Three of the world’s best-known and most-loved erectile dysfunction medications—Sildenafil, Cialis, and Viagra—have one thing in common: they’re all PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is). What’s more, they’re all prescription only, with the exception of Viagra, which is available as a non-prescription supplement. This article is an in-depth look at the ins-and-outs of these medications, the differences between them and which one may be right for you.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and also in the medications called Revatio, Lynq, and Spedra. It was originally developed as a treatment for angina, though it’s now been shown to have multiple uses in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Sildenafil is a medication that men can take to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Consequently, a man may achieve an erection after being sexually aroused. Sildenafil is effective for both types of erectile dysfunction (nerve-based and blood-based), and it’s also been successfully used for pulmonary hypertension and other conditions where blood flow is restricted.
Cialis
Cialis is another PDE5i and is approved for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, though it was originally developed for heart disease and diabetes. It’s been on the market for a decade and is very well-known for helping men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. It is also currently available in a new, extended-release oral tablet form called Staxyn. The original Cialis is a commonly prescribed medication and has a very high rate of patient satisfaction.
Viagra
Last but not least, let’s discuss Viagra. Viagra is available in a variety of forms, including a pill, a drop, and a sublingual spray. It’s been around for more than 30 years and is one of the most popular erectile dysfunction drugs. As the name would suggest, it was originally developed to treat erectile dysfunction in men. However, it’s also been shown to increase the effectiveness of orgasm in women, allowing them to reach an orgasm during sexual activity. Thanks to its popularity, there are now multiple generic versions of Viagra that are on the market, making it slightly more affordable for the average consumer.
As you can see, these three medications are very similar. Not only do they all treat erectile dysfunction, but they’re also all prescription-only medications, with the exception of Viagra. This similarity, however, doesn’t mean that they’re all the same. Each of these medications has its own unique qualities that make it special.
How Do They Work?
To start, let’s discuss how each of these medications works in general. All three are PDE5 inhibitors and work in a much the same way. They decrease the degradation of a key substance, known as cGMP, which encourages blood flow to the penis during sexual activity. The consequence of this increased blood flow is often an erection. This increased blood flow is useful for both men and women, but it’s been noted that women tend to experience orgasm more often while on a PDE5i than while not taking any medication at all. This is probably because nitric oxide, the chemical that PDE5 inhibitors work to enhance, is also important in causing female orgasms. For more information on this potential difference in response to treatment, consult the prescribing information for each of these medications (tablets, liquids, and sprays).
The Nitty Gritty: Differences Between Sildenafil, Cialis, and Viagra
As you’ve undoubtedly guessed by now, Sildenafil, Cialis, and Viagra are very similar in terms of their mechanism of action. This, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the same. Like I mentioned before, each of these medications has its own unique qualities that set it apart from the others. Here are some of the more significant differences between Sildenafil, Cialis, and Viagra based on the evidence available.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil has been studied more extensively than the other two medications mentioned in this article, and it’s been shown to have several advantages. First, it’s been demonstrated to be more effective in both men and women with erectile dysfunction. Second, it has a faster onset of action, meaning it will usually produce results sooner than the other two medications. Third, it has been shown to be more effective in treating patients with the most severe forms of erectile dysfunction. Fourth, it has a lower incidence of adverse reactions and drug interactions. Fifth, it has a longer half-life than the other two medications, so it remains in the body for a longer period of time. Sixth, it has been demonstrated to increase the effectiveness of orgasm in women.
Cialis
Cialis, as I mentioned before, is another popular PDE5i. It is, however, a much less-studied medication than Sildenafil and Viagra. Also, while there is evidence that Cialis is beneficial for erectile dysfunction, there is also evidence that it may not be helpful for other conditions. There is also some evidence, particularly in older studies, that Cialis has potentially severe side effects. Finally, while Sildenafil and Viagra are both available in a variety of forms, including tablets, Cialis is only available in a jelly form that has to be dissolved in the mouth.
Viagra
As I’ve already discussed, Viagra is among the most commonly prescribed and -popular medications for erectile dysfunction. It has been on the market for more than 30 years and has been extensively studied. During that time, it has been proven to be extremely effective for men with erectile dysfunction and has also been shown to increase the effectiveness of orgasm in women. One of the most significant advantages of Viagra is that it has been demonstrated to be safer than most medications prescribed for other conditions, though this does not mean that it is without risk. Finally, while Sildenafil and Cialis are both effective for erectile dysfunction, it is important to keep in mind that Viagra is the only medication that has been shown to be effective for treating premature ejaculation.
Of course, this does not mean that Sildenafil, Cialis, and Viagra are without risks. All medications, including these three, have potentially serious side effects that can happen from time to time. These risks must be weighed against the potential benefits of each medication before deciding which one is the best for you. As much as possible, you want to avoid medications that cause harm to you or your baby, so always make sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
Which One Should You Try First?
As you can see, there are a number of significant differences between Sildenafil, Cialis, and Viagra. While it would be best to try one at a time, as with most medication trials, this is not always possible. You may need to try a few different medications before finding one that is effective for you. Alternatively, you could try a combination of the three to see if it’s effective for your particular case.
Ultimately, the decision to which medication you should try depends on your personal preferences, your medical history, and the type of erectile dysfunction you have. There are a variety of medications that can be effective for different types of patients. Remember, however, that the best treatment for your case may not be the same as the best treatment for someone else.