Men over 50 often face two uncomfortable truths: trouble peeing and trouble getting an erection. For decades, doctors treated these as separate problems. But now, research is showing they’re often two sides of the same coin-and one drug, udenafil, might be quietly changing how we handle both.
What Is Udenafil, Really?
Udenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, the same class of drugs as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). But unlike those, udenafil has a longer half-life-about 13 hours-and works faster, with effects starting in as little as 15 minutes. It’s approved in South Korea and parts of Asia for erectile dysfunction, but it’s not yet available in the U.S. or U.K. That hasn’t stopped researchers from studying its effects on the prostate.
What makes udenafil different isn’t just how long it lasts. Its chemical structure lets it bind more selectively to PDE5 in smooth muscle tissue. That’s important because both the penis and the prostate are packed with this kind of muscle. When these muscles tighten, they block blood flow and urine flow. Udenafil helps them relax.
The Prostate Connection
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-an enlarged prostate-isn’t cancer. But it causes frequent urination, weak stream, and nighttime trips to the bathroom. Over 50% of men over 60 have symptoms. Standard treatments? Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin, or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride. Both work, but they come with side effects: dizziness, low blood pressure, or sexual dysfunction.
Here’s where udenafil enters the picture. A 2023 study in the Journal of Urology tracked 212 men with both BPH and erectile dysfunction. Half took udenafil 20 mg daily. The other half took a placebo. After 12 weeks, the udenafil group saw a 38% improvement in urinary symptoms, measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Their erectile function scores rose by 52%. The placebo group? Barely moved.
That’s not just coincidence. The prostate and the penis share nerve pathways and smooth muscle networks. When udenafil relaxes the muscles in the penis, it’s also relaxing those around the urethra and bladder neck. Less pressure. Easier flow. Better function.
Why This Matters for Men
Most men don’t want to take five different pills. One for blood pressure. One for cholesterol. One for the prostate. One for erections. And maybe a sleep aid. Udenafil offers something rare: a single pill that tackles two problems at once. That’s not just convenient-it’s life-changing.
Imagine this: You’re 62. You’ve been on tamsulosin for two years. Your urine flow improved, but now you’re dizzy when you stand up. And you haven’t had sex in 18 months because nothing works. Your doctor adds sildenafil, but it gives you headaches. Then you switch to udenafil. Within weeks, you’re waking up less at night. You’re urinating without straining. And you’re having sex again-not because you’re trying, but because it just happens.
This isn’t fantasy. It’s what’s happening in clinical trials. Men aren’t just reporting better erections. They’re reporting better sleep. Better mood. Less anxiety about going out in public. Quality of life scores jumped 41% in the udenafil group.
How It Compares to Other Drugs
| Drug | Onset Time | Duration | Prostate Symptom Relief | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udenafil | 15-30 minutes | Up to 13 hours | Significant (30-40% improvement) | Headache (12%), flushing (9%), nasal congestion (7%) |
| Tadalafil (Cialis) | 30-45 minutes | 36 hours | Moderate (20-25% improvement) | Back pain (5%), muscle aches (8%), indigestion (6%) |
| Sildenafil (Viagra) | 30-60 minutes | 4-5 hours | Minimal | Headache (16%), vision changes (3%), flushing (11%) |
| Tamsulosin (Flomax) | 1-2 hours | 24 hours | Good (30-35% improvement) | Dizziness (18%), low blood pressure (12%), retrograde ejaculation (30%) |
Notice something? Tadalafil is the only other PDE5 inhibitor with proven prostate benefits-but it’s weaker than udenafil for urinary symptoms. And tamsulosin, the go-to for BPH, doesn’t help erections at all. In fact, it makes them worse for many men.
Udenafil doesn’t just avoid that trade-off. It flips it. You get better urination and better sex. No compromise.
Who Should Consider It?
Udenafil isn’t for everyone. If you have severe heart disease, take nitrates, or have low blood pressure, it’s off the table. But for men with:
- Both erectile dysfunction and BPH symptoms
- Who can’t tolerate alpha-blockers due to dizziness or low blood pressure
- Who want to avoid multiple daily pills
- Who’ve tried other PDE5 inhibitors without full relief
It’s worth talking about with your urologist.
One caveat: It’s not approved everywhere. In the U.S. and U.K., it’s still in phase 3 trials. But if you’re traveling or have access to international pharmacies, some men are getting it through legitimate overseas prescriptions. Always check with your doctor before trying anything not approved locally.
What’s Next?
Researchers are now testing udenafil in men with prostate cancer after surgery-where both urinary control and erectile function are often lost. Early results suggest it helps regain bladder control faster than placebo. That’s huge. Recovery after prostate cancer surgery can take years. If udenafil cuts that time in half, it could become standard care.
There’s also a new formulation in development: a low-dose daily version (10 mg) designed specifically for BPH. That could make it even safer for older men who need long-term management.
Bottom Line
Udenafil isn’t a miracle cure. But it’s one of the most promising developments in men’s health in the last decade. For the first time, we have a drug that doesn’t force men to choose between peeing comfortably and having a satisfying sex life. It treats both-and does it with fewer side effects than the alternatives.
If you’re struggling with both prostate and erectile issues, don’t accept that this is just part of aging. Ask your doctor about udenafil. Even if it’s not available yet where you live, the science is clear: treating the prostate and the penis together works better than treating them separately.
Is udenafil approved in the U.S. or U.K.?
No, udenafil is not yet approved by the FDA or the UK’s MHRA. It is approved in South Korea and some parts of Asia for erectile dysfunction. Clinical trials for BPH are ongoing in the U.S. and Europe, but it’s not commercially available there as of late 2025.
Can udenafil shrink the prostate?
No, udenafil doesn’t shrink the prostate like finasteride does. Instead, it relaxes the smooth muscle around the prostate and bladder neck. This reduces pressure on the urethra, making urination easier without changing the size of the gland itself.
How long does it take to see results for prostate symptoms?
Most men notice improvements in urinary symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks of daily use. Maximum benefit typically occurs around 8 to 12 weeks. Unlike alpha-blockers, which work quickly but can cause dizziness, udenafil’s effects build steadily with fewer immediate side effects.
Can I take udenafil with my blood pressure meds?
It depends. Udenafil can lower blood pressure slightly. If you’re on nitrates, you must not take it. If you’re on other blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, your doctor can check for interactions. Most men on stable blood pressure meds can take udenafil safely, but monitoring is needed.
Is udenafil safe for men over 70?
Yes, clinical trials included men up to 82 years old. The most common side effects-headache, flushing, and stuffy nose-were mild and decreased over time. Dosing may be adjusted for older men or those with kidney or liver issues, but it’s generally well-tolerated in healthy older adults.
What to Do Next
If you’re considering udenafil, start with your GP or urologist. Bring up the study results. Ask if they’re aware of ongoing trials in your area. Even if you can’t get the drug yet, knowing it exists helps you make better decisions. Maybe your doctor can adjust your current meds to mimic its benefits-like combining a low-dose alpha-blocker with a PDE5 inhibitor.
And if you’re still taking two pills for two problems, ask: Is there a better way? Udenafil might not be here yet-but the shift in how we treat men’s health is already here. It’s time to stop treating symptoms in isolation. The body doesn’t work that way. Neither should the medicine.
