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Talking to your partner

For suggestions on how to start the conversation with your partner about your erectile dysfunction (ED) or the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), select a tab below.

Discussing ED with your partner

Talking with your partner about ED may not be easy, but it can be helpful — for both of you. If you and your partner avoid the conversation, neither of you can know what the other is thinking and feeling. For many men, ED is a condition that is treatable.

You should be open and honest, as well as sensitive toward your partner's own needs and questions. Remember to stick to the facts and try to think and talk about ED as the medical problem that it is. That way, you'll both gain a better understanding of what you're going through, and what to expect, as a couple.

You may want to reassure your partner that your ED is not her fault, and that your condition may be caused by a medical issue.

Here are suggestions on how to start the conversation with your partner

  • "I wonder if one of the medicines I take could be causing the problems I'm having when we try to have intercourse?"
  • "Do you think I could have ED? I thought the problems I've been having would just go away, but they haven't"
  • "I've heard that ED can be a warning sign of another health condition. Maybe I should get this checked out by my healthcare provider"
  • "Have you noticed that I haven't been getting the results I was hoping for from my ED medication? It might be time for something different"
  • "You know those ads for CIALIS on TV? Maybe we should find out more"
  • "I've been thinking about trying out a daily treatment for my ED. What do you think about a free trial of CIALIS for daily use?"

Discussing the signs and symptoms of BPH with your partner

While it may not be as sensitive a topic as ED, having the symptoms of BPH may also be a condition you feel uncomfortable about, but you should still involve your partner in discussions about treatment.

Keep your partner in the loop about what it is you are experiencing. Explain to your partner that just like ED, BPH is a condition that may be caused by a medical issue.

ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH are treatable conditions. Take action. Talk with your partner, meet with your healthcare provider, and find out if CIALIS is right for you.

CIALIS for daily use (5 mg) is approved for the treatment of men with both ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH. The recommended starting dose of CIALIS for daily use for the treatment of ED is 2.5 mg. Do not take CIALIS more than one time each day.

Here are suggestions on how to start the conversation with your partner

  • "All these frequent trips to the bathroom are bothering me. Should I ask my healthcare provider about them?"
  • "Have you ever heard of something called BPH? I'd like to learn more about it"
Get 30 tablets of CIALIS for daily use for FREE.

CIALIS is indicated for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED), men with the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and men with both ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH. CIALIS is not indicated for women or children.

Important Safety Information for CIALIS® (tadalafil) tablets

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About CIALIS?

Do not take CIALIS if you:

  • take medicines called “nitrates” such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate which are often prescribed for chest pain as the combination may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure
  • use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite
  • are allergic to CIALIS or ADCIRCA® (tadalafil), or any of its ingredients. Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing

After taking a single tablet, some of the active ingredient of CIALIS remains in your body for more than 2 days. The active ingredient can remain longer if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, or you are taking certain other medications.

Stop sexual activity and get medical help right away if you get symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a heart attack or heart disease.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking CIALIS?

CIALIS is not right for everyone. Only your healthcare provider and you can decide if CIALIS is right for you. Ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy enough for you to have sexual activity. You should not take CIALIS if your healthcare provider has told you not to have sexual activity because of your health problems. Before taking CIALIS, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical problems, particularly if you have or ever had:

  • heart problems such as chest pain (angina), heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack
  • high or low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
  • stroke
  • liver or kidney problems or require dialysis
  • retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
  • severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION
  • stomach ulcers or a bleeding problem
  • a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease
  • an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
  • blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

Can Other Medicines Affect CIALIS?

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take especially if you take:

  • medicines called “nitrates” which are often prescribed for chest pain
  • alpha-blockers often prescribed for prostate problems
  • blood pressure medications
  • medicines for HIV or some types of oral antifungal medications
  • some types of antibiotics such as clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin (several brand names exist, please contact your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking this medicine)
  • other medicines or treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • CIALIS is also marketed as ADCIRCA for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Do not take both CIALIS and ADCIRCA. Do not take sildenafil citrate (Revatio®)* with CIALIS.

What Should I Avoid While Taking CIALIS?

  • Do not use other ED medicines or ED treatments while taking CIALIS.
  • Do not drink too much alcohol when taking CIALIS (for example, 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey). Drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increasing your heart rate, or lowering your blood pressure.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of CIALIS?

The most common side effects with CIALIS are: headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. Men who get back pain and muscle aches usually get it 12 to 24 hours after taking CIALIS. Back pain and muscle aches usually go away within 2 days. Call your healthcare provider if you get any side effect that bothers you or one that does not go away.

Uncommon but serious side effects include:

An erection that won't go away: If you get an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury.

In rare instances, men taking prescription ED tablets, including CIALIS, reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision or hearing (sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness). It's not possible to determine if these events are related directly to the ED tablets or to other factors. If you have a sudden decrease or loss of vision or hearing, stop taking any ED tablet, including CIALIS and call a healthcare provider right away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

CIALIS does not:

  • cure ED
  • increase a man’s sexual desire
  • protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
  • serve as a male form of birth control

CIALIS is available by prescription only. For additional information, talk to your healthcare provider and see full Patient and Prescribing Information.

*The brand listed is a trademark of its respective owner and is not a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. The maker of this brand is not affiliated with and does not endorse Eli Lilly and Company or its products.