Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have general questions about our services, you may reach out to our team for assistance.
Queries that involve medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment decisions will require a consultation with a licensed doctor.
flow to the penis or when the normal processes involved in achieving or maintaining an erection are affected. It is often influenced by a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, fatigue, depression, and performance anxiety may contribute to erectile difficulties in some men.
Physical factors can also play a role. These may include ageing, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, hormonal imbalances (such as low testosterone), and neurological conditions, all of which can affect blood flow or nerve function involved in erections.
Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and poor sleep may further increase the risk of ED. In some cases, certain prescription medications — including medications used for blood pressure or mental health conditions — may also contribute.
Management of ED depends on identifying the underlying causes. In addition to medication where clinically appropriate, lifestyle modifications may form part of a broader management plan.
Men are advised not to self-medicate. A consultation with a licensed doctor is necessary to assess the cause of ED and determine suitable treatment options.
Erectile dysfunction is a commonly encountered condition among men worldwide and can affect men at different stages of life. Local and international studies suggest that erectile difficulties become more common with increasing age and in men with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Despite this, many men may delay seeking medical advice due to embarrassment, stigma, or misconceptions about ED. Some may turn to unregulated products or sources, which can pose potential health risks.
If erectile symptoms are persistent or concerning, men are encouraged to seek advice from a licensed medical professional. Medical assessment allows for appropriate evaluation, safe treatment options, and identification of any underlying health conditions
Sildenafil is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis in response to sexual stimulation and is commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction where clinically appropriate.
Response to sildenafil can vary between individuals. Some men may experience improvement in erectile function, while others may find the medication less effective or unsuitable. Sildenafil requires sexual stimulation to work and may be affected by factors such as timing, dosage, food intake, and underlying medical conditions.
If sildenafil does not produce the desired effect, a doctor may review factors such as dosage, usage instructions, side effects, or alternative treatment options. Treatment decisions should always be guided by a licensed doctor following medical assessment.
Many men who seek treatment for erectile dysfunction have existing medical conditions or are taking long-term medications. Whether sildenafil is suitable depends on an individual’s overall health, medical history, and current medications.
During a medical consultation, a licensed doctor will assess suitability and screen for potential contraindications. For example, sildenafil may not be suitable for individuals taking nitrate-containing medications or those with certain cardiovascular conditions.
If sildenafil is not appropriate, the doctor may discuss alternative management options based on clinical suitability. A consultation is required to ensure treatment is prescribed safely.
A formal health screening is not always required before prescribing sildenafil. However, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be associated with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
For this reason, a licensed doctor may recommend further evaluation or health screening based on your age, symptoms, medical history, or risk factors. This is particularly relevant if you have not had a recent health check or if ED symptoms are new or worsening.
Medical recommendations are made on an individual basis following consultation.
Erectile dysfunction related to stress, anxiety, or psychological factors is sometimes referred to as psychogenic erectile dysfunction. In these cases, emotional or mental factors may interfere with the normal processes involved in achieving or maintaining an erection.
Sildenafil may be considered as a treatment option for some men with psychogenic ED, where clinically appropriate. A licensed doctor will assess whether medication is suitable based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.
If erectile difficulties persist or are strongly linked to psychological factors, additional approaches such as counselling or sex therapy may also be recommended as part of a broader management plan.
Sildenafil is a prescription medication that has been widely used for the management of erectile dysfunction. Its safety profile has been established through clinical use and ongoing monitoring.
As with any prescription medication, sildenafil may cause side effects in some individuals. Most reported side effects are mild to moderate and temporary, but suitability varies depending on individual health conditions and concurrent medications.
A consultation with a licensed doctor is required to assess whether sildenafil is appropriate and safe for you. The doctor will discuss potential risks, benefits, and alternative options where relevant.
Sildenafil typically begins to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, although the timing may vary between individuals. Its effects may last for several hours.
Sildenafil works in response to sexual stimulation and may be affected by factors such as food intake, particularly meals high in fat. Your doctor may provide guidance on how and when to take the medication for optimal effect.
If timing or duration is a concern, a licensed doctor can advise on whether alternative treatment options may be more suitable, depending on clinical assessment.
Common side effects associated with sildenafil may include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, or stomach discomfort. These effects are generally mild to moderate and temporary.
Not everyone experiences side effects, and individual responses to medication can vary. Your doctor will explain potential side effects during consultation so you can make an informed decision about treatment.
Sildenafil does not cause spontaneous erections and is not associated with physical dependence when used as prescribed.
Sildenafil works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis. This effect can also influence blood flow in other parts of the body, which may explain side effects such as headache, flushing, nasal congestion, or light-headedness.
A mild drop in blood pressure can also occur in some individuals, which may contribute to dizziness. These effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
If side effects are persistent or concerning, it is important to consult a licensed doctor for further evaluation.
Mild side effects associated with sildenafil often resolve without additional treatment. If side effects occur, your doctor may advise adjustments such as changes in dosage, timing, or usage instructions.
If sildenafil is not well tolerated, a licensed doctor may review alternative management options based on your individual needs and medical suitability. Any changes to treatment should be made following medical consultation.
This is my first time taking sildenafil. What should I take note of?
Sildenafil is a prescription medication that should be used only after consultation with a licensed doctor. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to take the medication based on your medical history and individual suitability.
Sildenafil is commonly taken before sexual activity, and its effect may be influenced by factors such as food intake. Certain meals, particularly those high in fat, may delay how quickly the medication takes effect. Your doctor can advise on appropriate timing and whether alternative treatment options may be more suitable, depending on clinical assessment.
It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking nitrate-containing medications (such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate), as sildenafil may not be suitable in these situations due to potential blood pressure effects.
Although uncommon, allergic reactions can occur with any medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin rash, or difficulty breathing.
Some foods and drinks may affect how sildenafil works in the body. For example, grapefruit or grapefruit juice may alter how the medication is metabolised, which could increase the likelihood of side effects in some individuals.
Excessive alcohol consumption may also reduce erectile function and increase the risk of dizziness or light-headedness. Your doctor can provide personalised advice on dietary and lifestyle considerations during treatment.
The appropriate dose of sildenafil varies between individuals and must be determined by a licensed doctor. In Singapore, sildenafil is prescribed within approved dosing limits, and patients should not exceed the dose recommended by their doctor.
Dose adjustments, if required, should only be made following medical consultation. Self-adjusting medication without medical advice is not recommended.
The frequency of sildenafil use depends on individual medical suitability and the treatment plan discussed with your doctor. Sildenafil should be taken only as prescribed and within the recommended dosing limits.
If ongoing treatment is required, a licensed doctor may review your response to medication and advise on continued use or alternative options where appropriate.
In rare cases, sildenafil may be associated with a condition known as priapism, which is a prolonged and sometimes painful erection. This is a medical emergency.
If an erection lasts longer than four hours or is associated with increasing pain, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department or call emergency services.
Finasteride is a prescription medication commonly used in the management of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Clinical studies have shown that finasteride can help reduce hair loss progression in some men by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle miniaturisation.
However, individual response to finasteride varies. Not all men experience the same degree of benefit, and results depend on factors such as genetics, duration of use, and adherence to treatment.
According to prescribing information reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), men taking finasteride over 12 months showed a lower rate of hair loss progression compared with placebo groups.
Finasteride may appear less effective if:
It is not taken consistently as prescribed
Treatment is discontinued before sufficient time has elapsed
The individual does not respond to the medication
A licensed doctor will assess treatment response and may recommend adjustments or alternative options where appropriate.
Finasteride has been evaluated in multiple clinical studies and is approved for use in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Like all prescription medications, it may cause side effects in some individuals.
In clinical trials, a small proportion of men reported sexual side effects such as reduced libido or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. These effects were generally reported in a minority of users and often resolved after discontinuation or during continued use.
Other reported effects include changes in semen volume. Your doctor will review potential risks and benefits during consultation and determine whether finasteride is medically suitable for you.
References:
FDA Propecia Prescribing Information
Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Singapore
Finasteride works gradually. Some men may notice changes in hair shedding or density after approximately three months, but it can take up to 12 months to adequately assess response to treatment.
Continued use is required to maintain any benefit. If finasteride is discontinued, hair loss may gradually resume over several months. Your doctor can advise on expected timelines based on your individual condition
Reported side effects of finasteride may include:
Reduced sexual desire
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Changes in semen volume
Less commonly reported effects include breast tenderness or enlargement. In rare cases, symptoms may persist after discontinuation.
Not everyone experiences side effects, and their occurrence and severity vary between individuals. Discussing potential side effects with a licensed doctor allows for informed decision-making before starting treatment.
Finasteride works by reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. While this effect is targeted at hair follicles, DHT also plays a role in other tissues, which may explain certain side effects in some individuals.
Hormonal shifts may also influence estrogen balance, which has been associated with breast tenderness or enlargement in rare cases. Psychological factors, including expectation of side effects (sometimes referred to as the nocebo effect), may also contribute.
If side effects occur, a doctor can assess whether treatment should be adjusted or discontinued.
If you notice symptoms that concern you while taking finasteride, you should consult a licensed doctor. Medical advice should not be delayed or replaced with self-adjustment of medication.
Doctors providing care via Sire can review your symptoms, assess suitability, and discuss alternative management options where clinically appropriate.
Finasteride may be prescribed to men with certain chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, subject to medical assessment. Suitability depends on your overall health profile and current medications.
During your telemedicine consultation, a Singapore-licensed doctor will review your medical history to determine whether finasteride is appropriate for you. If finasteride is not suitable, alternative management options may be discussed where clinically appropriate.
Routine health screening is not always required before starting finasteride. However, if your hair loss pattern or symptoms suggest a cause other than male pattern hair loss, your doctor may recommend further evaluation or investigations.
The decision to proceed with treatment is made following a medical consultation and professional assessment.
Finasteride is typically taken once daily, with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor. Consistent daily use is important to assess treatment response, which may take several months.
Finasteride is indicated for use in men. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken finasteride tablets due to the risk of fetal harm.
Although allergic reactions are uncommon, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as skin rash, facial or tongue swelling, or breathing difficulties.
There are no specific food or drink restrictions associated with finasteride. Your doctor may advise you further based on your individual medical profile.
No. Taking finasteride more frequently than prescribed does not improve effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your doctor.
Finasteride has been studied for long-term use and is generally well tolerated in many individuals, when taken under medical supervision. Ongoing use may be required to maintain any benefit.
Regular review by a licensed doctor is recommended to assess continued suitability and response to treatment.
In addition to prescribed treatments, general hair and scalp care may support overall hair health. This includes:
Minimising excessive heat or mechanical stress on hair
Avoiding hairstyles that place prolonged tension on the scalp
Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle
Managing stress where possible
Your doctor may also advise on appropriate hair care practices based on your condition.
Dr. Bosty Chan
Connect on Linkedin
Dr. Bosty Chan is a medical doctor with over 10 years of clinical experience in the United Kingdom and Singapore. He graduated from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh). He has a clinical interest in telemedicine, digital health, and men’s health. He subsequently obtained his Certificate in Andrology (Singapore) from the Singapore Society of Men’s Health.
Dr Chan serves as the lead physician at Sire and Dame, discreet telemedicine platforms based in Singapore. He is committed to the delivery of accessible, technology-enabled healthcare and supports the integration of digital solutions into medical practice.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations can only be provided by a Singapore-licensed doctor during a formal consultation. If you have health concerns or symptoms, please seek professional medical advice through an appropriate consultation.
All services and treatments are provided by Cloud Clinic in accordance with the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) regulations.
Scam Alert & Legitimacy: Sire is operated by Cloud Clinic, a healthcare institution licensed by the MOH under the HCSA. We only communicate through our official website and verified WhatsApp; we will never ask for NRIC or payment details via SMS links or social media.
