What Does Cialis Do: A Thorough Rundown

Cialis is a well-recognized medication known for its effective treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men. It works by improving blood flow, helping men get and keep an erection, and making it easier to urinate if they have prostate issues. Many people know it as the weekend pill due to its effects, which can last up to 36 hours.

But what does Cialis do in the body? How does it help men with ED? And what happens if a woman takes it? These are common questions for anyone thinking about using the medication.

This article will answer the question, What does Cialis do? and will also discuss how it affects men and women, how it goes beyond ED treatment, and its positive effects on cardiovascular issues. 

What does Cialis do for men?

Cialis is primarily used to treat ED and the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It comprises the active ingredient, Tadalafil, a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that helps improve blood flow by relaxing smooth muscles in blood vessels.

Cialis works by blocking the enzyme PDE5, which generally breaks down a substance called cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP). When PDE5 is blocked, cGMP levels increase, helping the muscles relax and improving blood flow to key areas, especially in the penis.

For ED, Cialis helps boost the natural chemicals released in the penis during sexual arousal, leading to increased blood flow. This improved circulation allows specific internal areas of the penis to fill with blood, resulting in an erection. And for BPH, it relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder to relieve urinary symptoms like difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and urgency.

One significant advantage of Cialis is its longer duration. The effects of its active ingredient can last up to 36 hours, making it a potent medication for spontaneity and flexibility for users compared to other ED medications. 

Cialis can also be used as an off-label medication for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). It helps in lowering blood pressure in the lungs by easing the pulmonary blood vessels, which improves exercise capacity. 

These uses make Cialis a potent agent, making it a convenient and reliable choice. 

What does Cialis do for women?

Tadalafil is not officially approved or commonly recommended for women, as regulatory authorities have not confirmed its safety and effectiveness in female users. As a result, it is generally not considered appropriate for women unless prescribed by a doctor for specific off-label uses under close medical supervision.

The active ingredient, Tadalafil, is sometimes used in women for specific medical conditions such as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. It is being researched for its potential to ease urinary issues like Voiding Dysfunction by relaxing the urethral and bladder smooth muscles.

As a vasodilator, Cialis may boost blood flow to the clitoral and pelvic areas, which can lead to clitoral swelling and sensations such as tingling or throbbing. However, sexual stimulation is still required for natural responses like vaginal lubrication and muscle contractions, since Cialis does not influence the mental or emotional aspects of sexual arousal.

While Cialis can affect blood flow in women, it does not increase sexual desire or directly treat Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). A small study published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) in 2021 on 33 women saw positive results of Tadalafil 5 mg for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) in them with Type 1 Diabetes. 

However,  its use in women remains limited to specific medical indications under professional supervision. Women should seek medical advice for sexual health concerns rather than self-medicating with drugs like Cialis.

How to safely use Cialis

Although Cialis is generally safe when taken as directed, there are a few precautions to remember. These factors can have an impact on how your body reacts to the medication and help reduce the risk of side effects:

• Grapefruit warning: Grapefruit may interfere with how Tadalafil is processed in the body, potentially intensifying its effects and side effects.
• Kidney or liver problems: Impaired kidney or liver function can slow down the medicine’s elimination, making dose adjustments necessary.
• Changes in vision or hearing: Though uncommon, sudden vision or hearing loss has occurred in some cases; it must be treated as a medical emergency.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use while taking Cialis can raise the risk of dizziness, low blood pressure, or fainting.
• Prolonged erection (Priapism): If an erection lasts more than four hours, it can cause tissue damage and needs urgent medical attention.

Furthermore, using Cialis with Nitrate medications or other drugs that also lower blood pressure can cause a dangerous drop, possibly leading to dizziness, fainting, a heart attack, or a stroke. Because of this, Cialis should never be combined with Nitrates, and people with low or unstable blood pressure should use it cautiously. Overall, Cialis’s blood pressure-lowering effect can be helpful in some patients with High Blood Pressure, but it must be used carefully, especially with heart-related conditions

Conclusion

Cialis is, thus, a popular PDE5 inhibitor to effectively treat ED and BPH in men. So, what does Cialis do?  It improves blood flow, relaxes smooth muscles, and helps men achieve erections and manage urinary issues. 

Its prolonged duration, up to 36 hours, makes it a preferred option for many. Apart from its primary indication, the medication has an off-label usage for PAH. 

While it’s not approved for women, limited research explores its effects in specific cases under medical supervision. Although generally safe, Cialis must be used with care, especially by those with heart conditions or taking medications that lower blood pressure.