You take a look at a drugstore near you and you’ll most likely see many different brands of erectile dysfunction medications, including Viagra. Its yellow, diamond-shaped capsule looks very different from the red, rectangular pill shape of competitor Cialis.
While there’s no denying that Viagra is a great drug, with millions of users all over the world, there are also many different generic alternatives available. Knowing how the drug looks and feels in pill form can help you determine whether or not it is the right choice for your needs.
Here’s a short comparison guide that will help you understand the differences between various Viagra products and their associated strengths and properties.
How Do Viagra Capsules Look Like?
As mentioned above, there are many variations of Viagra, meaning that each tablet or capsule will look slightly different from the next. To avoid any confusion, let’s take a quick look at how Viagra looks in general.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, which is a substance derived from the flowering plant species vingfaat. Sildenafil citrate is widely available and very effective in treating erectile dysfunction. It’s also the key component of another popular prescription medication, Revatio.
Sildenafil citrate looks like this.
In the above image, you can see that it’s a yellow, oval shaped tablet (actually, it’s a little rounder than an oval). Looking at it is easy – anyone can tell what it is just by looking at it. There is no need for a drug manufacturer to add any branding to it, as everyone knows exactly what it is.
As mentioned above, Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in two well-known erectile dysfunction medications, Viagra and Revatio. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), which is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. The inhibition of the enzyme prevents the degradation of the cGMP, resulting in enhanced erectile potency. When taken as prescribed, Viagra and Revatio can increase sexual desire and erection quality among men with erectile dysfunction. Although they are both effective in the same way, they are still prescribed and sold as separate medications because of their different tastes – with more and more men choosing to avoid the unpleasant aftertaste of some medications.
Is Viagra Better Than Sex Therapy For Erectile Dysfunction?
There is still much stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction, largely due to the fact that it’s still considered a ‘problem’ rather than a ‘disease’. Some men feel embarrassment or anxiety around discussing their low libido or poor erectile function with their doctor. Many doctors are not comfortable prescribing anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications as a first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. It’s not that these medications don’t help, but there are safer and more effective ways to treat this issue. It is also considered a less ‘masculine’ behavior to be ‘deficient’ in bedding women – an issue that most men worry about when faced with the prospect of having an ‘old-age problem’ in bedding women. It’s still considered a bit of a taboo to talk about your struggles in bed with your partner.
The good news is that there are alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction – ones that don’t involve taking on a third party (such as a pharmacist or physician). These treatments often involve lifestyle changes, especially eating well and getting some exercise. Sometimes it can also help to temporarily self-inject with vasodilators if the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction is arterial sclerosis or stenosis. Self-injection is not a permanent solution and it should not be used without medical advice. It’s also very important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor before undertaking any kind of self-treatment. It’s sad to hear that many doctors still don’t ‘get’ the connection between sexual dysfunction and depression – but it’s true. Many men with erectile dysfunction and poor libido also have low self-esteem, which can make them more vulnerable to depression.
What Is The Difference Between Viagra, Cialis, And Levitra?
The above diagram shows the differences between the three most popular ED medications – Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. If you’re wondering, Levitra is a combination of vardenafil and leviterol that increases the effectiveness of each medication. It’s basically the same as Cialis, but it comes in a tablet form rather than a liquid that you have to swallow. As you can see, the three are quite different in appearance – particularly the gray Viagra capsule versus the reddish-brown Cialis and Levitra tablets. Knowing how these medications look and feel in pill form can help you understand which one is best suited for your needs.
What Is The Difference Between Viagra And Cialis?
Viagra and Cialis are both popular prescriptions for erectile dysfunction – with many people preferring the former, especially with its yellow, diamond-shaped capsule. However, there are differences between the two that you should be aware of before making a choice.
The first and most obvious difference is the taste. Cialis is, literally, tasteless and has no aftertaste, while Viagra has a highly unpleasant one. Some men find that the aftertaste of Viagra is so strong that it is almost impossible for them to digest food alongside it. While this may be uncommon, it’s still a point to consider if you’re one of the many people who can’t stomach the stench of the powder form of the drug. Another difference between the two is the size of the pill – with Viagra being a smaller tablet than Cialis. Some men report that taking bigger pills helps with erectile dysfunction, so if you’re among these people, you may want to try a larger dose of Viagra to see if it works for you.
In Conclusion
It’s amazing to think that almost 20 years ago, Viagra was originally approved as a treatment for angina and then it became a treatment for erectile dysfunction, bringing an end to the ‘million dollar erection’. While that may be true, it is also important to realize that there are other viable ED treatments available – ones that don’t necessarily involve taking on a pharmaceutical company.
For more information on Viagra and erectile dysfunction, visit the American Urological Association (Urology Association) or the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Also, if you’re interested in pursuing natural remedies for erectile dysfunction, you may want to read Dr. Doug Laughlin’s guide to natural cures for erectile dysfunction or consider visiting your local library and reading “Vaginal Suppositories: The Secret History of Injection Lovemaking” by Violet Evergale.