Viagra medicines are branded pills that are prescribed for use in men experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). They have acquired approval from the FDA. There are several alternatives to Viagra that can deliver significant results in improving the erection function. Those who are looking for ED treatment other than Viagra can consider the following options:
All these medications are approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The active ingredients of all these medications are different. Cialis contains Tadalafil as its active ingredient, whereas Stendra has Avanafil and Levitra has Vardenafil as their respective active agent. All these medicines including Viagra are categorized under the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
The role of PDE5 inhibitors is to stop the overactivity of PDE enzymes, which are found in the inner walls of the penile blood vessels. When PDE5 action goes out of control, the levels of a chemical, known as nitric oxide (NO), decrease, which triggers erection difficulties.
As a PDE5 inhibitor, the function of each of these medicines is to suppress the overaction of PDE5 enzymes and increase the release of nitric oxide in the walls of the blood vessels. Nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels and eases the erection function, thereby treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
All these medicines are available on prescription and you cannot use them interchangeably. Your healthcare provider will prescribe you a particular dose of any of these medicines. The dose will depend on the severity and several other factors like chronic health conditions, medicinal interactions, allergies, medical history, etc.
Viagra is a brand-name version of Sildenafil. Sildenafil is also known as the generic version of Viagra. It is the active ingredient of Viagra. Its formulation is clinically proven for its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Besides, this medicine is also prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
For treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, the medicine boosts the levels of nitric oxide in the blood vessel walls, which expands the passages of the blood vessels and increases the blood flow inside the chambers of the penile. The blood enters the penile shaft and fills two tubes of spongy tissues in the penile which further makes them swell, making the penile erect. The blood vessels become narrow to trap the blood for sustaining the erection. In this way, Sildenafil improves the erection function and treats erectile dysfunction.
Since Sildenafil is the generic version, it is not very expensive. These medicines are available in the form of conventional tablets, powder for suspension, and suspension that has to be consumed orally. Sildenafil produces the same effects as Viagra, as it is the active ingredient in Viagra.
Another name for these devices is penile pumps, which come with a hollow cylindrical tube, wherein the penile has to be inserted with the help of a lubricant. This device is helpful in treating erection troubles. The vacuum helps attain stronger erections. The device works by creating a vacuum inside the cylinder, which makes the penile blood vessels pull the blood in and trap it inside under high pressure, as a result, the penile appears bigger and wider temporarily.
The vacuum is created with suction pressure. These devices can come with two features, which are manually operating or electronically operating.
Constriction rings are used to sustain erections. It comes in the form of a stretchable band, that has to be worn on the base of the penile. The band enhances the sensitivity of the penile and helps to achieve and sustain erections. It works by trapping the blood inside the penile for longer, which helps maintain stronger erections. It can be used along with other treatments like ED medicines or vacuum devices.
A low-intensity shockwave therapy is a newly introduced technique for the treatment of ED. It utilizes sound waves that penetrate deep inside the skin and tissues of the penile and catalyze physiological as well as chemical processes to restore a healthy erection function. This therapy is performed by a licensed and certified healthcare professional.
If you do not want to use synthetic treatments for managing your erection problems, then you may consider using natural supplements such as L-citrulline and L-arginine. These supplements boost the release of nitric oxide in the endothelial walls of the penile blood vessels and help improve the erection function.
