Erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t exactly a new issue—it’s been around for centuries, with references in ancient Egyptian tombs and even the Old Testament. Today, with medications like Viagra and Cialis, ED treatment has come a long way. These little pills can be incredibly effective, but only if you take them the right way. In fact, research shows that up to 69% of men aren’t using ED drugs properly, which means they’re not getting the full benefits.

So, what’s getting in the way? Here’s a look at some common mistakes men make with ED medications and how to avoid them for the best results.

Remember Your Brain Plays a Role

One of the biggest misconceptions about ED drugs like Viagra is that they work all on their own. But here’s the thing: the pill alone doesn’t cause an erection—you need to be aroused for it to do its job. When you’re aroused, your brain sends signals that boost blood flow to the penis. That’s when Viagra steps in to help increase and maintain that blood flow.

In other words, it’s not a magic switch. You’ve got to include sexual stimulation for the meds to work. If you leave that part out, the equation doesn’t add up.

Thinking More Is Better

It’s easy to assume that if a little is good, more must be better, right? Not quite. Doctors typically start patients on a lower dose of ED medication, increasing it if needed. This allows them to find the sweet spot where you get maximum results with the fewest side effects, like headaches, flushing, or vision issues.

If you have any pre-existing conditions—like heart disease, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems—being careful with the dose is even more important. Higher doses aren’t necessarily more effective and could even be dangerous.

Timing Is Everything with Food and Drinks

Planning a romantic dinner followed by some bedroom time? Be careful about what you eat and drink. Taking ED meds like Viagra or Levitra right after a heavy, fatty meal can actually reduce how much of the drug your body absorbs. For example, after a big dinner, a 100mg dose of Levitra might only act like 50mg in your system.

It’s best to wait at least two hours after eating before taking your medication. If that’s not an option, you could opt for Cialis, which isn’t as affected by food.

Also, go easy on the alcohol. Drinking too much can lower blood flow to the penis, making it harder for the meds to work. And for guys on Cialis, you might want to skip the grapefruit juice—it can increase the drug’s side effects.

Don’t Give Up Too Soon

Tried your ED meds once and didn’t see any results? Don’t throw in the towel just yet. It can take 6-8 tries to really gauge whether the medication works for you. Other factors like food, alcohol, or even stress might have gotten in the way the first time, so give it a fair shot before you decide.

Assuming One Size Fits All

If one ED drug didn’t work for you, don’t assume none will. There are three main types of PDE5 inhibitors: Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra (or their generic alternatives). Just because one doesn’t do the trick doesn’t mean another won’t. Sadly, around 40% of men give up after trying just one drug. But your body might respond differently to another, so it’s worth testing out all the options before moving on.

If none of the pills work, you’ve still got alternatives. One option is Alprostadil, which comes as a pellet or an injection. While the administration isn’t exactly fun, the effects are quick, and it doesn’t require sexual stimulation to work. It’s a solid option for men who haven’t had luck with PDE5 inhibitors, though it can only be used up to three times a week and doesn’t last as long as some pills.