Viagra Alternatives

Pfizer manufactured this medication to treat erectile dysfunction. Approved by the FDA in the 1990s, the medication’s patent ended in 2013, allowing other pharmaceutical companies to recreate the revolutionary drug’s formula with generic versions including Sildenafil and diversify erectile dysfunction treatments to include Cialis, Spedra, Levitra, and Nipatra.

If Viagra works so well, why switch to a different medication?

It is important to note that the majority of patients taking Viagra will not suffer these side effects and the medication has been proven as safe and effective for millions of men for decades.

However, the newer medications have similar treatment effects on the body but with subtle differences as they have other active ingredients. This makes each of the medicines dissimilar in terms of action time, how long it lasts, how often it can be taken, how it reacts with food and, of course, side effects. 

There is no medication that is better than the other. Each has its merits and disadvantages, and your GP can advise you which would suit you and your lifestyle best.

Other alternatives

• Therapy
  Psychosexual therapy may help with your ED, especially if the cause is psychological. The therapist will be able to come up with ways to change your behaviour and thinking in order to have more long-lasting erections.
• Penis pumps
  This is a good alternative if you don’t want to use medication. It works by increasing the blood flow to the penis and then using a ring around the base of the penis to maintain your erection.
• Penis implants
  There are 3 different types of penile implants – malleable, three-piece inflatable and self-contained inflatable. They are inserted into your penis to help with your erections.

Lifestyle changes

With a few changes in your lifestyle, you may see an improvement in your ED and it is more likely to increase the effectiveness of your ED treatment. These include:

• Regular exercise
  Start by exercising 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
• Eat a healthier diet
  To avoid high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• Quit smoking
  Smoking affects the blood flow which can cause erectile problems.
• Losing weight
  If you are overweight, losing weight with regular exercise and healthy diet can improve erectile problems and overall health.

A quick caution about medications masquerading as ‘natural’ alternatives: unlicensed or unregulated medication available without a prescription as a cheap option compared to Viagra and other ED medications can have dangerous effects on your health. There is no guarantee that the medication will work, or even that it is safe. You could be buying counterfeit medication.

For further information on fake medication and how to be sure you are buying safely, see our post on the subject.