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The Cialis Experiment: Unveiling the Truth Beyond Erectile Dysfunction

Author: Chris Shugart

The realm of erectile - enhancing drugs has long been a topic of intrigue, not only for their purported primary function but also for their potential ancillary health benefits. This article delves into an in - depth exploration of tadalafil (Cialis), a well - known medication in this category.

The Decision - Making Process

Engaging in a conversation with one's physician regarding sex - related drugs can be an inherently uncomfortable experience, often second only to another, perhaps more age - specific, awkward situation (for those over 40). As a result, when the decision was made to experiment with tadalafil, the author bypassed the doctor's office and instead sourced the drug from the gray market online. The challenge faced was the availability of only 20 - mg tablets, while the desired dosage was 5 - mg, commonly referred to as "daily" Cialis. A pill - splitter was then employed to transform 20 tablets into 80 five - milligram doses, sufficient for nearly a year, given the non - daily intended usage.

Understanding Tadalafil's Mechanism of Action

Tadalafil, often sold under the brand name Cialis, is closely related to sildenafil (Viagra). Both belong to the class of PDE5 inhibitors. Their fundamental mode of action is similar, yet tadalafil stands out with its quicker onset and more prolonged effects. While Viagra's effects typically last around 4 hours, tadalafil's influence can endure for 36 hours or even longer, earning it the moniker "weekender pill."

The physiological process is as follows: During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. NO activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which in turn increases the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP causes the smooth muscles in the corpus cavernosum to relax, facilitating blood flow into the penis, resulting in an erection. However, the enzyme PDE5 acts as a disruptor. It breaks down cGMP, halting the erection process. In men with erectile dysfunction, elevated PDE5 activity may lead to excessive breakdown of cGMP, or reduced NO production/impaired guanylate cyclase activation can cause low cGMP levels. Tadalafil comes to the rescue by inhibiting the action of PDE5, thus maintaining elevated cGMP levels and enabling a sustained erection.

The Additional Benefits of Low - Dose Tadalafil

As individuals age, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet, certain health issues may surface. Tadalafil may offer assistance in several areas, presenting some "off - label" benefits:

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH): With age, the prostate gland continues to grow. BPH is non - cancerous but can cause urinary problems as the enlarged prostate presses against the urethra, affecting urine flow. Tadalafil, by increasing cGMP levels, relaxes the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. This reduces the pressure on the urethra, alleviating BPH symptoms. The standard dosage for BPH is 5 mg, the same as the low - daily dose used for erectile dysfunction.

Blood Pressure Regulation: Tadalafil relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, leading to vasodilation. This mechanism may contribute to maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range.

Estrogen Control: A study indicated that 10 - mg and 20 - mg doses of tadalafil, taken approximately ten times a month, significantly decreased estradiol levels. However, this effect was more pronounced in non - obese men, as fat individuals have higher aromatase levels, facilitating easy conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Lower doses might potentially help in controlling estrogen levels.

Workout and Sports Performance: Although research in this area is limited, the World Anti - Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) classify tadalafil as a performance - enhancing substance. PDE - 5 inhibitors can increase the "pump" during workouts and may moderately boost testosterone levels, potentially enhancing endurance as well.

Recommendations and Precautions

Under no circumstances should any individual consume a drug without a doctor's prescription. Tadalafil, like all medications, has potential side effects and contraindications, which can be easily researched online. The author plans to self - experiment by taking 5 mg every two to three days. Some forward - thinking experts anticipate that doctors may, in the future, recommend tadalafil for general health benefits. After presenting the evidence to the doctor and admitting to self - prescribing, the doctor expressed a desire for larger studies but nonetheless provided a prescription, eliminating the need for gray - market sourcing.

Treatment Prioritization: If one has any serious medical conditions, appropriate treatment for those conditions should be the top priority.

BPH Management: Tadalafil alleviates BPH symptoms but does not cure the condition. Daily prostate care can be enhanced by using P - Well (available on Amazon). Its ingredients protect prostate cells from oxidative stress and inflammation and boost NO for better erections, acting as a comprehensive male sexual health "multivitamin."

Natural Testosterone Boosters: When choosing a natural testosterone booster, it is crucial to select one that does not cause prostate enlargement. Longjack has been shown in studies to boost testosterone without enlarging the prostate or shrinking the testicles, and it also improves erectile firmness. Omega - Man (available on Amazon) contains a highly absorbable form of Longjack.

Preventive Measures: The most effective way to avoid the problems that tadalafil may address is through regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a proper weight, and intelligent supplementation. For those who have already adopted these practices but still face the effects of aging, tadalafil could be a consideration.