What are the alternatives to viagra?
Viagra is a well-known drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This is a distressing and common condition in which a man is not able to achieve or maintain a full penile erection.
Research indicates that erectile dysfunction affects over 12 million men in the United States each year. Although the frequency of this problem increases with age, it is not confined to older adults.
There are many alternatives to Viagra that can improve or reverse the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. These options include drugs, medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and alternative remedies.
This article introduces the options available for treating erectile dysfunction.
Drug alternatives
There are several alternatives to Viagra available to men with erectile dysfunction.
Oral medications
There are many alternative oral medications to viagra.
Oral drugs, including Viagra, are frequently the first course of treatment for men with erectile dysfunction.
Alternative, prescription-only PDE5 inhibitors to Viagra include:
Vardenafil: Sold under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn, this drug is available in tablet and disintegrating tablet form. To be effective, take vardenafil one hour before sex. It can be effective for up to 7 hours.
Tadalafil: Available under the brand names Adcirca and Cialis, take tadalafil between 1 to 2 hours before sex. These tablets function for 36 hours.
Avanafil: Marketed in the U.S. as Stendra, take avanafil tablets 15 to 30 minutes before sex. The effects can last up to 6 hours.
Non-oral drugs
Alternatives to oral medications include:
Penile self-injections: Ceratin medications, such as alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine, can be injected directly into the side or base of the penis. These can help achieve or maintain an erection for up to 40 minutes.
Urethral suppository: Very small alprostadil suppositories can be placed in the penile urethra using a special applicator. This stimulates an erection within 10 minutes that can last for up to 60 minutes.
Testosterone replacement: A doctor may suggest this treatment for men whose erectile dysfunction is linked to low levels of testosterone. The testosterone hormone can be delivered by a variety of methods, including injection, patch, or oral medication.
Other medical treatments
There may be some men for whom medication is unsuitable, either because of other medical conditions or another reason. In these situations, other medical treatments may be suggested.
Vacuum erection devices are hollow tubes also known as penis pumps. They are attached to a hand- or battery-operated pump and work by drawing blood into the penis. They help a man to achieve an erection that he can maintain using a tension ring.
Implants are inflatable or bendable rods that are surgically implanted into the erection chambers of the penis. Doctors will usually only recommend this type of treatment as a last resort.
A qualified healthcare professional must deliver these treatments.
Herbs and supplements
Several dietary supplements, herbal preparations, and food products are sold as remedies for erectile dysfunction.
Some alternative herbal treatments, which have shown positive results in small studies, are also available. Some herbs that are generally considered to be safe and are available to purchase online include:
DHEA
ginseng
L-arginine
propionyl-L-carnitine
However, be careful when purchasing or consuming any alternative products, including those that claim to be herbal versions of Viagra.