Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a very common problem, affecting approximately half of men at some point in their lives. There is a wide range of treatment options available for helping people to manage their ED, the most popular of which is medication. In this article, we discuss two of the most widely used drugs available to treat ED: Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil). We highlight some of the key similarities and differences between the two types of medication and provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil).
What’s the Difference Between Viagra and Cialis?
Viagra (Sildenafil) is one of the most well-known medications when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction. Many doctors recommend Viagra to their patients, as it’s been around the longest and is an effective treatment for ED. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which is a PDE5 inhibitor which works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, enabling blood to flow into the penis upon sexual arousal.
Cialis (Tadalafil) works similarly to Viagra, with its active ingredient being Tadalafil, which is also a PDE5 enzyme that increases blood flow to the penis upon sexual stimulation. Cialis is also widely used by many and has undergone various tests to prove its status as an effective treatment for ED.
Viagra and Cialis both come in tablet form, designed to be swallowed whole with water. It is recommended that you take Viagra 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity, whereas Cialis can be taken anywhere up to 30 minutes before sexual activity.
Although the length of time differs amongst different individuals, viagra’s effectiveness usually lasts for around 2 to 3 hours, but will only help you to get an erection if you are sexually stimulated. Cialis can work for up to 36 hours after you take the tablet, but again, will only work if there is sexual stimulation. Cialis is intended solely for use before sexual activity and is not recommended for continuous daily use.
Both Viagra and Cialis have several common side effects including headaches, facial flushing indigestion and more. For a full list of the side effects associated with Viagra, please read the Viagra (Sildenafil) patient information leaflet, and for those associated with Cialis, see the Cialis (Tadalafil) patient information leaflet.
Does Viagra Work?
Viagra (Sildenafil) has been scientifically proven to improve the user’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection for a sufficient period. A study involving 4,039 patients found that the drug showed improvements in the frequency, hardness and duration of their participants’ erections. Viagra is often recommended by doctors in the UK for those suffering from ED and has also been fully approved by the NHS.
The popular online pharmaceutical encyclopedia drugs.com allows patients to rate and review medication they’ve used. The website shows hundreds of positive reviews from users of Viagra (Sildenafil), with the average user rating being 8.3 out of 10. Many users report that the pill is extremely effective in enabling them to achieve and sustain an erection during sexual activity.
Does Cialis Work?
The NHS recommend Cialis as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in the UK. The drug has also undergone medical testing to examine its efficacy. In a 12 week trial involving 443 male participants, 87% of those who took Cialis said that they were satisfied with the treatment.
Reviews on the pharmaceutical encyclopedia drugs.com also show that the majority of patients taking Cialis found them to be effective, with an average user rating of 8.7 out of 10.
We hope this overview of Cialis vs Viagra has been useful in helping you to decide which form of ED medication is best for you. However, before purchasing any medication to treat your ED you should always speak to your doctor about your medical history, as PDE-5 inhibitors are unsuitable for some individuals, particularly those who already take certain types of medication.
