Vardenafil Success Rate: How Effective Is It?

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What Is the Vardenafil Success Rate for Treating Erectile Dysfunction?

Published: 10 November 2026

The vardenafil success rate in clinical trials typically ranges from 70% to 80%, meaning that seven to eight out of ten men with erectile dysfunction (ED) achieve erections firm enough for sexual intercourse when taking this medication [8]. Vardenafil, sold under the brand name Levitra and as a generic, is a PDE5 inhibitor licensed in the UK for ED treatment [5]. Like all ED medicines, it requires sexual stimulation to work and is only available on prescription after a clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber.

How Effective Is Vardenafil in Clinical Studies?

Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that vardenafil is highly effective for men with erectile dysfunction across a range of severities and underlying causes [8]. In large-scale studies, between 70% and 80% of men reported successful intercourse attempts when using vardenafil, compared to around 30% with placebo [8]. This represents a significant improvement in erectile function for the majority of users.

The effectiveness of vardenafil has been shown in men with ED caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate surgery, and psychological factors [8]. Response rates tend to be slightly lower in men with severe ED or those who have had radical prostatectomy, but many still experience meaningful improvement [2]. Vardenafil is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses, and your prescriber will recommend the most appropriate starting dose based on your individual circumstances [5].

It's important to understand that success rates reflect outcomes in controlled trials where men took the medication correctly and engaged in sexual stimulation. Vardenafil does not cause automatic erections; it works by enhancing the natural erectile response to sexual arousal [5]. Taking it on an empty stomach and avoiding heavy alcohol can help optimise its effectiveness.

What Factors Influence Vardenafil Success Rate?

Several factors can affect how well vardenafil works for an individual. The underlying cause of ED plays a role: men with ED related to psychological factors or mild vascular disease often respond very well, while those with severe nerve damage or advanced diabetes may see more modest improvements [2]. Age itself is less important than overall health, though older men are more likely to have conditions that affect response.

Timing and dosage matter significantly. Vardenafil should be taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects can last for four to five hours [5]. Taking a dose that is too low may result in inadequate response, while the correct dose maximises effectiveness with minimal side effects. Your prescriber will help identify the optimal dose for you, which may require some adjustment after initial trials.

Vardenafil Success Rate Compared to Other ED Treatments

All four licensed oral ED medicines in the UK—sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Spedra)—work by the same mechanism and have broadly similar success rates, typically between 60% and 80% depending on the study and patient population [2][8]. The choice between them often comes down to how quickly they work, how long they last, and individual preference.

Vardenafil is chemically similar to sildenafil but may work slightly faster for some men and can be effective even when taken with a moderate amount of food, though fatty meals can delay absorption [5]. Tadalafil stands out for its longer duration of action (up to 36 hours), which some men prefer for spontaneity [4]. Avanafil has the fastest onset, working in as little as 15 to 30 minutes for many users [6][11].

If one PDE5 inhibitor doesn't work well or causes bothersome side effects, switching to another is often worthwhile, as individual responses can vary [2]. Some men find vardenafil more effective than sildenafil, while others prefer tadalafil's longer window of opportunity. A UK prescriber can help you find the treatment that works best for your lifestyle and medical history.

How to Use Vardenafil for Best Results

To maximise the vardenafil success rate, take the tablet about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, swallowing it whole with water [5]. The usual starting dose is 10mg, which can be adjusted to 5mg if side effects occur or increased to a maximum of 20mg if the response is insufficient [5]. Never take more than one dose in 24 hours.

Sexual stimulation is essential—vardenafil enhances your body's natural response to arousal but will not cause an erection on its own [5]. Creating a relaxed environment, reducing performance anxiety, and allowing time for foreplay all contribute to better outcomes. Avoid heavy or high-fat meals immediately before taking vardenafil, as they can delay how quickly it starts working [5].

Keep alcohol to a minimum. Drinking heavily can make it harder to get an erection and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or headache [5]. If vardenafil doesn't work on the first attempt, don't give up—it can take several tries to find the right dose and timing. If you've tried the maximum dose on at least eight separate occasions without success, speak to your prescriber about alternative treatments [2].

Common Side Effects and What to Expect

Most men tolerate vardenafil well, but like all medicines it can cause side effects. The most common are headache, flushing (redness and warmth in the face), nasal congestion, and indigestion [5]. These effects are usually mild and temporary, often improving as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking a lower dose can help if side effects are troublesome.

Less common side effects include dizziness, back pain, and visual disturbances such as increased sensitivity to light or a blue tinge to vision [5]. If you experience sudden loss of vision or hearing, stop taking vardenafil and seek urgent medical advice, as these are rare but serious side effects [5]. An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Who Can and Cannot Take Vardenafil?

Vardenafil is suitable for most men aged 18 and over with erectile dysfunction, but it is not safe for everyone [5]. You must not take vardenafil if you use nitrate medicines for angina (such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate, or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites) [5]. Combining vardenafil with any of these can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Men taking alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, or alfuzosin) need special caution, as the combination can cause dizziness or fainting [5]. If you are on an alpha-blocker, you should be stable on that treatment and start vardenafil at the lowest dose under prescriber supervision. Certain antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole), some antibiotics (clarithromycin), and HIV medicines (ritonavir, cobicistat) can raise vardenafil levels significantly; vardenafil is contraindicated with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, so your prescriber must check your current medicines carefully [5].

Vardenafil is not suitable if you have severe heart or liver disease, very low blood pressure, a recent stroke or heart attack, unstable angina, or a history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (sudden vision loss) [5]. Your prescriber will review your full medical history during the online consultation to ensure vardenafil is safe and appropriate for you. Always declare all medicines, supplements, and health conditions, even if you think they are unrelated.

Understanding Vardenafil Success Rate in Real-World Use

While clinical trial success rates for vardenafil are encouraging, real-world effectiveness can vary because everyday life is less controlled than a research setting [2]. Factors such as relationship stress, anxiety, fatigue, and inconsistent use all influence outcomes. Many men find that their confidence and success improve over time as they become more comfortable using the medication and learn what works best for them.

It's also worth noting that ED is often an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease or diabetes [1][2]. If you are experiencing erectile difficulties for the first time, it's important to see your GP for a health check, even if you plan to use an online service for treatment. Addressing underlying health issues—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or poor blood sugar control—can improve both your general health and your response to ED medication.

Lifestyle changes can enhance the vardenafil success rate. Stopping smoking, losing excess weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol, and managing stress all improve blood flow and erectile function [1][2]. For some men, combining medication with psychological support or couples counselling leads to the best outcomes, particularly when anxiety or relationship issues contribute to ED.

When to Consider Alternative Treatments

If vardenafil does not work after several properly timed attempts at the maximum dose, or if side effects are unacceptable, other options are available [2]. Switching to a different PDE5 inhibitor (such as tadalafil or avanafil) is often the next step, as individual responses vary and one medicine may suit you better than another.

For men who cannot take oral tablets or do not respond to any PDE5 inhibitor, alternatives include alprostadil cream (Vitaros) applied to the tip of the penis, alprostadil injections (Caverject) into the side of the penis, vacuum erection devices, or in some cases surgical implants [2][7]. Your GP or a specialist can discuss these options and refer you to a urology service if needed. Eroxon, a topical gel available without prescription, is another option for some men, though evidence for its effectiveness is more limited.

Getting Vardenafil Through Cured Pharmacy

Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so you will need a consultation with a prescriber before it can be supplied [5]. At Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511), you complete a confidential online health questionnaire that is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. If vardenafil is suitable and safe for you, a prescription is issued and your medication is dispensed and posted discreetly to your home.

Cured Pharmacy offers vardenafil (generic Levitra) at £16.95, or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew. Other ED treatments are also available, including sildenafil from £0.45 (£0.36 with code Ednew), tadalafil from £7.95 (£6.36 with code Ednew), and avanafil (Spedra) at £20.95 (£16.76 with code Ednew). The prescriber will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your health, preferences, and any other medicines you take.

All consultations are reviewed individually, and you can message the pharmacy team if you have questions. If your circumstances change or you experience side effects, you can request a review at any time. Remember, ED can be a sign of other health problems, so if you have not seen a GP about your symptoms, it's a good idea to book a check-up to rule out conditions such as diabetes or heart disease [1][2].

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 10 November 2026]
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 10 November 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 10 November 2026]
4. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 10 November 2026]
5. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 10 November 2026]
6. European Association of Urology. (n.d.). EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/sexual-and-reproductive-health [accessed 10 November 2026]
7. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014). Erectile dysfunction: avanafil (ESNM45). https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm45 [accessed 10 November 2026]

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.

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