The launch of Cialis in 2003 caused a revolution in the oral erectile dysfunction treatment market. Cialis offered everything that Viagra and Levitra had to offer and lots more. The drug's most unique and identifying characteristic was its long half-life of 17.5 hours, as compared to the 4 hours for both Viagra and Levitra. This longer half-life of Cialis provides a therapeutic 36-hours window of opportunity to men with erection problems. Men love this property of Cialis as it allows them spontaneity in lovemaking. Unlike in the case of Viagra and Levitra, men no longer had to plan sex around the pill; instead they could allow it to happen when the moment was right.

What is meant by an erection problem?
Erection problem or erectile dysfunction refers to a condition in which a man faces a consistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection long enough to complete sexual activity. Severity of erection problems may vary in men. Some are unable to get an erection at all, while others lose the erection during intercourse before they reach the climax. Though all adult men experience erection problems occasionally, it is still not considered a problem. According to experts, men must seek treatment for erection problems if they face a difficulty in getting or keeping an erection more than 25% of the time.

Erection problems can be very frustrating for a couple. It drastically hits the self-confidence and self-esteem of a man and adversely affects his relationship with his partner. Erection problems are also reported to have been the cause for many crumbled relationships.

Causes of erection problems
Earlier the cause of erection problems was thought to be "all in the man's mind." Doctors presumed that the problem would go away on its own, given time. However, recent researches have proved that the cause of erection problems can be psychological as well as physiological in nature. Erection problems are reported more in elderly men above 65 years of age, since they are likely to suffer from conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that may interfere in the complex process that is required to attain an erection. In younger men, the cause of erection problems is mostly found to be psychological in nature such as depression, stress or relationship woes.

Men who experience erection problem should visit a doctor who can form a diagnosis to arrive at the cause of his erection problem. Since erection problems are easily treatable with medicines such as Cialis, men should not hesitate in discussing their erection problems with a doctor.

How Cialis tadalafil helps to treat erection problems?
The active ingredient in Cialis is called tadalafil; it belongs to a class of medicines called Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra and Levitra also belong to the same class of medicines and hence, all the three erectile dysfunction treatment drugs work the same way. In response to sexual stimulation, Cialis allows the blood vessels in the penis to dilate so that more blood may rush in to the penis. This causes a man to achieve a firm erection. Acting as a PDE5 inhibitor, Cialis tadalafil inhibits the action of the PDE5 enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of an erection. This allows men to sustain an erection long enough to complete sexual intercourse.

Cialis tadalafil dosage
Cialis tadalafil needs to be taken orally as needed about 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. You may take Cialis with or without food as directed by your doctor. Cialis is available in the dosage strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Doctors usually begin Cialis treatment with a lower dose and increase the dosage strength only if the lower dose fails to give the desired result; this happens proved the drug is well tolerated by the body. In any case, you should not alter your Cialis dosage without first consulting with the doctor. Once taken, the effect of Cialis remains in the body for 36 hours. You should not take more than one Cialis tablet in 24 hours.

Cialis side effects

Like all prescription medicines, Cialis too comes with certain side effects. However, most of the Cialis side effects are mild to moderate and are not likely to affect everyone who uses the drug. Most Cialis side effects go away within a few hours. In case they persist, they can easily be treated with the help of over-the-counter medicines. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of Cialis include headache, back pain, muscle ache, diarrhoea, nasal congestion and facial flushing. Please consult your doctor immediately if your experience priapism - a rare Cialis side effect in which an erection lasts for more than 4 hours or if any of the Cialis side effects become bothersome.