What Are Alternatives To Viagra?
For whatever reason, you're not interested in Viagra. Perhaps the side effects don't sit well with you, or you don't find it as effective as you would like. Perhaps you want to find a medication that works better than Viagra. You do, however, want to treat your ED to experience more fulfilling sex. Here we list some of the alternatives to Viagra and identify other options you have to increase your libido and help you maintain an erection, from diet to other available medications. Let's get started!
Key Takeaways
Alternatives to Viagra:
If Viagra isn't suitable for you, there are other medications and treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Options include generic Sildenafil, which is cheaper but works similarly to Viagra, Alprostadil cream for topical application, Levitra (Vardenafil) which has fewer side effects, and Cialis (Tadalafil), known for its longer-lasting effects.
Testosterone Therapy:
Low testosterone levels can affect sex drive and lead to ED. Symptoms include reduced libido, hair loss, and muscle weakness. If you've experienced these symptoms for over three months, consult your doctor about testosterone therapy.
Natural Supplements and Diet:
Supplements like DHEA, ginseng, L-arginine, and propionyl-L-carnitine can improve blood flow and help with ED. Certain foods like spinach (rich in folate), coffee (contains caffeine), and avocados (boost testosterone) can also support sexual health. Always consult with a doctor before starting any supplements.
Medicines similar to Viagra
Things to consider when seeking an alternative to Viagra:
Other similar medications
Hormone treatment (testosterone)
Improving your health through exercise
Dietary changes to increase your libido
There are many reasons people are seeking Viagra alternatives. One may be how much it costs. Do you think Viagra is too expensive? If so, consider the cheaper option by getting generic Viagra, also known as Sildenafil. They are essentially the same medication, with the same active ingredients. Sildenafil is typically much cheaper than branded Viagra. On our Viagra page you will find that Sildenafil is approximately one third the price of Viagra. That is a significant discount if your main concern with Viagra is that it is expensive.
Google Web Story: How Are Viagra & Sildenafil Different?
UK Meds have created a Google Web Story to explain the key differences between Viagra and it's generic form, Sildenafil which you can view below:
Alprostadil Cream: Penis Cream for Erectile Dysfunction
There are also alternative treatments for ED available to men suffering with sexual dysfunction than just typical oral PDE5 inhibitor medication such as Viagra and Cialis. These include penis creams for erectile dysfunction such as Alprostadil cream (also referred to in it's branded form as 'Vitaros cream').
What is Levitra?
Vardenafil (generic), also called Levitra (branded), is a medicine that is similar to Viagra. While Viagra can take 30 to 60 minutes to be effective, Levitra typically takes 60 minutes. Levitra has fewer reported side-effects than Viagra, and more importantly, rashes and muscle-aches are not included in them. If you find that Viagra was causing you to get a rash or experience muscle aches, Levitra could be an excellent alternative. You can buy Levitra (or generic Vardenafil) here at UK Meds.
What is Cialis?
Cialis (brand name), also known as Tadalafil (generic), is another ed pill that is similar to Viagra. Where Viagra takes 30 to 60 minutes to be effective, Cialis can initially be effective between 30 minutes and six hours, yet can remain effective for up to 36 hours. This is why Cialis is sometimes referred to as "the weekend pill". If you would like more latitude with your ed medication than the "30 minutes to 4 hours" timeframe that Viagra offers, Cialis may be a good Viagra alternative. You can also buy Cialis from UK Meds.
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone isn't generally considered a quick fix for erectile dysfunction. However, low testosterone could affect your sex drive. Symptoms of low testosterone include lower sex drive, body hair loss, breast growth in men, needing to shave less often and a drop in muscle size and strength. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms for a period of over three months, talk to your doctor. In such cases, testosterone treatment may be indicated.
Herbs and Supplements To Increase Libido
There are four supplements that are often touted for increasing sex drive. These supplements are DHEA, ginseng, L-arginine, and propionyl-L-carnitine. Below are descriptions of these supplements. Be certain to consult with your doctor if you anticipate taking any of the below supplements simultaneously with Viagra, as they may cause your blood pressure to become too low.
DHEA for Erectile Dysfunction
DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in the brain. It is closely tied to sex hormones. DHEA has vasodilator qualities,. This means that it increases blood flow and expands blood vessels. Does that sound familiar? It is something that Viagra is known for doing. After you hit your 30s, your body begins producing less of its own DHEA, similar to a person's decrease in testosterone and HGH levels. DHEA does not require a prescription and you can get it in most health food supplement stores or your local pharmacy.
Ginseng for ED
Ginseng is commonly taken by itself to increase sexual performance according to traditional Chinese medical practices. Ginseng has been shown to produce nitrous oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. It also increases dopamine levels which can trigger an erection.
L-arginine to treat Erectile Dysfunction
L-arginine is another vasodilator, which dilates blood vessels causing it easier for the body to produce an erection. According to the Mayo Clinic, L-arginine may be useful in treating angina, high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.
propionyl-L-carnitine for ED
Propionyl-L-carnitine assists in blood circulation. While it is typically taken by people who have leg pain due to low circulation, increased blood circulation is something that can also help a man achieve an erection. This supplement is also used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and angina.
Food alternatives to Viagra
Certain foods can also help increase your blood flow as well as provide essential nutrients that are vital to achieving and maintaining an erection. Here we have a list of various foods and what they can do for you.
Spinach
Spinach contains folate. Folate is a blood-flow booster. Folic acid plays a vital role in male sexual function and a deficiency of folic acid has been linked to erectile dysfunction.
Coffee
Caffeine has been shown to treat erectile dysfunction. It dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow, helping a man to achieve a better erection.
Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of zinc and vitamin E, both of which boost testosterone. Avocados have also been shown to increase the quality of sperm. Proper diet and exercise may address the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction in some men. The above supplements are generally considered safe alternatives to Viagra.
Blog author
Scott Weaver
Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.
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