Both men and women suffer from erectile dysfunction, but it’s more common among men. The lack of desire and inability to maintain an erection can be debilitating. If you’re looking to remedy this issue, then you might want to try taking Viagra or Cialis. But how effective are these medications? Is taking either one of them a worthwhile endeavor? We spoke with Dr. Robert Bucklew, Director of Male Sexual Health at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, to get the skinny on these drugs.
What Is The Difference In Effectiveness Between Viagra And Cialis?
Let’s take a look at the differences between Viagra and Cialis medication:
- Viagra is oral medication and is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately. Cialis is usually taken as a pill, but can be injected directly into the penile tissue for more effective results.
- Viagra is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men while Cialis is usually prescribed for treating high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. The latter drug also helps men who suffer from premature ejaculation.
- Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which in turn causes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. Cialis is a serotonin receptor agonist, which works by increasing the sensitivity of serotonin receptors in the brain.
- Viagra can be taken with or without food while Cialis works best when taken on an empty stomach. The latter medication also has a longer half-life than Viagra, which means it can stay in the body for a longer period of time and be active in the bloodstream for longer.
How Effective Are Viagra And Cialis In Treating Erectile Dysfunction In Men?
Thanks to better understanding of male sexual physiology and improved methods of diagnostic testing, more and more men are being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a fairly common condition, with up to a third of males struggling with the problem. It can greatly impact a person’s quality of life, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health concerns. Thankfully, there are options for those who want to try reversing this trend, with both Viagra and Cialis offering promising results.
There is considerable evidence to suggest that Viagra can effectively treat ED in men. Studies have shown that this drug can increase the size of the erection, lengthen the time it takes for a man to achieve an erection and improve the quality of the erection. While ED can be a completely independent problem, it’s often the case that it’s a symptom of another issue. Much like heart disease, ED is often the result of a combination of poor lifestyle choices and genetic endowment. For this reason, many men benefit from taking Viagra as part of a holistic treatment plan that also involves other areas of medicine, such as cardiology and neurology.
There is also evidence to suggest that Cialis can be effective in treating ED in men. Like Viagra, Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor and works in a similar fashion, causing smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation within the penis. However, Cialis also works by increasing the sensitivity of serotonin receptors in the brain, which can help to reverse depression and anxiety. Some studies have shown that this drug can also improve the quality of erections and increase the time it takes for a man to achieve an erection. Because Cialis is a newer medication on the market, much less clinical data is available compared to Viagra. However, so far, the results of studies have been promising and many men are able to achieve satisfactory erections with this medication.
Is There A Difference In Effectiveness Between The Two Drugs?
Based on the above information, it’s clear that both Viagra and Cialis can be effective in treating ED in men. However, does this mean that one is better than the other? Not exactly. It all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on the lookout for a quick solution to your erection problems, then it’s best to try Viagra first, as it can be taken immediately and its effects are often almost immediate.
On the other hand, if you’re in search of a long-term solution to your impotence problem and want to avoid dependence on a medication, then Cialis might be a better option. Not only does this drug offer a more natural way of treating impotence, but it also has a very long shelf life and does not require refrigeration, so you can store it easily at home. Cialis is also the only oral treatment for ED that FDA has approved for use in trans-women, meaning it can be administered without the need for a surgery.
When Should You Try Viagra And Cialis, And For How Long?
As mentioned above, Viagra is usually effective when taken right away, while Cialis needs to be taken at least several hours in advance. However, these times are getting shorter as researchers continue to learn more about the medications and how they work. For instance, preliminary studies suggest that a single dose of Cialis can start impacting results as soon as 15 minutes after being administered, while a dose of Viagra can start working almost immediately. The effect of the medications wears off after 24 hours, meaning you have to take another dose to maintain the desired effects.
In some instances, patients have been able to improve their erections without the need for medication by following a specific exercise routine or using a device to stimulate blood flow to the penis. In other cases, the ED can be totally unrelated to a patient’s physical or mental health, meaning that a physician may need to run some tests to determine the root of the problem. Once this is done, a treatment plan can be drawn up and, if necessary, medications can be prescribed. In most cases, ED can be treated successfully with a combination of exercise and medication, with some patients even being able to avoid surgery and the need for a pacemaker completely. Many men have been able to improve the condition with little to no side effects, which is always a bonus.