Everything about Natural & Medical Alternatives to Viagra / Sildenafil
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual problems seen in men across the globe. Only about 20 lakhs out of some 30 million men across the globe are taking thorough diagnoses and the right kind of medications. It is true that numerous men blindly take pills like Viagra, to address their erection issues.Â
Viagra is a popular branded medication name used for treating erectile dysfunction in men that were invented and marketed by Pfizer. However, there are other alternatives to this branded drug of Viagra that can be taken by those who are allergic to Sildenafil (the main API in Viagra); but of course after proper medical consultation with an authorized medical practitioner. Below are the best alternatives to Viagra.
1. Pharmaceutical Drugs or Medicinal Alternatives to ViagraÂ
The other generic alternatives of Viagra or the generic Sildenafil Citrate are as follows:Â
- AvanafilÂ
- TadalafilÂ
- Udenafil
- Vardenafil
- Dapoxetine
All these above-mentioned are the best alternatives to Viagra. They are known to boost the effects of nitric oxide that relaxes muscles in the penile area, which eventually increases blood flow and produces an erection in response to sexual stimulation.Â
Having said that, not all these ED medicines work alike for every patient and might be less effective under certain conditions for some specific patients. Hence before taking any medication for erectile dysfunction, including over-the-counter supplements or even herbal remedies, one should definitely consult an authorized medical practitioner.Â
2. Non-Medicinal Divisive Alternatives to Viagra
(a) Vacuum Erection Device (VED)
Often termed as a penile pump, Vacuum Erection Device (VED), is known to manually pull blood towards the penile area using suction and create a desirable erection; post which a tension ring is slipped to the base of the penis, that helps in maintaining the erection for about 30 minutes.Â
(b) Penile InjectionsÂ
Penile injections involve a medicine that improves penile blood flow much better than oral alternatives. The medicine is self-injected at the base of the penis using a very small needle. However, this does project a couple of side effects:
- Prolonged erection that can last longer than the desired duration,
- Minor pain or bleeding at the injection site, or evenÂ
- The formation of scar tissue within the deeper tissues of the penis is primarily seen in long-term users of this therapy.Â
(c) Penile ImplantsÂ
Penile implants can be of some help In case someone has a neurological disorder or spinal cord injury or other erectile dysfunction treatments are not posing effective enough. A penile implant involves a 30- to 45-minute surgical procedure that places a water-based device into the erection chambers of the penis, which enables one to reliably control exactly when and how long an erection lasts.Â
3. Non-medicinal Therapeutic Alternative to Viagra TabletsÂ
(a) Intraurethral Therapy or MuseÂ
In cases of patients who are unwilling or unable to self-inject, Alprostadil (Muse) intraurethral therapy is a good option. Intraurethral therapy involves a small dissolvable pellet that can be inserted directly into the urethra, the opening of the penis, that will trigger an erection in about 10 minutes that may last as long as an hour. However, this might give rise to certain side effects like aching sensations, burning, redness, and minor bleeding.
(b) Testosterone Hormone ReplacementÂ
Some people might have erectile dysfunction influenced by lower testosterone hormone levels. In such cases, testosterone replacement therapy might be recommended as the first line of treatment or given in combination with other therapies. This therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone.
4. Natural Alternatives to Viagra like Natural and Herbal SupplementsÂ
Interestingly, there are some really good options when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction in men; with the help of some natural or herbal products instead of any strong medication like Viagra.Â
Natural treatments or natural alternatives to Viagra tablets that are used to treat erectile dysfunction refer to the ways of preventing or treating ED symptoms without using any pharmaceutical drugs or surgeries or even artificial devices. Hence, automatically these alternatives include natural supplements or herbal supplements. Patients may choose from such natural or herbal supplements as per their preference or suitability.Â
5. Lifestyle Alterations that can be good Alternatives for Viagra
(a) Healthy DietÂ
As per the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a healthy diet which is rich in natural foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fishes, with fewer red and processed meat and refined grains, is likely to lower the possibility of erectile dysfunction.Â
(b) Daily ExerciseÂ
According to one Harvard study, just 30 minutes of walking a day was linked with a 41% drop in risk for ED. Other research suggests that moderate exercise can help restore sexual performance in obese middle-aged men with ED.Â
A strong pelvic floor enhances rigidity during erections and helps keep blood from leaving the penis by pressing on a key vein. In a British trial for three months of twice-daily sets of Kegel exercises, combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes worked far better in strengthening the concerned muscles; than incorporating just the lifestyle changes.Â
(c) Regular Adequate Sleeping HoursÂ
Poor sleep patterns can be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction. Hormone secretion is controlled by the body’s internal clock, and sleep patterns likely help the body determine when to release certain hormones. Adhering to a set sleep schedule is a natural erectile dysfunction remedy, and can help ensure that those signals are clear and consistent.
(d) No SmokingÂ
Smoking may cause vascular disease-induced ED symptoms, which occur when the blood supply to the penis becomes restricted because of blockage or narrowing of the arteries. Smoking and even smokeless tobacco can narrow the important blood vessels and have the same amount of adverse effects.
(e) Zero Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance that can cause both temporary and long-term erectile dysfunction. Heavy alcohol consumption slows down the central nervous system, causing insufficient production of nitric oxide which translates into erectile dysfunction.