If you’re thinking about trying erectile dysfunction medication (EDM), then the number of options can seem overwhelming. There are so many different brands and varieties to choose from, and while they’re all effective, some are more suitable for specific situations than others.
Here, we’ll discuss the differences between Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, and which one is better for you.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a medication that increases blood flow to the penis and improves erectile function. It works by preventing certain chemicals in the body from degrading the effectiveness of nitric oxide, a chemical that is naturally released in the body during sexual arousal. As a result, you will have a longer-lasting erection that is more suitable for intercourse.
Viagra is a prescription medication and is available only to those who need it. It can be effective at relieving ED symptoms, but it is not a cure for the condition. In many cases, it can help to improve the quality of life for men with erectile dysfunction who are unable to have satisfying sexual intercourse with a partner.
When should you try Viagra?
The best times to try Viagra are:
- At the beginning of the day, before you get too busy
- Shortly before or after you eat breakfast
- When you first wake up in the morning
- After you exercise
- After you drink alcohol
- If the symptoms bother you during the day, then take it when you can
- If you’ll be in a different time zone than your partner (for example, you’re in San Francisco and they’re in Los Angeles), then take it before you leave so that you can connect with them while you’re apart
- If your doctor has suggested that you try a different EDM, then try it before you try Viagra
- Do not take Viagra if you take certain medications, such as nitrates or alpha-blockers
How effective is Viagra?
According to a 2016 review published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, “Viagra is the most commonly prescribed ED medication worldwide and, as such, is included in virtually all clinical trials on the subject.”
The study, which examined data from 11 clinical trials that included 4,566 participants, found that Viagra is more effective than placebo (an inactive substance used to disguise the identity of the medication) in improving erectile function in men with ED. In addition, the findings suggested that Viagra is more effective than an oral placebo and is as effective as a popular brand of generic ED medication, known as sildenafil citrate (Viagra is the only medication compared in the study to sildenafil citrate).
What’s the difference between Viagra and Levitra?
As we’ve established, Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction, and it does so by increasing blood flow to the penis and improving erectile function. Levitra, on the other hand, is used to treat male erectile dysfunctions, especially in cases where the dysfunction is attributed to nerve damage or depression. It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, which increases the flow of blood to the penis during sexual arousal.
Although both medications can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction, there are some significant differences in how they work. Typically, people who are prescribed Viagra go on to suffer from insomnia and headaches, while those who are prescribed Levitra may experience upset stomach and flushing. Also, whereas Viagra acts on the body’s natural chemicals to achieve its desired effects, Levitra is a non-chemical substance.
According to the medical journal Sexual Medicine Reviews, “The key differences between the two medications are in how they are administered and in what they are used to treat. While Viagra is taken orally, Levitra is usually applied directly to the base of the penis or to the vagina during sex to treat male or female erectile dysfunction, respectively.”
Is Viagra better than Cialis?
The final major EDM on our list is Cialis, which is available in both oral and sublingual forms. While we’ve already discussed how Viagra improves erectile function, Cialis is another medicine that is often associated with increased blood flow to the penis. Similar to Viagra, Cialis can be effective for men and women who suffer from erectile dysfunction, but it is usually prescribed for men with impotence (inability to become sexually aroused or achieve a sustained erection).
The oral form of Cialis can be taken just before sexual activity, while the sublingual version can be dissolved under the tongue before swallowing. The drug is absorbed directly into the blood stream and allows for faster absorption than most other ED medications, which can make it more effective.
While oral Cialis can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction, it can cause nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea in some users. This is why it is not usually a recommended first-line therapy for ED (except in cases where the dysfunction is caused by recent surgery or injury). In most cases, Cialis is used in combination with other treatments, especially when the symptoms are more severe or when the condition is caused by nerve damage or major depression.
If you’re interested in trying a medication for erectile dysfunction, then we recommend first trying one of the popularly prescribed ED drugs known as sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra). If these don’t work for you, then you should try Cialis, but only after you’ve tried and failed to treat the dysfunction with the other two medications.
In most cases, ED is an issue that can be successfully treated with medication or therapy. However, in some cases, especially in severe cases or cases where the dysfunction is caused by a medical condition or use of certain medications, surgery may be the only effective option. In these cases, your surgeon will work with you to find the best treatment for you based on your specific situation.