Viagra Alternatives: Are They Safe

Published On February 14, 2023

Updated on September 7, 2023

Written By Jim Carson, PhD - Life sciences

Viagra is a well-known Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medicine, but not the only approach to treating ED.

There are several alternative methods to address your erectile issues.

Viagra is likely the first medicine that comes to mind when you think of ED.

Nevertheless, it may not appeal to everyone. It requires a prescription and may be costly. Additionally, it may not work for you.

In that case, you may be looking for other treatments. Many people turn to other Erectile Dysfunction pills or over-the-counter Viagra alternatives.

However, are those reliable and safe alternatives to Viagra? Do over-the-counter (OTC) ED pills work?

Let us discuss Viagra alternatives and their safety.

FDA-approved alternatives to Viagra

Viagra contains the active ingredient Sildenafil. It is a Phosphodiesterase Type (PDE5) inhibitor for treating Erectile Dysfunction.

Sildenafil works by blocking the actions of the PDE5 enzyme and increasing blood flow in the penis.

Thus, helping cause an erection in men with ED.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved other PDE5 inhibitors. These include Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and Avanafil.

Their working mechanism is similar to how Viagra works.

Vardenafil

It is sold under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn, in addition to the generic version of Vardenafil.

The generic version of ED medicines has the same salt and working mechanism as their brand-name counterparts.

Vardenafil pills are available in both conventional tablet and dissolvable forms.

Experts recommend taking it one hour before sexual activity.

The effects of Levitra last for around 5 hours in the body.

Eager to know how Levitra differs from Viagra? Check this article – Levitra Vs. Viagra: The Better ED Pill

Tadalafil

It is one of the most potent PDE5 inhibitors sold as Cialis in the United States.

The effects of Tadalafil lasts for 36 hours in the body, which makes it the longest-lasting ED pill.

It is recommended to take this medication one to two hours before sexual intercourse.

You can also find the generic versions of Tadalafil, which include Vidalista, Tadarise, etc.

Cialis differs from Viagra in several parameters. Read this article to know – “Which One Should I Take: Cialis vs Viagra?“.

Avanafil

Avanafil is sold under the brand name Stendra.

It is available on Cheap Medicine Shop as Avana and Avaforce.

Avanafil is the fastest-acting ED medicine, which starts working within 15 to 30 minutes.

Its effects last for around 6 hours in the body.

These medications are generally safe, as medical experts recommend them.

A doctor will evaluate your medical history and current prescriptions before prescribing you the correct dosage and medication.

Read this article, “Choosing the Right Pill to Treat ED“, to decide which ED medicine is best suited to your condition.

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Natural Viagra alternatives

Many companies sell natural Viagra alternatives to treat ED. These may be dietary supplements or food products that may improve sexual health.

Some compounds used in herbal ED supplements include L-arginine, Horny Goat Weed, DHEA, Yohimbe, Ginseng, and Propionyl-L-carnitine. Let us look at how these ingredients may help treat ED.

L-arginine

A study indicates that L-arginine is a safe ingredient but might not be beneficial in treating ED.

However, it may help if you take it with other supplements like Pycnogenol; it may improve sexual performance without any adverse effects.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Aging may lead to a drop in DHEA in the body. This leads to various symptoms, such as Depression and low libido, which can cause ED.

According to research, taking DHEA supplements may improve these symptoms. However, it requires more evidence.

Propionyl-L-carnitine

A study published in the journal Urology claims that acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine are safe ED supplements.

They may boost Sildenafil’s strength and effectiveness while also restoring sexual function.

Yohimbe

A review in the Turkish Journal of Urology touches on Yohimbe’s effect on sexual health. It might improve erectile function in combination with other treatments

Ginseng

There are indications that Ginseng enhances sexual performance. Human trials showed that Ginseng lessens the symptoms of Premature Ejaculation and ED.

A common concern is whether natural Viagra alternatives are truly effective or not. Find the answers in this informative article– Do Natural Viagra Substitutes Really Work Enough

Keep in mind:

You should use alternative supplements, including herbal versions of Viagra, with caution.
The FDA has issued multiple safety warnings concerning similar products. They claim these goods may contain hazardous synthetic substances. There needs to be more research on these supplements.

Over-the-counter Viagra alternatives: safe or not?

Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors are accessible only with a prescription from a doctor. Therefore, consumers frequently turn to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies.

These are cheaper and commonly obtainable at gas stations and shops without a prescription. They include both natural supplements and ED drugs.

These gas station ED pills are not safe to consume.

The FDA opposes using over-the-counter Viagra alternatives, such as Rhino pills and Extenze.

It is not advisable to use ED medications without a prescription. Moreover, OTC medicines may contain unregulated doses and combinations of ED drugs.

Also, the FDA restricts the use of ED medications to biological males over the age of 18. Meanwhile, everyone has access to over-the-counter medicines, which is incredibly unsafe.

Can women have the access to FDA-approved ED medicines? Delve into this article to know- Can Women Take Viagra for Female Sexual Issues

The bottom line

So, what are the best alternatives to Viagra? It isn’t easy to say. It may be best to use only prescription medications.

If Viagra is too costly or ineffective, you can try alternative PDE5 inhibitors or their generic equivalents. You may consult your physician to find the best option for your specific needs.

Natural supplements and over-the-counter drugs are less expensive. However, they are not dependable and safe alternatives to Viagra.

There is limited evidence of their efficiency. Perhaps it is best to avoid them unless your doctor suggests otherwise.

Other Erectile Dysfunction treatments include sex therapy, use of vacuum devices, dietary changes, and regular ED exercises.

To make dietary changes, you may consider using foods that have similar effects as Viagra. Read this article to get the detailed information- Natural Viagra Foods: A Diet for ED

Warning:

Do not start any ED treatment without consulting a doctor. These may cause more harm than good, if not taken under medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any cheap Viagra alternatives?

Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and generic versions of other ED pills are cheaper than Viagra. This is because they are not brand-name medicines.
However, they work in the same way as Viagra and are equally effective. If Viagra is too expensive for you, you may consider generic alternatives after consulting your doctor.

Do Rhino pills make you hard?

Rhino pills are over-the-counter ED sex pills that claim to make you hard and improve sexual performance. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
Additionally, the FDA opposes using Rhino pills for ED as they contain unregulated doses of ingredients. They may cause severe health issues.

Is there a natural Viagra alternative?

Certain natural supplements claim to treat ED. However, there is little evidence to prove their effectiveness.
There are other natural ways to improve sexual health. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.

Citations:
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