Sildenafil (the chemical compound that is the active ingredient in Viagra) has been shown to improve blood flow to the penis and is sometimes effective in treating erectile dysfunction (impotence). However, for some men it may not be the answer they are looking for.
Viagra, and drugs like it, work for about 70% of men that take them. If you are one of the 30% that sildenafil does not help, there are still options for you. Although Viagra has helped to changed the face of medicine, it is far from perfect. Fortunately, there are now alternatives to Viagra that can help you to overcome your impotence and live the life you deserve to live.
In this article, we will discuss some of the possible causes of sildenafil failure and the alternative treatments that can help you to improve your sex life.
Why Does Sildenafil Not Work For Me?
There are many reasons why sildenafil may not work for you. First, it is vital that you take the drug at the correct dosage. Too much or too little can make the drug ineffective. Your doctor may also have advised you to stop taking certain other medications or supplements before you begin treatment with sildenafil. It is also possible that your impotence is caused by a physical problem that cannot be helped by medication, and you should consult a doctor for an evaluation.
If you are taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction and have an adverse reaction to it, stop taking it and talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. If your impotence is caused by a nerve problem, your doctor may be able to help you. Your doctor may also be able to suggest other medications or treatments that can help to improve your sex life.
Are There Any Side Effects To Sildenafil?
Even at the recommended dosage, sildenafil has some very serious side effects. These include increased blood pressure, headaches, and nosebleeds. If you experience these side effects, you should discontinue the use of sildenafil and consult your doctor, who may be able to prescribe you something else. Luckily, these side effects are very rare and are usually mild. Still, it is best to be aware of them and discontinue use of the medication if you experience them.
Another very serious but uncommon side effect of sildenafil is priapism. This is an erection that lasts more than four hours and may require medical attention. If you experience priapism, you should seek immediate medical help and discontinue use of sildenafil.
How Effective Is Sildenafil In Treating Erectile Dysfunction?
So, how effective is sildenafil in treating erectile dysfunction? It depends on what you mean by effective. Sildenafil is very effective in the treatment of organic erectile dysfunction (as in diabetes or liver problems). It is not that effective in treating psychological impotence (as in alcoholism or depression). It should also be noted that not all men will experience the same level of improvement with sildenafil treatment. Finally, it should be mentioned that not all measures of effectiveness are created equal. Some men may find that sildenafil improves their sex life a great deal while others may not notice much difference at all.
Still, in terms of average effectiveness, sildenafil is very good. About 70% of men will notice some improvement with the medication. If you are one of the 30% that does not experience any relief, it may be that you are not taking the correct dosage for your body weight or that the drug is not working in harmony with other medications that you are taking. You should consult your doctor to determine the root cause of your impotence.
Are There Any Over-the-Counter Medications That Are As Effective As Sildenafil?
Yes, there are several OTC medications that are just as effective as sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. One of the best alternatives to sildenafil is vardenafil. It is a potent medication that is known to increase blood flow to the penis and is sometimes effective in treating erectile dysfunction. The major downside to vardenafil is that it does not work for everyone and can cause headaches and flushing. Men who experience these side effects may experience less improvement than those who do not.
Another OTC medication that can be an effective alternative to sildenafil is bimatoprost. This is a prostaglandin derivative that has been shown to elevate the blood pressure of men, causing blood flow to the penis. Still, the side effects of bimatoprost include headaches and flushing which can also be a problem for some men taking sildenafil. The combination of sildenafil and bimatoprost can help to treat both psychological and organic erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil is a remarkable drug. It has helped to change the face of medicine and has been shown to be very effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, for some men it may not be the answer they are looking for. There are still alternatives to Sildenafil that can help to improve your sex life. If you are one of the 30% of men that sildenafil does not help, there are still options available for you. Consult your doctor to determine the root cause of your impotence and to help you find an alternative treatment that can help you to experience better sex.