Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a type of sexual disorder that occurs in most males. Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction experience problems with maintaining erections and are unable to copulate with their partner due to a lack of sexual desire called libido. This affects the sex drive and sexual relationship between the partners.
Most males often experience or complain about erectile dysfunction which significantly hinders their sexual desire and sex drive with their partners. At least one in five males may experience this problem which could be caused due to several reasons that have been researched clinically.
To overcome the condition, most men take stimulant drugs like Viagra, a very common pill that enhances libido and erections throughout intercourse. Now, there are also alternatives to Viagra that can be used for the same purpose.
Here, we’re going to take a look at some of the best over-the-counter pills alternatives to Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction in men.
Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction
Viagra is a popular branded pharmaceutical drug that is specifically prescribed for erectile dysfunction. It was developed to treat other health conditions, however, its potency was discovered in a lab by accident. Thus, from then on, it became a widely known potent pill and is used by both men and women to boost their sexual desire and sex drive.
It is made from various chemical ingredients, and one of its essential ingredients or components is Sildenafil. Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures, retails and exports Viagra pills to pharmacies around the world.
Viagra is commonly used both as a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) pill but without a prescription from a doctor/physician. Bear in mind, that branded medication drugs cost more than generic drugs. It should also be noted that side effects can occur in a person when given to prolonged intake of the pill.
Viagra is available in the form of pills, and in prescribed dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, respectively. The prescribed dosage can depend on the person’s age, body weight, medical history, severity of his condition etc. Viagra pill is typically taken at least 30 minutes, or 1 hour, or perhaps, a few hours before sexual intercourse. After the oral intake of one Viagra pill in a single day, its effect can last up to 4 hours, or sometimes much longer.
OTC Alternatives to Viagra for Treating Erectile Dysfunction
While most medications are prescribed by doctors to patients, there are also over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other products that are usually available in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, creams, sprays and so on. However, OTC products do not require a prescription from doctors and can be used at one’s will, though the chances of side effects are positive.
These drugs can aid in increasing the potency level in both men and women prior to sexual intercourse. However, these drugs differ from each other in terms of quantity, dosage, effect and duration of the drugs after oral intake, and their impact on the person’s body and overall health due to prolonged use, etc.
Here are a few over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to Viagra pills for improving erectile dysfunction in men.
1. Avanafil (Stendra)
Stendra comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets, respectively. Doctors suggest taking Avanafil medication about 15-30 minutes before sexual activity, but never more than once a day. Avanafil can be taken with or without meals.
2. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
According to a study, it is known that low levels of DHEA are associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Research also showed that DHEA declines with age. This correlates with the decline of various physiological functions, including erectile function.
However, it’s unclear whether supplementing with DHEA could help prevent or treat age-related disorders. The human body cannot naturally produce DHEA by consuming sources that contain it.
Some research suggests that DHEA may improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Also, since DHEA affects hormones, it could cause an array of side effects.
3. Nitric Oxide Supplements
Nitric oxide supplements contain amino acid compounds like L-citrulline, L-arginine and Pycnogenol which help increase nitric oxide synthesis in the human body. The body uses these amino acids to produce nitric oxide, and these amino acids are available in supplement form. Also, being a free radical molecule, nitric oxides have greater reaction power than other signalling molecules present in the human body.
Nitric oxide plays an important role in regulating blood flow and pressure, and that means it has quite a good use in treating erectile dysfunction conditions in males. For instance, L-arginine and L-citrulline compounds of nitric oxide are available in the form of a pill, or as powder or cream that is used for topical application.
A person with erectile dysfunction typically consumes about 5 g of L-arginine or L-citruline pill per day after a meal. The body converts this pill into nitric oxide for use in various body functions, such as increasing the blood flow and boosting the testosterone level, thus, increasing sexual desire.
4. Performer 8
Performer 8 is one of the most trusted brands due to its lifetime guarantee for its over-the-counter male enhancement supplement. It contains nine powerful, safe, and natural ingredients. This synergistic blend of ingredients quickly builds up within your system to help support and improve your overall sexual performance, including stamina, libido, and penis girth and hardness.
This supplement helps restore the stamina and energy that men lose as they age due to the lack of testosterone. It may also help in improving the length and hardness of your erection.
5. Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil, also known as Cialis, falls in the category of generic medication drugs, which is prescribed by doctors/physicians to persons with problems like erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It can also help relax the muscles of the blood vessels in the body and aid in increasing the blood flow to different parts of the body. It is one of the best alternatives to Viagra due to its potency of having the same effects as other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
This tablet is typically prescribed for oral intake at least 17 hours before sexual intercourse. After the oral intake of one Tadalafil tablet, its effect can last up to 36 hours, or sometimes much longer.
Tadalafil should be avoided if the person is using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems because the drug can significantly decrease blood pressure. Side effects can occur in a person when given prolonged intake of the drug.
6. Vardenafil (Levitra and Staxyn)
Vardenafil falls in the category of generic pharmaceutical drugs, which are prescribed by doctors/physicians to persons with problems like erectile dysfunction. It is also an essential ingredient or component contained in various branded pharmaceutical drugs, such as Levitra and Staxyn etc. When taken orally, it can help relax the muscles of the blood vessels in the person’s body and aid in increasing the blood flow to different parts of the body.
It is available in the form of tablets, and prescribed dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg (disintegrating), and 20 mg, respectively. The prescribed dosage can also depend on the person’s age, body weight, medical history, and severity of his health condition etc.
Vardenafil should be taken only when needed and only once a day. It is typically prescribed for oral intake at least 60 minutes before sexual intercourse. After the oral intake of one Vardenafil tablet, its effect can last up to 4 hours, or sometimes much longer.
A person using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems should avoid the use of Vardenafil because the drug can significantly decrease blood pressure. Side effects can occur in a person when given prolonged intake of the drug.
7. VigRX Plus
VigRX has been around since 2007 and sold worldwide. This supplement works by increasing the blood flow to your penis, improving your erection. VigRX also performed a clinical study to test out the effectiveness of their supplement on healthy individuals.
This supplement not only aims to improve your erection but your orgasm intensity as well. It may help improve your orgasm control and stamina in bed. VigRX also contains ingredients that may help reverse the effects of low testosterone levels. This supplement may help give you longer and stronger erections that will surely satisfy your partner, hence it is the best alternative to Viagra.
Common Side Effects of ED Drugs
The most common side effects of ED drugs include:
- Headache
- Stuffy or running nose
- Nausea
- Back pain
- Upset stomach
- Pain in the muscles
- Rashes
- Flushing
Some ED drugs can cause a painful erection that won’t go away. This is known as priapism. If an erection lasts too long, it can damage your penis. If your erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention.
It’s important to note that low testosterone levels in a person could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Therefore, it is advised to consult your healthcare provider if you think you might be experiencing symptoms related to low testosterone. Level up your testosterone with the best testosterone boosters for erectile dysfunction in men.
If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment method for you based on your individual needs. ED is most often treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
Wrapping Up
Viagra is an effective stimulant drug for treating erectile dysfunction, but it’s not your only option. Because it can be expensive, or if you’d like to avoid taking a medication altogether, you may want to try other options, such as the aforementioned over-the-counter drugs and products. Luckily, these are effective alternatives to Viagra and are approved by doctors.