When it comes to a man's sexual function, getting it up doesn't always mean staying up.
In fact, erectile dysfunction affects around 1 in 2 men in the course of their lifetime, yet despite its prevalence among half the population, the social and personal ramifications of this condition can be deeply felt [3].
From hurting romantic relationships to hindering family planning goals and damaging self-esteem and self-worth, erectile dysfunction can cause serious stress to the well-being of many men.
Luckily, there's help available. There are many different means of treating erectile dysfunction, with one common ED treatment being an oral medication known as the yellow pill.
What is the yellow pill used for?
The yellow pill blocks PDE5, an enzyme found in the walls of blood vessels, that is responsible for muscle contraction and relaxation by affecting the blood flow and the signalling to cells.
As a result, this drug causes blood vessels to relax and increase blood flow to certain parts of the body such as the penis [3].
This is what makes it an effective way to treat erectile dysfunction.
As maintaining an erection requires blood flow to the penis, the yellow pill effectively clears the path allowing for improved erectile function.
That said, yellow pills can only work if you are aroused, so you and your sexual partner will still need to engage in foreplay for this ED treatment to do its job. It does not increase sexual desire [2].
How long do the effects last?
While it varies depending on personal circumstances, the yellow pill has been proven to be effective for up to 36 hours.
This means that taking the pill will support you to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated at any time during the 36 hours after taking it [2].
What are the benefits of the yellow pill?
The benefits of the yellow pill are two-fold.
Firstly, it kicks in quickly. After only 30-60 minutes of taking the drug, it begins to work, offering you vital support to achieve and maintain erectile function.
Whether you've just started seeing someone or are in a long-term relationship, it can help curb any anxiety you may have about performing and get you rebuilding your confidence in the bedroom.
Secondly, it gives you that peace of mind for a 36-hour window, taking the pressure off and letting you enjoy your time with a partner without worrying about it wearing off before you're ready [4].
In this sense, the yellow pill is an easy-to-use, long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction that can see you back to a healthy sex life.
Are there any side effects?
As with most medications, the yellow pill does come with a range of potential side effects, but these are generally mild and short-lived. The most common of these can include:
- Facial flushing or sweating
- Headaches or migraines
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Palpitations, chest pain or heart burn
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches, including pain in the arms and legs
- Sore throat and discomfort when swallowing
- Allergic reactions including skin rash, swelling of the face and hives [2].
These side effects are generally mild and should not persist throughout the entirety of the use of the yellow pill.
If your symptoms start to feel like they are getting worse or simply not easing, you should speak to your doctor or a medical professional.
While rare, some more severe side effects can also occur. These include:
- Red eyes, eye pain and swelling of the eyelids
- Changes in colour vision
- Decreased, blurred or loss of vision
- Bleeding nose
- Prolonged erections.
If you experience chest pain during or after sexual activity, stop what you are doing, sit up and sit forward. Call an ambulance if the pain does not resolve. Do not use nitrates [2].
These side effects are very rare though, as this treatment has a relatively mild risk profile [4].
Who's the yellow pill not right for?
If you are on any medication that contains nitrates or amyl nitrite, the yellow pill is not right for you.
Nitrates are medicines that are used in the treatment of angina (chest pain) or other heart conditions such as heart disease. The active ingredients in the yellow pill have been shown to increase the effects of these medications, proving a dangerous combination.
You also shouldn't take the yellow pill if you have:
- Heart or blood vessel problems that make sexual intercourse inadvisable.
- Heart problems such as angina, arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Suffered a heart attack in the last 3 months.
- Suffered a stroke in the last 6 months.
- Unusually high or unusually low blood pressure.
- Vision loss in one eye due to NAION.
- An allergy to any of the ingredients listed on the packet.
Or if you use:
- Recreational drugs called 'poppers' or 'amyl' like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite that are normally taken through inhalation.
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypotension [2].
Yellow pill vs blue pill: What's the difference?
While both the yellow and blue pills are used to treat and manage erectile dysfunction, they have different active ingredients which makes the treatment plan for using them quite different.
While they work in similar ways, the ultimate point of difference between them is how long they work for. The blue pill tends to be effective for between 4 and 6 hours, while the yellow pill is effective for up to 36 hours [4].
That said, the different active ingredients work differently within an individual's body, and some men find one works better for them than the other.
This is a result of a range of factors, from psychological factors to medical history to potential other medical conditions and lifestyle factors.
Working with a healthcare provider such as Pilot's ED treatment in order to find the right treatment plan for you is crucial to helping you achieve the erectile function you want.
How to get the yellow pill
With Pilot, getting the yellow pill is easy. Simply take our quiz and if you're eligible for medication, have an online consult with a health practitioner when you're ready.
There's no need to search around endlessly if you're after treatment for erectile dysfunction. Give the yellow pill a go with Pilot and rekindle your sex life.
If you have any concerns about your health, erectile dysfunction, how this treatment might work for you, or how it might interact with any other medications you're on, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.
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