Oral medication is usually the first choice when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction in patients. For men who have issues getting and keeping an erection for sex, these pills have proven to be helpful.
Most of these medications work by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow in response to sexual stimulation.
Although every pill uses the same way to treat the problem, each has a different chemical makeup. These minor differences create different effects of the medication when taken.
Doctors consider these factors before allowing interaction with certain medications. This article provides information about different pills for erectile dysfunction.
Viagra
Viagra is a brand name for pills approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The drug is available for adults aged 18+ and it contains sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Viagra should only be taken based on a doctor’s prescription as a treatment. This drug only works when you are sexually aroused.
How does it work?
Viagra works by increasing the blood flow to the penis and this helps to get and keep an erection for sexual activities.
How long before working?
After taking the drug, it is quickly absorbed into the body, but it can take about an hour or so to kick in.
How long do I need to take them?
Viagra is taken in form of 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg tablets. Normally, the pills need to be taken around 1 hour before sex, but they can also be taken between 30 mins and 4 hours beforehand.
Viagra Connect
Viagra Connect is another effective treatment from Pfizer aimed at treating men aged 18+. The drug helps to get an erection, keep the penis hard enough for sex and keep the hardness for the whole duration of sex. Viagra Connect is available both in chemists and from online pharmacies.
How does it work?
Viagra Connect works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis to allow more blood to flow into the penis. Similar to other drugs, it only works when the user is sexually aroused and the effect dies away afterwards.
How long before working?
Viagra Connect starts to work within 30 mins to 1 hour of taking the pills. Avoid the pills or talk to a doctor if you are using other medication.
How long do I need to take them?
Take the pills 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. Remember that the drug lasts in the body for up to 4 hours, after which it is broken down by the liver and released through urine and faeces.
Cialis
Cialis is a pill for erectile dysfunction approved by the FDA. The drug also treats symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as well as ED. Cialis contains an active ingredient, tadalafil, which is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor like sildenafil. For BPH, the drug relaxes the bladder muscles to help the patient urinate easily.
How does it work?
Similar to treating BPH, Cialis relaxes the muscles in the penis to allow blood flow into the penis and therefore an erection. The dosage depends on what the doctor prescribes and is related to age and other medical conditions.
How long before working?
Cialis takes between 30 mins and 2 hours before taking effect. It can stay in the system for up to 36 hours before it is removed by the liver.
How long do I need to take them?
Taking Cialis depends on how the doctor has prescribed it. The drug needs to be taken two hours before sex to provide the maximum effect.
Spedra
Spedra contains an active ingredient called avanafil, which is also a PDE5 inhibitor. These pills are used to treat impotence in men aged 18+.
Before taking Spedra pills, ensure that you are not allergic to avanafil or any of the other ingredients in the pill.
Your doctor can provide information about interactions with other medications and possible allergic reactions.
How does it work?
The active ingredient relaxes the muscles and blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow and maintain an erection.
How long before working?
Spedra takes effect as little as 20 minutes after ingestion. The effects can last for between 4 to 5 hours. Similar to other ED drugs it requires sexual stimulation.
How long do I need to take them?
Spedra does not provide a long-term solution so follow the doctor’s prescription for the best results.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction medication, but it can also be used to treat pulmonary hypertension. The medicine is available on prescription and is also available in pharmacies.
It comes in the form of chewable tablets, pills and a swallowable liquid. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra.
How does it work?
The pill relaxes the muscles in the penis to allow improved blood flow, therefore improving the chances of getting an erection.
Over two-thirds of men using this medication have had a positive result.
How long before working?
It takes between 30 to 60 minutes for Sildenafil to start working.
How long do I need to take them?
The medication should be taken no more than 4 hours before sexual activity and for as long as it is prescribed by the doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Erectile dysfunction is the inability of men to achieve an erection for sexual intercourse.
Reducing risk factors such as heart disease and smoking, as well as reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a low cholesterol level can help to prevent erectile dysfunction.
ED is most commonly treated through oral medication. Sex therapy, penal injection and, in extreme cases, penile surgery may also be used.
These medications provide a successful way to treat ED with minimum side effects. Talk to your doctor to help you choose the best medicine for you.