Erectile Dysfunction Keeping You Down?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem for men. It can be caused by physical or psychological reasons. Many men take drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), to treat ED. These drugs work by relaxing muscles in the penis, which allows blood to flow into the penis and cause an erection.
Viagra and Cialis are two of the most common drugs used to treat ED. They are very similar, but there are some important differences. Read on to learn more about how they work and what the differences are.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It can happen at any age, but it becomes more common as men get older. Factors that can contribute to ED include poor health, stress, low testosterone, and certain medications.
There are several treatment options available for ED, certain oral medications mentioned above or testosterone replacement therapy. The best treatment option for you will depend on the cause and severity of your ED. With treatment, most men are able to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. If you are experiencing ED, it is important to talk to your medical provider about treatment options.
Sildenafil was the first drug in this class to be approved for use in the United States. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 for use in treating erectile dysfunction.
How These Prescriptions Work
Both Viagra and Cialis belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Phosphodiesterase is an enzyme that regulates blood flow in the penis. When you are sexually aroused, your brain releases a chemical called nitric oxide into your bloodstream.
This nitric oxide signals your body to relax muscles in your penis so that blood can flow in and cause an erection. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors work by preventing phosphodiesterase from breaking down nitric oxide, which leads to increased blood flow and an erection. All three drugs are available as oral tablets.
Tadalafil was approved in 2003 for use in treating both ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Side Effects of Viagra and Cialis
Most of the time these medications do not produce side effects. Although uncommon, these drugs have similar side effects. These side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, or dizziness being the most common. Although uncommon, there are some more serious side effects.
Some men may experience the more serious side effects, such as changes in vision or hearing, chest pain, shortness of breath. There is also a chance to experience priapism (an erection lasting longer than four hours). If you experience any of these side effects, you should call your medical provider right away.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
One of the most common sexual disorders among men is erectile dysfunction. This affects a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. While it can occur at any age, ED is more common in men over the age of 40. Treating ED can have a number of benefits. For one, it can improve a man’s sexual performance and satisfaction. In addition, treating ED can also help to restore self-confidence and reduce stress levels. Lastly, treating ED can help to protect a man’s overall health by reducing his risk of developing heart disease or stroke. If you think you may be suffering from ED, talk to a medical provider about treatment options.
Are Cialis and Viagra the Same?
The main difference between sildenafil and tadalafil is how long they last in your body. Viagra stays active for about four hours while Cialis can stay active for up to 36 hours; however, this does not mean that you will have an erection for 36 hours straight!
The length of time that you have an erection depends on many factors; for example if you take other medications that can affect how well these drugs work or if you have certain medical conditions such as kidney disease.
These factors can make them stay active for a shorter amount of time. Once these medications leave your body they no longer work. So, even though they may last longer, they still need sexual stimulation to work. In general, people say that Cialis takes longer to start working but provides relief from ED symptoms for a longer period of time than Viagra.
Other differences between these two drugs include how long they take to start working and how long they last. Some other differences include their dosing schedule, their possible side effects, their price, and whether or not they’re available as generic drugs.
Cialis is also approved for treatment of BPH while sildenafil is not. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which drug might be best for you. Taking these medications with food can help reduce an upset stomach. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these medications will protect you from STIs.
Which One Is Right For You?
Viagra and Cialis are two common drugs used to treat ED. They belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing muscles in the penis so that blood can flow into it and cause an erection. Although they are very similar, there are some important differences between them.
Some of the differences include how long they last in your body and their possible side effects. Be sure to discuss with your medical provider which drug might be best for you! Do not forget that erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of other underlying health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. It is important to get regular blood work, physicals, and check ups with your medical provider.
