Alternatives to Viagra

What is Viagra (sildenafil)? It is one of the most common medications for erectile dysfunction, however there is always a Viagra alternative (ED).

If this treatment isn’t suitable for you or you can’t tolerate the Viagra side effects, then a Viagra alternative might be your best bet. There are other medications such as Spedra, Levitra and Cialis (tadalafil) that might be able to help.

There has been a debate over Cialis vs Viagra, but knowing which medication is right depends on the person.

Erectile dysfunction causes embarrassment and stress in men, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you don’t want to take medication you can try gel for erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction gel is another alternative to Viagra.

Causes of erectile dysfunction can be different for each man. This can play a role in how you go about treating it.

Medication

Cialis

So, what is Cialis? Cialis is a prescription drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil.

When used as treatment for erectile dysfunction, Cialis relaxes the blood vessels that lead to the penis to create more blood flow.

It should be taken before sexual intercourse and it has the ability to work for up to 36 hours after you have taken it.

^[1]

Common side effects of Cialis include:

• Headaches
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Facial flushing and hot flushes
• Indigestion 
• Stuffy nose
• Muscle aches

The main difference between Cialis and Viagra is that Cialis lasts a lot longer. Viagra is known to only last for up to 5 hours.

Spedra

Spedra is another one of the most commonly used ED medications. It treats ED with its ability to increase blood flow to the penis allowing you to maintain an erection. However, it doesn’t treat any underlying health conditions that are causing your erectile dysfunction.

The effects of Spedra can last for up to 4 hours. If it is taken with food then there might be a delay in how fast the medication works.

If you have any medical conditions that require you to take nicorandil (used to treat angina) or nitrates then this medication may not be suitable for you due to possible drug interactions.

Common side effects of Spedra include:

• Facial flushing
• Headaches
• Nasal/sinus congestion
• Indigestion
• Palpitations
• Blurred vision

Spedra is a quicker treatment than Viagra. It can take as little as 20 minutes for it to take effect.

Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction

If medication isn’t suitable for you or you don’t want to take medication for erectile dysfunction then you can try natural remedies as treatment for ED. Remember, natural remedies might not be immediate so you should be prepared to give them time to work.

Keeping a healthy, balanced diet

As erectile dysfunction is related to a blood flow issue, it is important to keep your blood vessels healthy.

Eating healthier foods and trying to avoid foods that contain high fats can reduce your risk of vascular issues that are caused by high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels and obesity.

^[2]

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking has the ability to improve erectile dysfunction. Quitting smoking can improve your blood circulation, making it easier to move into your penis during sex.

Not only can quitting smoking help improve your sex life but it can reduce the risk of multiple health issues.

Healthy sleeping patterns

Lack of sleep can lead to poor circulation and erectile dysfunction. You should aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night to maintain a healthy sleeping pattern.

To get a better night's sleep, try to create a regular sleep schedule. You should also create a relaxing bedtime routine and keep your room dark, quiet and cool.

Cut down on alcohol

As alcohol can affect the response of your central nervous system, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. It is possible to reverse erectile dysfunction that has been caused by too much alcohol.

Limiting the amount of alcohol can help you with your symptoms. If you cut out alcohol completely it will take around 3 months before you see signs of improvement.

How does mental health cause ED?

Your mental health can play a huge role when it comes to erectile dysfunction. Depression, stress and anxiety are all linked to erectile dysfunction.

If you are struggling with stress you might notice that your sex drive decreases. You might find that even if you are able to get an erection, you struggle to maintain it.

Feeling anxious can make it difficult to get aroused. Usually, erectile dysfunction caused by anxiety is only short-term.

Men who have depression struggle with erectile dysfunction because the chemicals in the brain become out of balance meaning there is less desire for sex.

Natural alternatives to Viagra

Ginseng

Ginseng can be used as a natural alternative to Viagra. It can help to promote the release of nitric oxide which triggers blood vessel dilation. This in turn helps more blood flow into the penis, improving your erection.

Horny goat weed

Horny goat weed is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries. It can be used to help with erectile dysfunction with its potentially positive effects on blood flow to the penis. It has been suggested that it inhibits the effects of PDE5.

Arginine

Arginine is another natural alternative to Viagra that may improve the blood flow in people with erectile dysfunction.

The herbal supplement is recommended for those who have mild symptoms.

Watermelon

Watermelon contains the compound citrulline. Citrulline is thought to improve the blood flow by widening vessels, making it a potentially effective way to treat erectile dysfunction.

Citrulline can also help to stimulate enzymes which can assist with increased blood flow.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavanols and plant nutrients which may increase your blood flow. It also has the ability to help your body produce nitric oxide which can help with erections.

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.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice may help with your symptoms. It is high in antioxidants and can help to maintain healthy blood circulation.

Pomegranate juice may have the ability to increase the amount of nitric oxide in a man’s bloodstream. An increase of nitric oxide is needed for the muscles in the penis to relax.

Which Viagra alternative is best for me?

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction then you should speak to your doctor or a healthcare professional before trying to treat it yourself. It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms beforehand.

Choosing an alternative treatment to Viagra can be tricky. What works for one person might not work for the next. Sometimes it can be a case of trial and error. If you are still struggling with erectile dysfunction, then there are ways that it can be treated long-term.

Remember, if you are struggling with erectile dysfunction you’re not alone. It is more common in men than you think!