Cialis is a medication that treats both erectile dysfunction and also certain heart conditions, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, under another label, along with a group of medications called Viagra and Levitra. The generic version of Cialis is called tadalafil. Cialis is currently available by prescription only in the United States, but other countries, such as South Africa, may offer it through online pharmacies without a prescription. Cialis works by increasing the blood flow through to the penis through an enzyme called cGMP, which relaxes the smooth muscles and essentially causes erections to last longer by limiting the effects of blood flow that cause them to end prematurely in some men.
The recommended dose for Cialis is either 2.5 or 5 mg, either once a day or about one to two hours before sexual intercourse. For some men who do not take Cialis regularly, a complaint is that it takes some of the spontaneity out of sex since it must be taken in advance of need. This is especially an issue for men who must obtain a prescription for Cialis, as they are unlikely to take it on a daily basis due to the high cost of the medication and rely on it for as needed help with their performance.
Cialis can be a very effective medication. Some men prefer it to Viagra or Levitra and claim that it is either more effective or puts them more in control of their sex life. Although all medications of this class should not cause an erection without sexual activity being initiated, some men claim that Cialis gives them more mental control of their activity while still allowing them to sustain and erection and complete intercourse. Additionally, unlike Viagra, Cialis can sometimes last as long as 36 hours in some men, so the timing issues for sexual intercourse can be less unpleasant than with similar medications.
Cialis can have serious side effects, including on the heart, eyes and, in some cases, cause damage to the penis from a prolonged erection. For this reason, although the medication can be available online in many countries and there is a push to have it available on an over the counter basis, it is still important to seek supervision from a medical professional, even if purchasing from an South African online pharmacy to save costs. Your doctor or other professional should review your entire health profile, along with any other medications that you may need to take regularly, and then advise you as to the risks of this medication. For many men, erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of other, serious physical ailments which should be ruled out as potential issues.
Some men express interest in taking medication like Cialis recreationally, even if they do not suffer from erectile dysfunction. This has its own potential risks and costs, with benefits that are unclear. At least one Turkish study has indicated that Cialis, taken by healthy rats, can cause permanent scarring and damage to the penis. There is no evidence of similar side effects in humans, but healthy men without issues with sexual functioning should not take Cialis hoping for a boost.
Cialis can be an extremely effective treatment for a painful disease that has a negative impact on self worth and relationships for many men, but, like all serious medications, it should be considered carefully.
Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.