Penile erection is what makes sex possible in the first place, caused by direct or indirect sexual stimulation. Failure or difficulty to exhibit a penile erection is understandable if it happens once in a while. However, if the difficulty lasts for more than one month, it is advisable that you seek immediate medical help. The reason is that, there is a high probability that you may be suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), which is basically inability or difficulty of a man to maintain a firm erection during sexual intercourse. This is a nice way of referring to impotence because without an erection, sexual intercourse and resulting ejaculation cannot be realized.  

According to a study conducted by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an estimated 30 million men in America suffer from ED. Most victims are aged between 40 and 70. To be precise, 12 % of the affected population are men younger than 60 years, 22% of the affected persons are men aged 60 and 30% are men who are above 70 years. These figures keep varying because most affected patients don’t disclose their conditions for personal reasons.

Young men below the age of 40 are also at risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. The leading causes of ED in young men are stress and use of drugs as well as alcohol consumption. In the case of the older men, the primary reasons for their ED are health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Influenced by the high ED prevalence, there are many drugs that have been introduced over the years to manage the condition.

Viagra Sildenafil

Viagra Generic is classified under the PDE-5 inhibitors. Majority assume that Viagra’s role is to trigger sexual arousal in men. Contrary to this misconception, the drug’s primary purpose is to improve a man’s erectile response when sexually stimulated. To understand the mechanism of this medicine, it is necessary that you understand the natural mechanism of erection. When a man gets sexually aroused, the erectile tissue of the penis through the nervous system releases nitric oxide (NO), which in turn stimulates an enzyme responsible for production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which causes two significant effects.

On a recent study conducted by Meds4sure in 2018, the first effect of cGMP is to dilate penile arteries which then leads to easier and more flow of blood into the penis. Secondly, cGMP ensure that the erectile tissue is full of blood to maintain a firm erection. Viagra is a small blue pill which is very effective and last for 4-6 hours. Its effectiveness depends on many factors but majorly food, alcohol and sexual stimulation. The drug should be taken an hour before sexual intercourse on an empty stomach. The drug’s effect is felt between 36 and 60 minutes upon consumption. You also have to be aroused for the drug to work best.

Alternative drugs for erectile dysfunction

Viagra remains the best drug for handling erectile dysfunction. Attributing to this fact is its test with other similar drugs where it proved to promote significant improvement. However, the medicine is not suitable for everyone due to some of the ingredients it contains, which are responsible for some side effects. As a result, a number of alternative medicines have been invented over time, including but not limited to Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil, and Alpostradil.

1. Tadalafil

Commonly known as Cialis, Tadalafil is an oral tablet that is believed to boost penile erection for up to 36 hours. Unlike Viagra, the effect of Cialis is not felt immediately; it actually takes about half an hour for one to feel its effect. Typically, one may be advised to start with a low dose of just 10mg. However, this dose is can be increased or decreased depending on how your body responds to the treatment. It is advisable that you only take Tadalafil when needed. There is also a once per day tablet, which is 2mg, with or without food.

2. Vardenafil

There are two types of Vardenafil namely, Levitra and Staxyn. Levitra should be taken an hour before anticipated sexual activity. Similar to Cialis, Levitra is an oral tablet that should be taken only once in a day, and the starting dose is 10mg, with or without food. This doesn’t apply for Staxyn, because it is not swallowed with water but through dissolution. It is simply placed on the tongue and allowed time to dissolve without crashing or splitting. One of the main advantages of Staxyn is that it can be taken as many times as possible in a day as long as it is an hour before expected sexual activity. It can as well be taken with or without food.

3. Avanafil

Avanafil, otherwise referred to as Stendra, is an oral tablet used to manage erectile dysfunction. It is among the ED drugs with the highest mg concentration; the least amount of Stendra prescription is 50mg, but there exist 100mg and 200 mg Avanafil tablets. The drug should be taken 15-30 minutes before engaging in a sexual activity, and can be taken as many times as possible in a day, with or without food.

4. Alprostadil

Alprostadil is also referred to as Carvejet. Unlike the other drugs, this medicine is administered intravenously through an injection with a prescription. The drug is associated with serious side effects like penis deformation and long painful erection that can last up to six hours.

Conclusion

Most men choose erectile dysfunction drugs depending on how active they are sexually. In as much as this aspect is essential to consider, your doctor will focus more on how you respond to therapy. Common side effects to expect include mild headaches, muscle pains, back pains, flushing, stomach upsets, and a running nose.

Viagra Sildenafil has many alternatives. However, in as much as the effect of some of the above of drugs might resemble, the truth is that, each is different in its own ways. Before using, it is recommended that you take time to compare and understand each well. It is highly recommended that you consult and rely on your doctor’s instructions; the physician and/or pharmacist knows best.