With its trademark little blue pill, Viagra is probably the most well-known treatment for erectile dysfunction in the world. Yet while Viagra works brilliantly for many men, it might not be right for everyone.
If the treatment isn't suitable for you or you're struggling with the side effects of Viagra, don't worry.
In this guide, we'll walk you through a range of Viagra alternatives to help you find the best solution for your body.
Medicine alternatives
1. Sildenafil (generic/unbranded Viagra)
If the price of Viagra is what’s holding you back, why not try generic sildenafil? It contains the same active ingredient as Viagra (meaning it’s just as effective!), but it’s a lot cheaper as it doesn’t have the branded label attached.
If you don’t want to wait for a prescription, Viagra also has an over the counter alternative: Viagra Connect. It contains the same active ingredient, sildenafil, but it’s only available in the standard strength dose (50mg).
3. Cialis and Cialis Together (tadalafil)
One of the main brand-name alternatives to Viagra is Cialis.
It contains the active ingredient tadalafil, which works in the same way as other erectile dysfunction medicines by relaxing the blood vessels leading to the penis, allowing more blood flow when you’re sexually aroused.
“The main difference between Cialis and Viagra is that Cialis lasts a lot longer. Viagra typically only stays in your system for up to six hours, whereas Cialis lasts for an impressive 36 hours after use.
“This longer window means you don’t need to schedule sex, which many men find takes the pressure off.
“If you’re looking for an erectile dysfunction treatment that you can get over the counter, Cialis Together is a great option. It contains the same active ingredient but is only available in a 10mg dose.”
Levitra is a well-established ED medication containing vardenafil as its active ingredient. You’ll need to take it 60 minutes before sex, with the effects lasting between four and six hours. High-fat meals can slow down how quickly it kicks in, which is something to consider.
Spedra is another prescription tablet for ED, and it contains the active ingredient avanafil. Although its effects only last for around four hours, it starts working in as little as 20 minutes, making it faster than Viagra.
If spontaneity matters to you, Spedra could be an ideal option.
6. Penis pumps and tension rings
Penis pumps (also called vacuum erection devices) are a drug-free option for treating erectile dysfunction. They work by creating a vacuum or suction around the penis, drawing in blood and ultimately helping you to achieve an erection.
Many men find it easier to maintain an erection if they also slip on a tension ring around the base of the penis to ensure it stays firm during sex. You can also use them alongside other ED treatments.
Ginseng is often talked about as a natural alternative to Viagra, and there's some science behind it. It may help promote the release of nitric oxide in your body, which triggers blood vessels to dilate.
This means more blood can flow into the penis, potentially improving your erection. While it's not as potent as prescription medications, some men find it helpful as a gentler, natural option, especially if they can’t take erectile dysfunction tablets.
8. Horny goat weed (epimedium)
Horny goat weed is a traditional Chinese medicine that’s been used for centuries, and is another natural option some men might like to try for their ED. The theory is that it may help improve blood flow to the penis by inhibiting PDE5, the same enzyme that medicines like Viagra target.
9. L-Arginine
L-Arginine is another natural alternative to Viagra that may improve blood flow in people with erectile dysfunction.
10. Watermelon
Watermelon contains the amino acid L-Citrulline, which is thought to improve blood flow by the widening vessels, making it a potentially effective way to treat erectile dysfunction.
11. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains flavanols and plant nutrients, which may increase blood flow. It also has the ability to help your body produce nitric oxide, which can help with erections.
12. Oat straw
Sometimes, erectile dysfunction can come from a lack of energy. Oat straw uses its antidepressant and restorative properties to help boost your sexual stamina.
13. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice may help with your symptoms. It’s high in antioxidants and can help to maintain healthy blood circulation. It may also increase the amount of nitric oxide in your bloodstream, which is needed for the muscles in the penis to relax.
Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction
14. Keeping a healthy, balanced diet
Since erectile dysfunction is often linked to blood flow issues, keeping your blood vessels healthy matters. Eating healthier and avoiding foods that contain high fats can reduce your risk of vascular issues caused by high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, and obesity.
15. Quit smoking
When you stop smoking, your blood circulation improves, which means blood can flow more easily to the penis during sex. Beyond the bedroom benefits, giving up smoking also reduces your risk of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.
16. Healthy sleeping patterns
Not getting enough sleep can contribute to erectile dysfunction by affecting your circulation and impacting on testosterone levels. You should aim for around seven to nine hours each night to keep your body functioning properly.
To get a better night's sleep, try and create a regular sleep schedule. You should also create a relaxing bedtime routine and keep your room dark, quiet, and cool.
17. Cut down on alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with your nervous system, which is why drinking too much can cause ED. If you cut out alcohol completely, you could see improvement in around three months.
How does mental health cause ED?
Your mental health can play a huge role when it comes to erectile dysfunction. Things like depression, stress, and anxiety are all closely linked to ED, and it's more common than you might think.
When you're stressed, you might notice your sex drive taking a hit. Even if you can get an erection, maintaining it can become a struggle when your mind's preoccupied with other worries.
Anxiety can make it difficult to feel aroused in the first place. And the struggle to get an erection can then contribute to sexual performance anxiety. The good news is that erectile dysfunction caused by anxiety is usually temporary and often improves once you've worked through what's stressing you out.
Depression affects ED differently. It disrupts the chemical balance in your brain, which can reduce your desire for sex altogether. If you're dealing with depression, it's worth speaking to your GP as treating the underlying cause often helps improve erectile function.
Which Viagra alternative is best for me?
“If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction, it's worth having a chat with your doctor or a healthcare professional before trying to treat it yourself. They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing your symptoms.
“Finding the right alternative to Viagra can take a bit of time. What works for one person might not be the answer for you, so don't be discouraged if the first thing you try isn't quite right. Sometimes, it's a case of trial and error until you find what suits you.”
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