How Many Years Can You Take Cialis?
How Many Years Can You Take Cialis?
Table of Contents
II. How Many Years Can You Take Cialis?
IV. How to Decrease Side Effects of Cialis
V. Does Cialis Cure Erectile Dysfunction?
Cialis is a widely used medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), and many men rely on it for long-term treatment. But how many years can you take Cialis safely and effectively? Although its short-term effects are well-studied, research into the side effects of Cialis over long-term use is still somewhat limited.
In this article, we will explore the research answering the question, “How many years can you take Cialis?” We will also dive into how Cialis works, discuss common side effects, offer tips to manage those side effects, and examine whether Cialis can cure erectile dysfunction.
How Does Cialis Work?
When you’re sexually aroused, your brain sends signals to the muscles and blood vessels in your penis to relax, allowing more blood to flow in. This is what causes an erection. 1
Normally, an enzyme called PDE5 steps in to stop this process. Cialis, through its active ingredient tadalafil, blocks PDE5, allowing the blood vessels to stay open. This helps your erection last longer. 1
One of the most attractive features of Cialis is its duration. Its effects can last up to 36 hours, 1 earning it the nickname “the weekend pill.” This longer window of effectiveness allows for more flexibility when it comes to intimacy.
Most men begin to feel the effects of Cialis within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. Keep in mind that response times can vary, so don’t worry if it takes a bit longer for you. It’s always best to take the pill at least one hour before sexual activity. 1
It’s important to note that sexual stimulation is required for Cialis to work. Cialis does not cause an erection on its own. This medication simply helps your erection last longer. 1
Before taking Cialis, consult your doctor to ensure it's safe for you, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Side effects of Cialis can vary depending on your health, dosage, and how your body responds to the medication.
How Many Years Can You Take Cialis?
If you’re considering taking Cialis long-term, you’re probably asking, “How many years can you take Cialis safely?” While studies are limited on the effects of Cialis over multiple decades, research so far indicates that the drug remains both safe and effective over several years of use.
- A 2010 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine followed men who took Cialis 5 mg daily for one year. The results showed that 86% of the participants experienced improvement in erectile function, with minimal adverse effects reported. This suggests that Cialis is effective for long-term use, at least over the course of a year. 2
- In another study published in the same journal, researchers looked at men using Cialis over a two-year period. The results were promising, with 95% of participants reporting improved erections and very few serious side effects. 3
However, these studies are limited to a few years of data, and more research is needed to accurately answer the question, “How many years can you take Cialis?”
While long-term studies are ongoing, it’s crucial to maintain regular check-ups with your doctor if you plan to use Cialis for an extended period. Your doctor can monitor your health and adjust your dosage if needed to help prevent potential side effects of Cialis.
Side Effects of Cialis
Like any medication, Cialis comes with potential side effects. Although many men tolerate the drug well, it’s essential to be aware of the side effects of Cialis, especially if you’re taking it long-term.
Clinical trials show that common side effects of Cialis include:
- Headache (5%)
- Indigestion (2%)
- Common cold (4%)
- Back pain (1%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (1%)
- Facial flushing (1%)
- Muscle pain (1%) 1
These side effects tend to increase with higher doses, which is why it’s important to work with your doctor to find the lowest effective dose for you. In most cases, lower doses are associated with fewer side effects of Cialis. 1
While clinical trials show the short-term side effects of Cialis, they do not answer the question, “How many years can you take Cialis safely?” More extensive research is still needed.
How to Decrease Side Effects of Cialis
If you’re experiencing side effects of Cialis and want to minimize them, here are some tips that may help:
- Lower your dosage: Often, a smaller dose of Cialis is enough to achieve the desired results while also reducing the risk of side effects.
- Consider switching to Cialis Daily: This option allows for a lower dose spread out over time, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of side effects. Since the drug remains in your system all the time, smaller amounts are needed compared to Cialis on-demand.
- Stick to the prescribed dose: Taking more than your doctor recommends increases the likelihood of experiencing side effects. Follow your doctor's advice and don’t exceed the prescribed dosage. 1
Does Cialis Cure Erectile Dysfunction?
Many men wonder whether Cialis offers a permanent solution to erectile dysfunction. The short answer is no, Cialis does not “cure” erectile dysfunction. Instead, it helps manage the symptoms by improving blood flow to the penis, which aids in achieving and maintaining an erection.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress. To truly address erectile dysfunction, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to diagnose the root cause and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. 4
As part of your treatment plan, your doctor may recommend erectile dysfunction medications like Cialis to manage your symptoms. While we do not know the answer to “how many years can you take Cialis” just yet, if you plan on taking Cialis long-term, make sure you receive regular check-ups at your doctor to make sure the medication is still safe for you.
Conclusion
So, how many years can you take Cialis? While existing studies suggest that Cialis can be used safely and effectively for up to two years, the long-term data is still limited. For now, we know that Cialis remains effective and well-tolerated over shorter timeframes, but future research will be needed to determine its safety and efficacy over several decades of use.
Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential if you're using Cialis long-term, and if you experience any side effects of Cialis, don’t hesitate to discuss adjusting your dosage or exploring alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.
In summary, while there’s no hard limit to how many years you can take Cialis, ongoing communication with your doctor is the best way to ensure this medication continues to be safe and effective for you in the long run.
References
- FDA Cialis
- Porst, H., Glina, S., Ralph, D., et al. Durability of response following cessation of Tadalafil taken once daily as treatment for erectile dysfunction
- Porst, H., Rajfer, J., Casabé, A., et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of Tadalafil 5 mg dosed once daily in men with erectile dysfunction
- Harvard Health 5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction