Cialis adverts which warn that the drug may give you a 4 hour erection have sparked debate in the US.

The television commercials extol the benefits of Cialis before warning: “Cialis may result in a 4 hour erection.” One magazine suggested that this warning was a brilliant piece of advertising in disguise. Writing on the AOL health blog, Dr Abraham Morgentaler wrote: “It sounds pretty good to have a four-hour erection, particularly for men who are having difficulty achieving an adequate erection in the first place.” The expert also pointed out that, since 20% of men suffer from premature ejaculation, the Cialis adverts are bound to attract men who don’t even experience erectile dysfunction.

A prolonged erection that won’t soften in the absence of sexual stimulation is called priapism. Priapism can be dangerous, as trapped blood become acidic and depleted of oxygen. After 4 hours soreness will be experienced and permanent damage to penile tissue may even start to occur.

Priapism is rare, but does happen, so the Food and Drug Administration forces the manufacturers of Cialis and other erectile dysfunction drugs.

Tom Kaulitz, guitarist for German rock band Tokyo Hotel, recently said that he took so much Viagra, he was left for a 2 day erection. An Indian man was forced to undergo surgery earlier this year after experiencing a 21 day erection. Ironically, the 55 year old was left impotent.

Cialis or Viagra?

Many men become confused about the differences between Cialis and Viagra. Cialis and Viagra take a similar amount of time to take effect. However, Cialis is effective for 36 hours, in comparison with Viagra’s 4 hours. Doctors may recommend a particular brand depending on a patient’s individual situation.