For millions of men suffering from the constant struggle of erectile dysfunction (ED), prescription ED meds have changed the scenario of possible treatment alternatives. Many medicines fall into the ED category, so it is essential to be well-informed regarding the various differences between these ED meds to make the right decision about which might work best for the unique case and, of course, lifestyle.
Major Types of ED Meds
The most common group of erectile dysfunction medications is PDE5 inhibitors, which function by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. An FDA approval was received for the following medications as well:
Sildenafil (Viagra): Most often called the prototype for modern ED meds, sildenafil was the first PDE5 inhibitor to be approved in 1998. It is generally taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity and lasts for about 4-5 hours.
Tadalafil (Cialis): Known for its longer duration of action, tadalafil acquired the nickname “the weekend pill” among ED medications. The effect may last for as long as 36 hours; thus, a greater window of opportunity is provided. Well,
Vardenafil (Levitra): Similar to sildenafil in duration (4-5 hours), vardenafil is occasionally used as an alternative when other ED medications have not worked that well. Some studies, however, suggested that it works a little faster than sildenafil, but varied results can be expected for each individual.
Avanafil (Stendra): Avanafil is the newest drug added to the already existing ED medication list. Most of the time, it works faster- at times after 15 minutes- and hence may cause fewer side effects compared with older options.
Pros and Cons of ED Meds
Understanding the advantages and limitations of ED meds helps in setting realistic expectations:
Pros:
- High effectiveness (60-70% success rate across different ED meds)
- Relatively quick onset of action
- Generally well-tolerated by most men
- Now available in generic forms (except avanafil), reducing costs
- Can be obtained through telehealth services with discreet delivery
Cons:
- Not effective for 100% of men with ED
- It may have side effects like headache, flushing, and indigestion
- Contraindicated with certain medications, especially nitrates
- Requires planning ahead for some ED meds with shorter durations
- Doesn’t address the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction
How to Choose the Right ED Med
Selecting among available ED meds involves considering several factors:
Timing considerations: If spontaneity is important, longer-acting ED meds like tadalafil may be preferable. For planned encounters, shorter-acting options may suffice.
Lifestyle factors: Consider how meals affect absorption—sildenafil works best on an empty stomach, while tadalafil is less affected by food intake.
Health conditions: Men with certain cardiovascular conditions might find some ED meds more suitable than others based on their specific health profile.
Insurance coverage: Coverage for ED meds varies widely among insurance plans, with some covering only certain medications or limiting quantities.
Response variation: If one ED med doesn’t work optimally, don’t give up—research shows that nearly 90% of men respond to at least one of the available options.
Obtaining ED Meds Safely
With the rise of online pharmacies and telehealth services, accessing prescription ED meds has become more convenient. Services like Amazon Pharmacy now offer legitimate medications with proper prescriptions, avoiding the risks associated with counterfeit products from unregulated sources.
When pursuing ED meds, ensure you’re receiving authentic medications.
