There is no denying that Viagra has changed the way men and women look at erectile dysfunction and lovemaking. First introduced to US physicians in 1998, the pill was designed to be a better alternative for men who couldn’t achieve or maintain an erection. Viagra is most effective when taken at or around the same time as the other drugs in the PDE5 family (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors), most notably Cialis and Levitra. It worked by increasing blood flow to the penis and, as a result, the size of the erection. The more blood flowing to the penis, the more erectile dysfunction it was believed to overcome. While all of these medications are very effective at treating erectile dysfunction, they are all quite different from one another.
How Do They Work?
Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, a chemical compound that can help relax blood vessels in the lungs and, therefore, increase the blood flow to the penis.
Cialis is another popular erectile dysfunction medication used to treat the condition as well as other sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation and low libido. Cialis is a type of vardenafil, which is a chemical substance that acts on the same area of the brain that Viagra does. The two medications are fairly similar in that they both increase blood flow to the penis and, as a result, generate an erection.
Which One Is Safer?
“Safer” in this case refers to the side effects that each of these compounds share. Side effects from Viagra include headache, flushing, and upset stomach. Common side effects from Cialis include upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. While some men may experience these side effects from a single dose of Viagra or Cialis, others may experience them after multiple doses. In rare cases, men taking these medications have experienced a decreased sensitivity to pain, which makes them feel as though they are undergoing an amputation even when undergoing minor medical procedures (e.g., stitches, dental work, etc.). Other less serious side effects include skin rashes and, in some instances, blue coloration of the lips or tongue. If your doctor has suggested that you try any of these medications, they should be taken for the shortest time possible and only as directed.
Which One Is More Effective?
This is a difficult question to answer since there is no concrete evidence to suggest which drug is better. While Viagra has been around longer and, thus, has more published data to support its effectiveness, Cialis was recently approved in the United States and, thus, has the potential to be more effective than its older brother.
From what we know at this point, it seems that both medications are quite effective at treating erectile dysfunction. In fact, according to a survey of American physicians published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, nearly 95% of all respondents said that they would prescribe either drug to a patient with erectile dysfunction, and 76% would prescribe both drugs. The most common reason for preferring a combination therapy was due to the increased efficacy that the combination offered over a single-drug therapy. Even 10% of respondents were unsure which drug was more effective, so they opted to prescribe both in order to provide the best chance of treatment.
Which Is More Accepted By Society?
According to a JAMA Internal Medicine study published in 2016, approximately 40.7 million men in the U.S. suffer from erectile dysfunction, which is more than the number of women (approximately 7.2 million) who experience the same condition. This may suggest that there is still a big stigma surrounding male sexual dysfunction. However, in recent years, there has been a huge rise in the number of men and women seeking help for sexual dysfunction, which is likely due to a rise in the visibility of this topic and, more importantly, the efficacy of the solutions. If you’re one of the millions of men who experience erectile dysfunction, chances are, you’ve heard of Viagra or Cialis. And if not, it’s probably time you should have.
While all three of these medications are very effective at helping men with erectile dysfunction, it’s important to keep in mind that they are all quite different from one another. If you’re unsure which one is the best suited for your individual needs, it might be wise to consult with a specialist. With a little bit of research and a lot of patience, you should be able to find the best ED treatment for you.