Is Cialis Safe?

i'm 21 yrs old and sometime have a problem keeping an erection.... is it safe for a 21 yr old to take cialis?

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

Here's some information for you.

Cialis must be prescribed by a physician, and is generally only available to those with a medical condition that prevents erection.

Let me ask you something: If you break your leg and need to use a cane for walking while your leg heals, eventually, you’ll need to stop using the cane so you can learn to walk again without a limp. If you become dependent on the cane, you may never walk properly again.

So rather than becoming dependent on a drug you don't need, why not take care of it yourself and gain confidence in your own abilities? Here's some information for you.

Welcome to your 20’s! Erections go up and down. You’ll find this happening all your life. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sex, but you have to let go of always expecting your penis to act the way it did when you were 16.

The first time their penis doesn't cooperate the way they think it should, many men begin to feel anxious and judge themselves, which can be a vicious circle. The more you worry about erections, the more your penis won’t cooperate. In fact, it can be downright rebellious!

Many men feel that if their erection goes down even a tiny bit, there’s something wrong with them. Where does this come from?

Men receive so many messages that sex is about “performance” and pleasing a partner, rather than just enjoying the pleasure of it. Everything is goal-oriented—like a football game. The other message that many men receive is that sex is somehow dirty and wrong, unless you’re doing it for reproductive purposes. Sometimes this can creep into our unconscious thoughts and sabotage any pleasure. Ask yourself whether you have any conflicts about being sexual—any old messages that might be lurking in your subconscious.

For more information about erection issues, attitude, etc., I highly recommend the book “The New Male Sexuality” by Bernie Zilbergeld, Ph.D. It’s widely available in paperback and is an invaluable resource.

Relax, stop putting pressure on yourself and enjoy sex for what it is: pleasure. Give yourself permission to enjoy whatever happens—and find partners who aren’t hung up on performances issues either. Best of luck to you. Dr. J