The best alternatives to Viagra

All alternative tablets for erectile dysfunction (ED) work in a similar way to Viagra, as they are phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors too. PDE5 inhibitors allow blood to flow into your penis when you are sexually aroused. This helps you to get and keep an erection so you can have sex.

These alternative ED tablets will differ in:

• how long they take to start working
• how long they last
• how much they cost

Keep in mind that for all these alternatives you must be sexually aroused for the tablet to work.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the generic name of Viagra. It works the same way as Viagra but is cheaper. You can take sildenafil 30 to 60 minutes before you have sex and the effects will last for around 4 hours after.

Cialis

Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil and is available as a 10mg or 20mg tablet. You can take 1 Cialis tablet that is either 10mg or 20mg about 30 minutes before having sex. The effects of Cialis can last for up to 36 hours (about a day and a half).

Cialis works faster than Viagra and the effects last longer. You can request generic tadalafil tablets from Asda Online Doctor.

You may also consider Cialis Daily, which contains a lower dose of tadalafil. If you have sex around twice a week or more, Cialis Daily may suit you better. You can take Cialis Daily once a day as a 2.5mg or 5mg strength tablet every day, so you can have sex at any time of day.

Levitra

Levitra is the brand name of the drug vardenafil. Levitra is available in 5mg, 10mg or 20mg tablets. You should take 1 tablet around 25 to 60 minutes before having sex. The effects of Levitra can last for around 4 hours after you take a tablet, which is similar to Viagra.

An uncommon side effect of Viagra is that it can temporarily affect your vision. Taking Levitra means you’re less likely to get this side effect.

Spedra

Spedra contains the PDE5 inhibitor avanafil and is available as 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablets. You can take a Spedra tablet once a day around 15 to 30 minutes before having sex, so it works faster than Viagra.

If you’re unsure about which Viagra alternative to choose, speak to a doctor.

Alternative non medical treatments are available to treat erectile dysfunction because sometimes you might prefer not to take tablets. These alternatives include lifestyle changes, using certain devices or therapy.

Lifestyle changes

Some lifestyle changes can help treat your erectile dysfunction naturally. This is because your overall health can affect your ability to keep an erection. So you may want to try:

• losing weight
• drinking less alcohol, especially before sex
• exercising more often
• quitting smoking

Make sure you are getting regular health checks if you have:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• hormonal imbalance

If these health conditions are not managed well, they can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your penis and allow for better blood flow. A physiotherapist can help you to learn the correct way to train your pelvic muscles. Practising these exercises regularly can help improve your erectile dysfunction.

Vacuum pumps

Vacuum pumps use air pressure to bring more blood to your penis to allow you to have an erection for around 30 minutes.

If you take medicines to thin your blood (also called anticoagulants), you may not be able to use a vacuum pump. Speak to your doctor to find out where you can get a vacuum pump from.

Penile implants

Penile implants are surgically implanted into your penis to help you gain and maintain an erection. You’ll usually be offered this type of surgery if other treatments, such as tablets, injections or vacuum pumps, did not work for you.

Psychotherapy

It’s possible that your mental health may affect your ability to get an erection. If you feel low, anxious, or find it difficult to cope with stress, this can impact the way you have sex. A lack of confidence or negative experiences with sex can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

A doctor may suggest you see a sex therapist to help you understand the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction.

The only erectile dysfunction treatment you can get without a prescription is Viagra Connect.

Viagra Connect tablets contain sildenafil 50mg and work in exactly the same way as prescription Viagra. You should take 1 Viagra Connect tablet around an hour before you want to have sex.

Viagra Connect is available to request from Asda Online Doctor or over the counter at your local pharmacy.

There are cheaper alternatives to Viagra which can work just as effectively. Compared to branded ED tablets, you get more tablets for the same amount of money if you choose a generic medication. These include:

• sildenafil, which is the generic name for Viagra
• vardenafil, which is the generic name for Levitra
• tadalafil, which is the generic name for Cialis

Some alternative erectile dysfunction treatments work faster than Viagra. These include:

• Levitra tablets, which can take 25 minutes to work
• Spedra tablets, which can take 15 minutes to work
• Vitaros cream, which can start to work as soon as 5 minutes after application

To get the most out of your erectile dysfunction treatment, follow these tips:

• avoid heavy, greasy or fatty meals when taking the tablets
• try not to drink too much alcohol before using erectile dysfunction medication
• ensure you are sexually aroused

You can use a vacuum pump while taking erectile dysfunction medication but always speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Taking more than the recommended number of tablets, or using extra cream, will not make erectile dysfunction treatment work any faster. You should only use these treatments as directed.

Some alternative erectile dysfunction tablets can last longer than Viagra. These include:

• Cialis, which can last up to 36 hours
• Cialis Daily, which is taken daily and can last up to 24 hours

If your erectile dysfunction tablet is not working, do not take another. You can try again after 24 hours or speak to your doctor about trying a different option.

Viagra and its alternatives do not help with premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate too soon into sex. There are different treatment options for premature ejaculation that a doctor might recommend.