How Does Cialis Work?

Many people wonder, "How does Cialis work?" Cialis works by blocking PDE5, the chemical that reverses an erection. When this chemical is blocked, the arteries in the penis are able to open wider so that more blood can flow into the penis. Cialis can start working in as little as 30 minutes, and can work up to 36 hours from the time you take your dose. Because Cialis has no effect on the chemicals that cause an erection (it simply keeps them in the penis longer), it does not work without stimulation.

Cialis (Tadalafil) Medication Information

How Does Cialis Work? -- An Introduction

Cialis^® (tadalafil) is a medication that has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction, which is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is also approved for treating enlarged prostate symptoms.

Cialis is very effective at treating erectile dysfunction. The medication works by allowing the arteries in the penis to open wider so more blood can flow into the penis. This results in an improved erection. For an enlarged prostate, it probably works by relaxing the prostate and the bladder.

Understanding Erections and Erectile Dysfunction

To understand how Cialis works, it may be helpful to understand erections.

When a man is aroused, nerve signals are sent from the brain and around the penis. These nerve signals cause chemicals to be released that relax the muscles in the penis. Normally, these muscles are constricted so that blood cannot flow into the penis. When these muscles relax, large amounts of blood are able to enter the penis, causing an erection. An erection is reversed when another chemical (known as phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5]) breaks down the chemicals that caused the muscles to relax in the first place. This causes the muscles in the penis to constrict again as blood leaves the penis.

How Does Cialis Work? Article Continues on Next Page >