Viagra is an effective and well-established treatment for erectile dysfunction. However, because it’s pretty expensive and crammed with side effects, men are turning to alternative remedies. Fortunately, there are Viagra substitutes that doctors now recognize and are promising for ED. In this essay, we will explore 5 doctor-recommended alternatives for Viagra.
1. Cialis
The FDA approved Cialis from Eli Lilly and Company in 2003 as a drug for treating ED. It works similar to Viagra, which increases blood flow to the penis to enable men to achieve and keep an erection. But Cialis has a longer half-life than Viagra, which means that it’s kept in the body longer. Cialis is sold in three doses — a daily pill, a 10mg pill, and a 20mg pill. The single-day pill contains a low dose of tadalafil (2.5 or 5mg) and is taken each day simultaneously, regardless of sex. The other two dose forms are taken a few minutes before bedtime, about 30 minutes before having sex, and last for up to 36 hours.
2. Levitra
Levitra is a prescription ED medication that is a member of a group called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors (the same family as Viagra and Cialis). PDE5 inhibitors act by pumping more blood into the penis, thus enabling men to get and sustain an erection.
Levitra works much like Viagra in its pharmacological effects and efficiency, however, it has slightly longer acting duration, ranging up to 5 hours. Also, Levitra might work better for those men who are resistant to Viagra or have side effects from Viagra.
Studies have backed Levitra for ED. In one study, which appeared in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Levitra reduced the symptoms of ED in men, regardless of the reason for ED. They determined that Levitra was a reliable and effective medication for ED. However, Levitra has adverse effects like headache, flushing, indigestion, and congestion.
3. Stendra
The FDA approved another erectile dysfunction drug, Stendra (also called Avanafil), in 2012. Stendra is produced by Vivus, Inc. Stendra is a rapid acting drug as it begins working within 15 minutes of administration.
Stendra functions in the same way as all the other oral ED drugs, including Viagra and Cialis: it increases blood flow to the penis. The pill comes in three strengths, 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg. A typical initial dosage is 100mg, given 30 minutes before sex is expected. Such a fast profile makes Stendra an ideal candidate for those looking for flexibility in intimate scenes because you don’t need to go into elaborate planning years in advance.
Making an Informed Choice
When deciding on the treatment for erectile dysfunction, a thorough consultation with a medical professional is recommended. It depends on your overall health, medical history and personal taste to decide which one is best. Both Alprostadil and Stendra are viable options because Viagra is a serious drug.
4. Alprostadil
Alprostadil is another very special drug for guys that have a little difficulty getting hard. In contrast to Viagra, Alprostadil is delivered in two major dosage forms: injectable and suppository. The injectable part should be inserted directly into the penis and the suppository in the urethra.
This is achieved by relaxing soft muscles, thereby enlarging blood supply to the penis, thereby creating an erection. Alprostadil is useful in the situation where different conditions of a patient prevent him from taking medications by mouth.
Yet prospective customers should also be kept aware of possible side-effects of the drug. Alprostadil is not effective in bleeding patients or in patients who have recently been dealing with the issue of priapism, a syndrome where erections are long and often painful. And, if not, one really needs to ask a doctor for how effective the treatment is according to each medical history.
5. Testosterone Replacement Therapy
The male sexual characteristics — including muscle, bone density and sexual activity — are generated by the hormone testosterone. TRT, or testosterone replacement therapy, is a medical procedure that involves raising testosterone levels in men with low testosterone (hypogonadism). TRT can be administered in various forms, such as injections, patches, gels and implanted pellets.
According to a study published in the Journal of Urology, TRT increases erectile function in men with hypogonadism and low testosterone, and can therefore be used as an ED treatment in this population. However, TRT is not recommended for men with normal testosterone because of the increased risk of prostate cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Other than these five options, physicians-prescribed non-medication treatments for ED are also available. They include quitting smoking, drinking less, and being active. Counselling and therapy are also helpful in treating ED in men who suffer from a mental disorder.
Remember, however, that before attempting any of these remedies, a doctor should be sought. They will be able to evaluate your condition and choose what type of treatment will work best for you. They can also rule out any other health conditions that might be triggering ED and prescribe appropriate treatments.
Conclusion:
The bottom line: Other pharmaceutically sanctioned alternatives to Viagra that have worked well for ED include Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, alprostadil, and testosterone therapy. However, the bottom line is you must consult with a doctor before trying any of these to make sure that ED is treated and managed correctly. For instance, with a health worker, a man could get a Viagra-like substitute tailored to his specific body.
