Cialis works by increasing blood flow to the penis. This happens through the inhibition of a specific enzyme, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5).
PDE5 normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule crucial for relaxing penile smooth muscle. By blocking PDE5, Cialis allows cGMP levels to rise.
Elevated cGMP promotes vasodilation – widening of blood vessels – leading to increased blood flow into the corpora cavernosa, the erectile tissues within the penis.
This increased blood flow, combined with sexual stimulation, facilitates an erection.
It’s important to note that Cialis doesn’t directly cause erections; sexual stimulation is still required to trigger the process. The drug simply enhances the body’s natural response to sexual stimulation.
Cialis’s longer half-life compared to other PDE5 inhibitors means its effects can last for up to 36 hours, allowing for more spontaneous sexual activity.
