- Improves blood flow and may support vascular health: Research suggests an association with improved cardiovascular outcomes in some men.
- Relieves BPH symptoms: FDA-approved to treat enlarged prostate and urinary symptoms, even without ED.
- Supports circulation and recovery: May improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, which could influence exercise capacity and recovery.
- Supports mood and quality of life: Improvements in sexual function may have a positive effect on mood in some men.
- Enhances sexual satisfaction: May improve ejaculation, orgasm, and overall sexual function in some men.
- May support lean mass and metabolic health: Early research suggests possible benefits for body composition and insulin sensitivity, though more study is needed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Peter Fotinos, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Male Excel
Published: October 10, 2022
Last updated: March 24, 2026
Cialis, the erectile dysfunction medication used to treat ED, may also have broader health benefits. Research suggests it may improve aspects of sexual function, including ejaculation and orgasm, relieve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and help reduce symptoms linked to pulmonary hypertension.
What is Cialis?
Cialis was approved by the FDA in 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, new studies show Cialis has other surprising health benefits.
Cialis and Viagra® are members of a family of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors that help increase blood flow around the body. This increased blood flow has potential benefits in other areas than sexual health. But Cialis, particularly a version you take daily, has emerged with potential benefits beyond erectile dysfunction.
What is Daily Cialis (Tadalafil 5 mg)?
Daily Cialis is a low-dose version of tadalafil taken once per day. Unlike on-demand ED medications, it remains active in your system continuously, supporting more consistent blood flow and spontaneous sexual performance without the need to plan ahead.
The Health Benefits of Daily Cialis are Different from Other ED Drugs
Cialis, or its generic version, Tadalafil, is a well-known medication for erectile dysfunction in men. Several alternative drugs are available, such as Viagra or Levitra®, but Cialis is unique. There is a version you take daily instead of on-demand before sex.
Cialis differs from other ED medications because it has a much longer half-life than others. Half-life is the period it takes for your body to reduce the medication in your blood by half. This means the effects of Cialis can last up to 36 hours, unlike Viagra, which only lasts 4-8.
This longer half-life gives Cialis a considerable advantage over other ED medications. Daily Cialis maintains steady levels in your system with consistent use. This means men can be ready for sex without prior planning. But because Cialis has such a long half-life, it is safe to take it at a low dose daily. The drug can increase blood flow around the body if you keep taking the medication, which can have other beneficial effects.
Why Daily Cialis Is Often Used Alongside TRT
Erectile function depends on both blood flow and hormone levels. While tadalafil improves circulation, testosterone plays a key role in libido, energy and sexual response.
For men with low testosterone, addressing both factors often leads to better overall outcomes.
This is why Male Excel providers evaluate hormone levels alongside vascular health when recommending treatment.
Cialis Could Reduce Blood Pressure and Be Beneficial to Your Heart
The most significant cause of death in the USA is cardiovascular disease. Men are twice as likely to die of a heart attack than women. New studies in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology show that men who use PDE5 inhibitors such as daily Cialis may suffer fewer cardiovascular-related events such as heart attack and strokes than those not taking the medication.
ED medications such as Cialis and Viagra are a type of drug called PDE5 inhibitors. This class of medication causes vasodilation - meaning they expand the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow around the body. This vasodilation potentially lowers your blood pressure, relieving pressure on the heart.
People who suffer from ED are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, and even death. In one study, they go as far as to say the risk is significantly higher and of particular concern.
Medications such as Cialis and Viagra may support vascular function and have been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in some studies, partly through their effect on nitric oxide (NO). NO is a chemical in the body that relaxes muscles in the penis and expands blood vessels.
In one Swedish study1 of 43,145 men, 7.1 % of the group took PDE5 inhibitors for ED. Compared to those in the group who were not, they had a 33% lower chance of dying of heart-related issues and a 40% lower risk of hospitalization with heart failure.
The study concluded that those who received treatment for ED after their first heart attack were less likely to need hospital treatment and less likely to die. They also noted that only men treated with PDE5 inhibitors had this reduced risk, and it was also dose-dependent
All the evidence is promising, but more trials are needed to prove that PDE5 can improve cardiovascular function. While these findings are promising, more research is needed. This type of medication is being actively studied for its potential role in cardiovascular health, with emerging evidence suggesting an association with improved outcomes in certain populations.
The FDA Approves Cialis to Treat BPH
One of the more well-known daily Cialis health benefits is its effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged. In 2011, the FDA approved Cialis Daily for the treatment of symptoms of BPH.
BPH causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as:
- Problems stopping and starting urine flow
- Needing to urinate frequently at night
- Weak urine stream
- Dribbling after urinating
- Inability to empty the bladder completely
BPH and ED are linked, but not exclusively. You can have ED and not suffer from BPH, and vice versa. But they are both common in aging men and often simultaneously. Tadalafil 5mg once daily is a well-established and FDA-approved medication that simultaneously treats either or both conditions.
Other common drugs are available for BPH, such as Finasteride and Dutasteride. Unfortunately for many men, they cause unwanted side effects such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased interest in sex (low libido)
- Problems ejaculating, including reduced quantity of semen
- Increased breast size, breast tenderness, and swelling
- Pain and swelling in the testicles
As with most ED drugs, Cialis (Tadalafil) is unsuitable if you take nitrates for heart problems. Nitrates are vasodilators that open the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and lowering blood pressure. Cialis acts similarly. If taken together, you risk a severe drop in blood pressure that can be fatal.
Clinical trials show Tadalafil for BPH to be effective for men with and without ED, easing the symptoms that a swollen prostate can cause. One 12-week study states2 that 5mg daily Cialis (Tadalafil) significantly improves BPH symptoms and ED in men.
So, as far as BPH medications are concerned, Cialis (Tadalafil) daily is still the only ED medication approved to treat the symptoms of both BPH and ED3.
Cialis Could Improve Pulmonary Hypertension, Athletic Performance and Recovery Times
PDE5 is an enzyme produced in the lungs and walls of blood vessels. It affects blood flow and cell signals around the body by contracting and restricting smooth muscles with blood vessels. PDE5 inhibitors such as Cialis limit the actions of this enzyme. This allows blood vessels to expand and blood to flow more freely to organs like the penis, heart, and lungs.
Due to how Cialis works, this medication can not only ease the symptoms of ED but also reduce blood pressure in the lungs and certain areas of the heart. This reduces the stress load on the body. This reduction in blood pressure may support circulation and oxygen delivery, which could influence exercise capacity and recovery.
Cialis Could Improve Symptoms of Depression
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression are closely related. ED decreases a man's (and his partner's) quality of life, and the resulting emotional and physical symptoms can be devastating.
Medical providers should always screen patients for depression if they have ED. Unsurprisingly, ED can cause depression when considering what this condition takes away from people's lives. Studies suggest low dose Cialis (Tadalafil), at a dose of 5mg daily, may improve sexual function and quality of life, which can have a positive impact on mood in some men.
Cialis Once Daily Improves Orgasm and Sexual Satisfaction in Men
Studies show that Cialis Daily increases ejaculatory volume, intensifies orgasms, makes it easier to orgasm, and increases sexual satisfaction in men. One study showed that around 70 percent of men who used Cialis for 12 weeks could ejaculate most of the time and reach orgasm. In contrast, only 30 percent in the placebo group could do so.
Daily Cialis helps treat more than just ED. Some of these benefits may be especially relevant for men living with both ED and BPH
Male Excel providers evaluate whether daily tadalafil fits into a broader treatment plan based on your symptoms, health history, and goals. Why not give it a try today?
Cialis Daily Supports Lean Muscle Mass and Body Composition​
Emerging research suggests that daily use of Cialis® (tadalafil) may have beneficial effects on body composition, particularly in promoting lean muscle mass. A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology investigated the effects of daily tadalafil in men with mild erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. The findings indicated that participants who took 5 mg of tadalafil daily experienced a significant increase in lean body mass over a 12-week period. This improvement is believed to be associated with enhanced endothelial function, which plays a crucial role in blood flow and muscle health .​
Furthermore, a population-based cohort study found that tadalafil use was associated with a lower incidence of Type 2 diabetes in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. This suggests that tadalafil may have favorable effects on metabolic health, which is closely linked to body composition .​Wiley Online Library
While these findings are promising, it's important to note that more extensive research is needed to fully understand the relationship between tadalafil and muscle development. Men interested in this potential benefit should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if daily Cialis® is appropriate for their individual health needs.​
Safety and Considerations
Daily Cialis is generally well tolerated when prescribed appropriately, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
It should not be used with nitrate medications or certain cardiovascular conditions. A licensed provider will assess your health history to determine if treatment is appropriate.
Conclusion: Cialis Daily Is About More Than Just Erections
Cialis® has long been trusted to treat erectile dysfunction, but the science now shows it offers benefits that extend far beyond the bedroom. From improving cardiovascular health and relieving BPH symptoms to supporting mood, muscle mass, and even metabolic health, daily Cialis® is proving to be a powerful tool for proactive men's health.
For men already on testosterone therapy, the combination may be even more effective—targeting both hormonal and vascular factors to improve performance, strength, and longevity.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Male Excel, we help men take control of their health with proven treatments that go beyond surface-level fixes. Whether you're exploring testosterone therapy, daily Cialis®, or both, our expert providers are here to build a plan that works for your body and your goals.
Click below to start your consultation and unlock your full potential.
Updated References
- Andersson, K. E. (2011). PDE5 inhibitors-pharmacology and clinical applications 20 years after sildenafil discovery. British Journal of Pharmacology, 162(2), 255-270.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013517 - Glina, S., Becher, E., Carrier, S., et al. (2020). Tadalafil 5 mg once daily significantly improves patient satisfaction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17(6), 1088-1097.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32332001 - Kloner, R. A. (2004). Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors. Urology, 64(3), 11-19.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15350495 - Andersson, K. E., & de Groat, W. C. (2011). Tadalafil for BPH and LUTS. International Journal of Impotence Research, 23(4), 149-160.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21593762 - Aversa, A., Spera, G., Francomano, D., et al. (2017). Tadalafil improves lean mass and endothelial function in nonobese men with mild ED/LUTS: in vivo and in vitro characterization. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 40(6), 655-662.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28133708 - Fryk, E., Rodrigues Silva, V. R., Bauzá-Thorbrügge, M., et al. (2023). Feasibility of high-dose tadalafil and effects on insulin resistance in well-controlled patients with type 2 diabetes (MAKROTAD). EClinicalMedicine, 59, 101985.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00162-1/fulltext - Lee, M. K., Lee, J. H., Sohn, S. Y., et al. (2022). Effect of low-dose tadalafil once daily on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 14, 56.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35449082 - Kang, S. M., Lee, M. K., Lee, J. H., et al. (2022). Effect of low-dose tadalafil once daily on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 14, 56.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35449082
