«Cialis«: what it is and what your next step should be

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription medication. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

Cialis is a brand name for tadalafil, a medication commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), and in some cases for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or both conditions together. If you are searching for information about Cialis, you are likely experiencing specific symptoms or concerns. Below is a step-by-step guide—from recognizing your situation to understanding what to do next.

3 typical scenarios

1. Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection

What this might mean:
Occasional erection problems are common and can be linked to stress, fatigue, alcohol use, or relationship issues. However, if you regularly have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity, this may suggest erectile dysfunction. ED can be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, or depression.

What a doctor usually does:
A healthcare provider will typically ask about your symptoms, how long they’ve been occurring, your medical history (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure), medications, and lifestyle factors. They may check blood pressure, order blood tests (glucose, cholesterol, testosterone), and assess cardiovascular risk. In many cases, medications such as tadalafil (Cialis) may be considered as prescribed by a doctor. You can also learn more in our guide to erectile dysfunction basics.

2. Erection issues plus urinary symptoms (BPH signs)

What this might mean:
If you experience weak urine flow, frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying along with erection problems, this may be linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tadalafil is sometimes prescribed to address both ED and BPH symptoms.

What a doctor usually does:
Your doctor may ask about urinary habits, perform a physical exam (including a prostate exam), request urine tests, and possibly measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Depending on findings, they may discuss lifestyle changes, medications (including tadalafil), or referral to a urologist.

3. Considering Cialis for performance confidence

What this might mean:
Some men seek Cialis due to performance anxiety or reduced sexual confidence rather than a diagnosed medical condition. Psychological factors—stress, new relationships, fear of failure—can significantly affect erections.

What a doctor usually does:
A clinician may explore mental health, stress levels, and relationship factors. They may screen for depression or anxiety and review medications that can affect sexual function. In some cases, short-term pharmacological support (such as PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil) may be discussed alongside counseling or behavioral strategies.

Decision tree: what should you do next?

If erection problems happen rarely and during high stress → then consider stress reduction, sleep improvement, and limiting alcohol; monitor for persistence.
If symptoms last more than a few weeks or recur frequently → then schedule a primary care appointment for evaluation.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure → then seek medical advice before using any ED medication.
If you have urinary symptoms along with ED → then request evaluation for BPH and discuss whether tadalafil may address both issues.
If you are taking nitrates (for chest pain) or certain heart medications → then do not take Cialis and consult your doctor urgently.
If you are unsure whether Cialis is appropriate → then review our overview of ED treatment options and prepare questions for your healthcare provider.

When to seek help urgently (red flags)

Chest pain during sexual activity: May signal cardiovascular risk; stop activity and seek emergency care.
Priapism (erection lasting more than 4 hours): Requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
Sudden vision or hearing loss: Rare but serious; discontinue medication and seek urgent care.
Severe dizziness or fainting: Could indicate a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Allergic reactions: Swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing—call emergency services.

Approaches to treatment/management (overview)

Treatment for erectile dysfunction or BPH depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

PDE5 inhibitors: Medications such as tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil, taken as prescribed by a doctor. Cialis is known for its longer duration of action (up to 36 hours in some individuals), which is why it’s sometimes called the “weekend pill.”
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol intake can improve erectile function.
Psychological counseling: Helpful when anxiety, stress, or relationship factors play a role.
Hormonal treatment: If low testosterone is confirmed by testing.
Devices or procedures: Vacuum erection devices, injections, or surgical options in selected cases.

If you are exploring medication-based solutions, see our medical treatments for sexual health conditions page for a broader context. Always use prescription drugs only under medical supervision.

Prevention: reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction

While not all causes of ED are preventable, many risk factors overlap with cardiovascular health. Preventive strategies include:

Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Managing blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise).
Following a balanced diet (e.g., Mediterranean-style diet).
Stopping smoking.
Limiting alcohol consumption.
Addressing stress and mental health concerns early.

Early evaluation of sexual symptoms can also help detect underlying conditions such as heart disease. ED is sometimes an early warning sign of vascular problems.

Method	Who it suits	Limitations/Risks
PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., tadalafil)	Men with diagnosed ED, with or without BPH, as assessed by a doctor	Not safe with nitrates; possible side effects (headache, flushing, indigestion, back pain)
Lifestyle modification	Most men, especially with cardiovascular risk factors	Requires consistency; results may take time
Psychotherapy/sex therapy	Men with performance anxiety or relationship stress	May require multiple sessions; not a quick fix
Hormonal therapy	Men with confirmed low testosterone	Requires monitoring; not suitable without documented deficiency
Mechanical devices	Men who cannot take oral medications	May feel less natural; possible discomfort

Questions to ask your doctor

What could be causing my erectile dysfunction?
Is Cialis (tadalafil) appropriate for me?
Are there risks based on my heart health or medications?
How does Cialis compare to other ED medications?
What side effects should I watch for?
Can Cialis also help with my urinary symptoms?
How will we monitor effectiveness and safety?
Are lifestyle changes likely to improve my condition?
Do I need blood tests (glucose, cholesterol, testosterone)?
Should I see a urologist or another specialist?

Sources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tadalafil (Cialis) prescribing information.
American Urological Association (AUA). Guidelines on Erectile Dysfunction and BPH.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Erectile Dysfunction overview.
European Association of Urology (EAU). Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Mayo Clinic. Erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia resources.