get an erection, but it does help you maintain it for a satisfying duration.
