What is the right age to take Viagra?

Adulthood: Viagra is for adult men with erectile dysfunction and "is not indicated for individuals below 18 years of age" (EMA — Viagra product information). Cialis likewise "is not intended for use by children under the age of 18 years" (Cialis CMI). The labels set no upper age — sildenafil's clinical studies took in men aged 19 to 87 (EMA) — so the test is erectile dysfunction, not a birthday, and in Australia the medicine needs a prescription at any age, after a doctor has assessed you (healthdirect). What is the appropriate age to take Viagra?

How common is erectile dysfunction at each age?

It becomes more likely with age: up to 10% of men under 40 have it, more than half of Australian men over 50, and nearly all men aged 85 and over (Healthy Male). Across all ages, more than 1 in 10 men have it (healthdirect), and "Male sexual dysfunction can occur at any age, but erectile dysfunction and diminished libido increase with age" (Australian Prescriber). The figures in detail: what is the typical age range for erectile dysfunction?, how does the prevalence of erectile dysfunction change with age? and what is the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men?

Why does erectile dysfunction happen in older men?

Mostly because of the health conditions and medicines that come with age, not ageing itself. Healthy Male: "The higher rates of erectile dysfunction in older men are usually due to other health conditions or medications, rather than ageing itself" — and erectile dysfunction is much less common in men who are healthy than in those with a chronic disease, who are overweight, smoke or don't exercise. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can all contribute, as can some medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol, depression or prostate cancer — and erection problems are often the first sign of those conditions, which is why a GP check is worth it (healthdirect). Prostate treatments are a cause of their own, covered in erectile dysfunction after surgery and prostate problems. What causes erectile dysfunction in older men, and what are the remedies?

Is Viagra safe and effective for elderly men?

It works for most older men, but older men carry more sildenafil in the blood, so the Australian label suggests considering a lower first dose — and the heart and other medicines are checked first. In sildenafil's clinical studies, 67% of elderly men reported better erections; men aged 65 and over clear it more slowly. The Australian product information says "a first dose of 25 mg should be considered" in elderly men (Viagra PI (Australia)); the European label says "Dose adjustments are not required in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old)", with blood levels about 90% higher than in younger men (EMA — Viagra product information). For tadalafil, the Australian leaflet asks men aged 75 and over to tell their doctor, as they have a higher chance of side effects such as dizziness and diarrhoea (Cialis CMI). At any age, ED tablets are never taken with nitrates for angina and are avoided if sexual exertion could put you at risk (healthdirect). Is Viagra safe and effective for elderly men?

What causes erectile dysfunction in young men — in their teens, 20s and 30s?

The same range of causes as at any age — physical, psychological or both — and up to 10% of men under 40 have it (Healthy Male). Anxiety about sexual performance is most common at the start of a new relationship, especially after earlier problems; stress, depression, problems in the relationship, alcohol, smoking and other drugs are on the same list as blood-vessel, hormone and nerve problems (healthdirect). When the problem keeps happening, a GP check is worth it at 25 as at 65. By age group: what causes erectile dysfunction in teenagers, and what helps?, causes and solutions for erectile dysfunction in men in their 20s, what causes erectile dysfunction in men aged 30 to 35, and how is it treated? and, for young men in general, causes and treatment of erectile dysfunction in young men.

Is it safe for young men to take Viagra?

For an adult man with erectile dysfunction, on prescription, the same rules apply as at any age; under 18 it is not indicated. It is not a sex-drive medicine: Viagra "will not increase your sex drive and will work only if you are sexually excited" (Viagra CMI). Nerves matter too — the Cialis leaflet notes that "if you're feeling anxious or nervous you may not respond to the first tablet", and that it may take a few doses to get the full benefit (Cialis CMI). When anxiety or another psychological factor is behind it, a doctor may recommend cognitive behavioural therapy or sex therapy (healthdirect). Is it safe for young men to take Viagra?

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