Recently published findings from the UK Biobank* suggest that Cialis (tadalafil), a medication primarily prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), may offer additional health benefits beyond sexual function. Over a 12-year follow-up period, tadalafil use was associated with a reduced risk of death.
Tadalafil belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications treat ED by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Erectile dysfunction – sometimes described as the “angina of the penis” due to impaired blood flow – is widely recognised as an early marker of underlying cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
A growing body of evidence indicates that PDE5 inhibitors may reduce the risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality, including among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Emerging research also suggests potential reductions in the risk of peptic ulcer disease and colorectal cancer, and PDE5 inhibitors have already been associated with a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease.
What About Women?
If these benefits apply to men, there is a compelling rationale to consider whether similar effects might extend to women. Impaired sexual arousal in women, while multifactorial, may represent a female analogue of erectile dysfunction and can similarly serve as an early indicator of underlying vascular disease. This is particularly relevant for postmenopausal women, who no longer benefit from the cardioprotective effects of endogenous oestrogen.
Reframing the old adage—if what is good for the gander is also good for the goose—daily low-dose Cialis for women, including those already using hormone replacement therapy, may likewise help reduce cardiovascular risks similar to those observed in men.
Why the Evidence Is Suggestive, Not Definitive
These longitudinal findings should not be interpreted as proof that Cialis prolongs life. The study was observational rather than a randomised controlled trial, the gold standard for establishing causality, and therefore demonstrates association rather than cause and effect. It remains possible that individuals who are healthier to begin with are more likely to use medications such as Cialis. In addition, the analysis did not fully account for the potential influence of diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors.
Key Takeaway
Cialis remains a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction when prescribed appropriately. Ongoing research suggests it may have additional health benefits, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended for these purposes alone.
If you have concerns about sexual function, cardiovascular health, or menopause-related changes, a personalised medical assessment is the best place to start.
* The UK Biobank is a large-scale, prospective research resource containing extensive biological, lifestyle, and health data from approximately 500,000 UK volunteers aged 40–69 years. Participants were recruited between 2006 and 2010 and consented to long-term health follow-up for at least 30 years, enabling researchers to examine how genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors influence disease risk and longevity