Viagra and health: Beyond ED
In addition to Viagra, other ED drugs available in the United States include avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). These all improve blood supply to the penis.
Popular FAQ
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To learn more about Viagra’s price and how to get it, check out these resources: If you have erectile dysfunction, your doctor may recommend that you take Viagra. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications you take before starting Viagra. Your doctor can determine if this drug is right for you. Some questions that you may wish to ask your doctor include: Is Viagra safe for me given my medical history?
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
What’s the best dosage of Viagra for me? What should I do if Viagra doesn’t work? How should I manage side effects of Viagra? To learn more about Viagra, see these articles: Side Effects of Viagra: What You Need to Know Viagra vs. Levitra: What You Should Know Will Chewing Up Viagra Make It Work Faster?
Heart health and erectile dysfunction
Comparing Cialis and Viagra: Which One Is Best for You? To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others. No, Viagra will not cure ED, but it will help manage its symptoms. In combination with sexual stimulation, the drugs can produce an erection sufficient to initiate and complete intercourse.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 184.26€ 175.49€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 177.58€ 169.12€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 213.68€ 203.50€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 20 Pills | 37.74€ 35.94€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 379.76€ 361.68€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 60 + 8 Pills | 116.84€ 111.28€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 277.56€ 264.34€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 83.07€ 79.11€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 314.95€ 299.95€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 14 + 2 Pills | 89.03€ 84.79€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 270 + 6 Pills | 456.97€ 435.21€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 90 + 8 Sachets | 258.02€ 245.73€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 270 + 30 Pills | 390.61€ 372.01€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 10 Pills | 44.09€ 41.99€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 470.39€ 447.99€ |
There is also a fast-dissolving form of Levitra, called Staxyn, that you put under your tongue.
- Levitra Soft Tabs: Easily swallowed, rapid absorption, effective for about 4-5 hours, suitable for those who dislike pills.
- Zydena (Udenafil): Similar to sildenafil, rapid action, 4-6 hours effectiveness, available in some markets.
- Alprox-TD: Tadalafil-based generic, longer-lasting, suitable for sustained erections, needs medical advice before use.
One ED drug, Cialis, is FDA-approved for use daily in a dose of 2.5 or 5 milligrams. This helps to produce erections on demand and may also help relieve urinary problems, like difficulty starting urination, that result from an enlarged prostate. The cost to you for ED drug therapy varies considerably, depending on the pharmacy price, prescription co-pays, and your level of health plan coverage. Even if private insurance covers it, you may be limited to four doses per month. Here are a few things you can do to contain costs: Various web-based tools can help you compare prices easily. Ask your doctor about pill splitting, where you get the pills at a higher dose than you need and divide them. These allow you to obtain a limited supply of medications not covered by your insurance. ED drugs produce an erection sufficient for intercourse in about 70% of men. But the results vary quite a bit from one individual to another.
- BlueChew: Subscription-based, chewable sildenafil/tadalafil, discreet, effective for ED, requires consultation.
- Erectaforce: Natural supplement with herbal ingredients, supports erectile function, but effectiveness varies individually.
- VigRX Plus: Herbal supplement claiming to boost libido and erectile health, not a direct substitute for medication.
A man with nerves or arteries damaged by prostate surgery, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease will not respond as strongly to ED drugs. "There are some men in whom none of these drugs work," Dr. Liou says. How soon the drugs start working ranges from 15 to 60 minutes. Neither Viagra nor Levitra will work if you take them after a meal, which blocks their absorption.
Other Uses for ED Medications
Before taking Viagra, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. For a more detailed overview of these interactions and what effects they might cause, see this guide to Viagra interactions.
Sildenafil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Before taking Viagra, discuss your health history with your doctor. Viagra may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you: heart problems, such as a history of heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure heart surgery within the past 6 months irregular penis shape, such as a curved penis (Peyronie’s disease) blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or low platelet count previous allergic reaction to Viagra or any of its ingredients Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Viagra. What you’ll pay for Viagra may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use. Here are a few things to consider regarding cost: Comparing pharmacies: The price of Viagra may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
Key takeaways
Generic form: Viagra is available as the generic drug sildenafil. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know whether sildenafil could be an option for you. Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance. However, neither Cialis nor Stendra interact with food this way. The onset time determines how soon you can engage in intercourse. Stendra and daily-use Cialis are closest to being an "on demand" erectile drug; using the others requires more planning. Dr. Liou says that some men come to him after getting a prescription from their primary care doctors, claiming that the drug doesn't work. Sometimes it's because they used it incorrectly. "The viagra gel biggest misconception is that these drugs are an on/off switch for erections," Dr. Liou says.
Before taking this medicine
It's a common practice among insurers to limit the number of pills you can obtain per month. After you hit your limit, the out-of-pocket cost for a single pill can be very high. "The main obstacle in my practice is the cost," Dr. Liou says. You'll need to work with your doctor to get the pill you need at a price you can afford. But the drugs don't work well without sexual stimulation. "During that time, you need to be with your partner and have foreplay," Dr. Liou says. "Don't take it, do the taxes or the dishes, and then meet at the bedroom thinking you'll be ready to go. The ED drugs break down at different rates in the body. The durations of action range from four hours to more than a day (for Cialis in the higher doses). Each dose should be sufficient to provide a full cycle of intercourse, from erection to climax. To have sex more than once a day, Cialis is your best bet. The most common side effects of ED drugs, in order of most to least common are headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, vision problems, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash.
- WebMD or Mayo Clinic: For reliable, medically-reviewed information on conditions and treatments.
- International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM): Professional society with patient resources.
- Urology Care Foundation: Patient education site from the American Urological Association.
- FDA Medication Guides: Official information on drug benefits, risks, and proper use.
- Peer Support Forums: Online communities (moderated) for sharing experiences and coping strategies.
A man who has an erection that lasts four hours or more needs to get to a hospital or risk permanent damage. None of the ED drugs is safe to take with cardiac drugs called nitrates because it could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Drugs that many men take for urinary symptoms, called alpha blockers, can also lower blood pressure, so take them at least four hours apart from ED drugs. Your doctor may start you on a smaller dose of the ED drug if you already take an alpha blocker or may recommend the alpha blocker tamsulosin (Flomax), which affects blood pressure less.
Other targets: Therapeutic roles
Viagra helps to decrease symptoms of ED by helping you to get and keep an erection. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
Professional resources
The absence of warnings or other information for cheap viagra with dapoxetine a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. What are the differences between erectile dysfunction drugs? About half of men ages 40 to 70 have erectile dysfunction (ED) to some degree, although only one in 10 report a complete inability to have erections. Taking an ED drug produces an erection sufficient to start intercourse in about 70% of otherwise healthy men. Does it make any difference which of the four drugs for erectile dysfunction you take?
Viagra overdose
"Yes, there can be differences," says Dr. Louis Liou, chief of urology at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance in Boston. "For new patients, I have them try different ones to see what works best." Sildenafil (Viagra) is often the first drug your doctor offers. It's been on the market longest and its side effects and the medications and foods it interacts with are well known. But the main challenge to finding the best ED drug for you may turn out to be health insurance rules—not biochemistry. ED is often an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, such as clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). "It can predate a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease by at least a few years," Dr. Liou says. We don't have strong proof yet that starting to live a healthier lifestyle can reverse erectile problems, but it can't hurt.
| Country | Viagra (per pill) | Kamagra (per pill) | Caverta (per pill) | Revatio (per pill) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $20 - $25 | $5 - $15 | $15 - $20 | $20 - $30 | Brand and pharmacy dependent |
| India | $1 - $3 | $1 - $2 | $1 - $3 | $5 - $10 | Cheaper generics available |
| UK | £15 - £20 | £3 - £8 | £12 - £18 | £18 - £25 | Prescription required |
| Australia | AU$20 - AU$30 | AU$5 - AU$12 | AU$16 - AU$22 | AU$25 - AU$35 | Higher cost overall |
Read 5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition.
| Brand Name | Average Rating (out of 5) | User Feedback Summary | Popularity Rank | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | 4.2 | Effective, reliable, widely accepted | 1 | Consistent results, doctor-recommend |
| Kamagra | 3.8 | Affordable, good for occasional use | 3 | Cost-effective, accessible online |
| Caverta | 4.0 | Similar to Viagra, fewer side effects reported | 2 | Good generic alternative |
| Revatio | 3.9 | Effective for pulmonary issues, some ED users also report satisfaction | 4 | Dual use, effective in respiratory therapy |
One recent study estimated that roughly a third of men struggle with it.1 Though the condition does affect more older men than younger men, its impact spans age groups. Indeed, while half of all ED patients in the U.S.
- Performance Anxiety: A major psychological cause; cognitive behavioral therapy can help.
- Depression & Antidepressants: Both the condition and its treatments (SSRIs) can cause ED.
- Relationship Problems: Couples therapy can be as important as medical treatment.
- Sensate Focus: Non-demanding sensual exercises to reduce pressure and rebuild intimacy.
- Mindfulness & Meditation: Techniques to reduce anxiety and increase present-moment awareness.
are over the age of 60, one study found that over 25% of men under age 40 suffered from ED to some extent.2 If any of this describes you, then you’re not alone at all. ED is very treatable, and several treatments work for most men, but "most" may technically mean only more than 50% of ED sufferers.