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In this article, you will discover 7 Viagra alternatives (Sildenafil Alternatives) that work! They are recommended by doctors and some have no side effects. You will discover the common Viagra side effects to your and the reasons to choose a safe alternative if possible.
In addition, by the end of the article, you will be given some tips to improve your sex life if you are currently suffering from erectile dysfunction.
VIAGRA, also known as Sildenafil Citrate, works for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to their penis for them to be able to have erection hard enough for sex. Individual results may vary. It’s been proven to help guys with all degrees of ED.
Viagra, the “little blue pill,” remains the most popular medication prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED) today. But it’s not right for everyone, says urologist Andrew Sun, M.D. And it can cause serious side effects.
You need to consider a Viagra alternative if you fall into one of these groups:
- Viagra just doesn’t work for you
The manufacturers of Viagra claim the drug is 70-85% effective, but research shows its effectiveness to be more in the 50-60% range.
- You have certain health issues that proscribe the use of Viagra
Some guys have health issues that preclude the use of Viagra, including heart conditions that require they take nitrate medication, such as nitroglycerin. For them, taking Viagra could cause their blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- You experience side effects when taking Viagra.
Headaches, upset stomach, nausea, back pain, and muscle pain are just some of the many Viagra side effects. The ED drug must be immediately avoided if you experience abnormal vision, such as changes in color vision and/or and blurred vision.
Here are 7 clinically-proven Viagra alternatives to help treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
- Cialis / Levitra / Stendra.
Cialis is probably the second most commonly prescribed anti impotence drug and can be taken as a daily pill, which allows for more spontaneity with sex.
While very similar to Viagra, Levitra and Stendra also have slightly different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to side effect profile. If you tried Viagra and had nasty side effects, it may be worth speaking to your doctor about trying one of the other two medications.
- L-Citrulline and L-Arginine Supplements
There are two naturally occurring amino acids, L-Citrulline and L-Arginine, that are widely available as an over-the-counter supplement. These amino acids can help promote nitric oxide formation, the key molecule used to generate an erection.
If you’re looking for a natural, non-prescription supplement, you may benefit from these.
- Vacuum Erection Device (VED)
VEDs come in all shapes and sizes, from simple manual pumps to fancy electronic versions. Here’s how a penis pump works: By generating negative pressure in a chamber, it pulls blood into the penis, creating an erection. Often these are paired with a penile constriction ring to keep the blood in after using the pump. If you’re looking for a non-medication-based solution, VED is a good option.
- Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LISWT)
A relatively new technology, low-intensity shock wave therapy delivers energy pulses to the penis in an effort to treat erectile dysfunction. This is non-invasive, painless, and quick, which makes it attractive to many men.
However, it should be noted that the scientific data on the effectiveness of LISWT is mixed, and therefore still evolving.
In Europe, LISWT is recommended for the treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction, however in the United States, it is still considered an experimental therapy until more conclusive research is done.
- Intracavernosal Injections (ICI)
Men looking for the most definitive form of medical therapy for erections will often look to ICI. One of the most popular ICIs is called TriMix. Proper dosing is essential, as taking too much can cause a serious problem called priapism, when an erection lasts too long and is a medical emergency. This is why Viagra commercials always include this disclaimer: “seek medical help if your erection lasts for more than four hours.”
ICI should only be prescribed by a physician with experience in treating men with sexual dysfunction. While highly effective, there is one big downside: You have to inject your penis with a tiny needle.
- Intraurethral Alprostadil
Another direct-to-penis therapy, similar to ICI, is Intraurethral Alprostadil. It includes a variety of suppositories, pellets, and gels that are inserted into the urethra, delivering medication directly into the penis to help get you hard.
Intraurethral Alprostadil is another vasodilator that can expand blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis, thereby causing an erection, explains Mayo Clinic.
- Penile Prosthesis
It’s certainly not for everyone…but it is 100% effective when it comes to generating an erection. This is a mechanical pump placed inside the penis through a minimally invasive surgery which usually takes under an hour.
When Viagra Alternatives Are Not an Option?
Sometimes the erectile dysfunction is a symptom of an underlying medical condition; alternative may not work without first treating the other problem. In this case, is important to seek medical professionals. They can help you determine whether your ED is isolated or related to something else. Treating the underlying condition may resolve the problem.
Other tips to keep in mind while treating ED:
- Avoid ed meds online. Some of so-called medications sold online are harmful chemicals that can cause more harm than good. Beware of online pharmacies that: Allow you to buy prescription medicine without a valid prescription from your health care provider
- Always take ED medications exactly as directed. Talk to your doctor before increasing the dose, and report any troubling side effects.
- Don’t mix treatments. Taking an oral medication while using another one, including a natural remedy, may cause harmful side effects.
- Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Herbal or other dietary supplements can interact with medications. Do some research on it or consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Aside from taking drugs and herbal remedies, you need to stop lifestyle factors that can contribute to ED. Whatever treatment you choose, it may help if you also:
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid or limit alcohol use.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get sufficient sleep every night.
- Engage in regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.
- Try pelvic floor exercises. A small 2005 study concluded that pelvic floor exercises should be a first-line approach in treating ED.
If the problem persists, talk to your doctor about these and other alternatives.
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