Viagra (sildenafil), a phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitor (PDE-5), took the world by storm when it was introduced to the world in 1998 as the first oral erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. Viagra’s success inspired various pharmaceutical companies to expand the ED treatment market, which has led to the production of the many PDE-5 inhibitor alternatives we have access to today.
One such alternative is Cialis (tadalafil), which although belongs to the same family of medicines as Viagra, has some very distinct differences.
And so, the inevitable question stands in the minds of healthcare professionals and users alike: is Viagra better than Cialis? Or is there a better, natural alternative out there?
Viagra: the good parts
ED is a common condition characterized by the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient to perform acts of sexual intercourse. The condition that affects the lives of many people with penises can arise as a result of several factors, both psychological and physiological, and significantly impact the overall well-being of the affected individual and their partner(s).
Introducing, Viagra.
Like other treatments in its class, Viagra works by improving blood flow to the penis when an individual is aroused, thereby making it easier to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
It lasts for approximately 4 hours, give or take, and kicks into effect in about an hour.
Viagra can be beneficial in people with ED, proving to considerably enhance their sexual experience and enjoyment.
How? Simply put – it keeps you going, and rids you of the fear of not being able to “get it up”.
Viagra doesn’t, however, provoke a psychoactive response. Taking Viagra will in no way affect your mental well-being (depending on how you react to the medication), although it can boost a user’s sexual confidence which, in most cases, leads to a more enjoyable time in the bedroom (or wherever your fantasies take you).
And the bad:
As with all pharmacological treatments, Viagra comes with side effects and contraindications. Given the mechanism of action of viagra and its ability to dilate blood vessels, users with a history of cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure may need to speak with a licensed healthcare provider before undergoing treatment. Viagra can reduce blood pressure below therapeutic targets, which can be dangerous for some.
Aside from its cardiovascular effects, Viagra has been shown to cause persistent, painful erections (priapism), damage to the optic and auditory nerves, and headaches. Any side effects experienced should be reported to an appropriate healthcare professional immediately so that they can be responded to accordingly.
Lastly, and not to put a downer on Viagra’s benefits, this “wonder drug” unfortunately won’t make you last longer in bed. Yes, it does allow you to maintain an erection for a far longer period than normal, but Viagra does not affect the time it takes to reach an orgasm.
Cialis: the upside
Cialis is the second-most popular pharmacological treatment in the United States. It works, similarly to Viagra, by increasing blood flow to the penis through mechanisms that relax smooth muscles in the penile chambers which result in longer, firmer erections.
Aside from its benefits in ED, Cialis can also be used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia – a condition that typically affects men aged 45-75, and causes changes in urinary processes.
The effects of Cialis last longer than Viagra. It allows users to benefit from the drug for 24-36 hours after administration, thereby removing the “planning phase” and promoting spontaneity.
And the downside:
Again, side effects with Cialis can occur. Common side effects attributed to the drug are mostly mild and manageable, whereas rare side effects can result in complications that warrant immediate medical attention. We advise all those taking a PDE-5 inhibitor to seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor if they happen to experience any serious side effects such as a drop in blood pressure, changes in vision, hearing loss, painful erections, tinnitus, and trouble breathing.
Viagra vs Cialis: a personal preference?
Where previously the decision on choosing a PDE-5 inhibitor relied heavily on availability and price, the change in times has allowed for the production of generic alternatives to both Cialis and Viagra (tadalafil and sildenafil, respectively) which are deemed as cost-effective and just as efficacious as their branded counterpart.
For the most part, both medications work in the same way and have similar side effect profiles. The main difference? Time. Cialis exerts its effects up to 4x longer than Viagra, which makes it an attractive option for those who don’t want to plan their romantic activities preemptively.
On the other hand, those who are wary of accidental arousal (it happens to the best of us) may opt for the use of Viagra instead. A discussion with your healthcare professional can help you make the right choice depending on your individual preferences.
Acoustic Wave Therapy: An All-Natural Alternative
If individuals are limited by the side effects and contraindications of PED-5 inhibitors, they can benefit from alternative ED treatments.
One ED treatment alternative proven to provide effective long-lasting relief is acoustic wave therapy. It works by fighting against the lack of blood flow that initially results in ED.
By using non-invasive, low-intensity acoustic waves, this cutting-edge treatment can facilitate the natural formation of new blood vessels in the penis.
These new blood vessels help improve blood flow and prevent blood flow back, thereby helping individuals maintain a stronger erection for a long period.
Acoustic wave therapy benefits, including its ability to produce long-lasting effects for 3 years and beyond, are:
- No downtime – individuals who opt for this ED treatment can return to performing regular daily activities almost immediately after their procedure.
- No side effects – unlike pharmacological therapies for ED, acoustic wave therapy side effects are virtually zero, aside from mild discomfort during the procedure which is most often manageable.
- High success rates – studies have proved that acoustic wave therapy produced significant improvements in people with mild ED.
The natural way to “keep it up”
Acoustic wave therapy gives hope to all people with penises who wish to experience sexual satisfaction despite their struggles with ED.
We provide a free initial consultation for those who can’t tolerate traditional oral treatments or wish for a natural remedy to their ED.