Some doctors prescribe prescription drugs for their male patients who are suffering from erectile dysfunction. You may be wondering how many different types of male ED pills there are for ED, what their side effects are, and which medication is the best.
In the following guide, we answer these questions and help you decide which active ingredient in ED pills is right for you.
- Sildenafil
What It’s In
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. You’ve probably heard of this drug, as it’s probably the most well known and most popular male ED pill.
What It Does
According to MedlinePlus, Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. PDE is an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body. When it’s inhibited, this process causes a chain reaction that results in vasodilation and muscle relaxation. In Viagra, it specifically targets the blood vessels in the lungs, to relax them and allow the blood to flow more freely. The better and freer blood circulation promotes the penis’s ability to erect, thus improving ED.
Side Effects
If you take Viagra, there is the possibility that you will experience some irritating, uncomfortable side effects. These may include headaches, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, numbness, tingling, feeling too warm, and sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these side effects while you’re taking Sildenafil, talk to your doctor about an alternative drug.
- Tadalafil
What It’s In
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis.
What It Does
Tadalafil works the same way as Sildenafil: it’s a PDE inhibitor, and as such it promotes increased blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs. It’s also used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is the scientific term for an enlarged prostate.
One study from 2005 showed that patients prefer Tadalafil over Sildenafil because it works for longer periods of time.
Side Effects
The potential side effects caused by taking Cialis, or Tadalafil, are similar to but not as numerous as those belonging to Viagra, or Sildenafil. They include: headache, indigestion or heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, feeling hot, muscle pain, and cough.
- Vardenafil
What It’s In
Vardenafil is found in the brands Levitra and Staxyn.
What It Does
Vardenafil is another PDE inhibitor that works through vasodilation of blood vessels in the lungs. It is not commonly used to treat any other condition aside from erectile dysfunction.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of taking Vardenafil are headache, nausea, heartburn, feeling hot, stuffy or runny nose, and flu-like symptoms.
- Avanafil
What It’s In
Avanafil is the active ingredient in the two ED treatment drugs: Stendra and Spedra.
What It Does
Avanafil rounds out our family of PDE inhibitors. Once again, a PDE inhibitor inhibits a specific enzyme found in the human body, and the result is the relaxation of muscles and vasodilation. All of this is accomplished to increase blood flow to the penis in the hopes of reaching an erection during sexual arousal.
Side Effects
The list of most common side effects for Avanafil is the shortest of all the prescription drugs we’ve covered so far. On this list, you’ll only find headaches, feeling hot, and back pain.
Which ED Medication Should I Take?
When you and your doctor are considering which active ingredient in ed pills are right for you, you should consider if you have any preexisting conditions. For example, if you have ED as well as an enlarged prostate, you should consider taking Sildenafil because it acts as a dual treatment for both conditions. Sildenafil is also safe for men with diabetes and coronary artery disease.
You should also consider how long you want it to work. If duration is high on your list of priorities, Tadalafil might be the best option.
Take your time before deciding on an ED drug, and report any side effects that you experience to your doctor right away.
Should I Take ED Drugs Or Go Natural?
The answer to this question depends on you. Many men would prefer to achieve an erection naturally rather than rely on medication to improve blood flow to their penis.
If you are one of these men, then there are several avenues you can try first before you ask your doctor for a prescription drug.
- Diet
There are several different types of foods and spices that promote the increase of blood circulation in the body, as well as increase your body’s levels of testosterone. Low testosterone, which is the primary sex hormone in humans, may be a contributing factor to your inability to “get up.” Eating the right foods, such as certain fish, beef, oysters, beans, and more, can help you balance your hormones again.
- Natural Supplements
Thanks to the American diet, which is filled with processed, fried foods and sugary treats, and our sedentary indoor lifestyle, most men are severely lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Supplements such as Vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3s (or fish oil) can help improve ED as well as a man’s overall bodily health.
- Exercise
One way to get your blood vessels open and oxygenated and flowing throughout your whole body is to exercise. Many of us who work at offices or in cubicles, or even those of us who work remotely from home, live sedentary lifestyles. This laziness is preventing us from enjoying other, more pleasurable physical activities. To get your heart pumping – and your cock jumping – add exercising to your daily routine.
In the end, only you and your doctor can make the decision to take an ED drug. If all the natural methods fail, know that there is still hope for your condition. Keep in mind, though, that medication will not cure ED; it will only improve the symptoms of a deeper health problem.
Viking Man May Help You Feel Like A Man Again Without Drugs
Another factor in being able to achieve erection is mental health: feeling strong, masculine, and confident in your sexual performance. Viking Man is here to help you feel like a man again, without relying solely (if at all) on drugs. Contact one of our consultants today and begin your journey to your best self: in life as well as in bed.