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Viagra is a well-known treatment for erectile dysfunction, but many other approaches can help achieve and maintain erections. They include medical devices, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Research indicates that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects over
A range of treatments and strategies can improve or reverse ED. Options include drugs, other medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and alternative herbal treatments.
In this article, we look into various alternatives to Viagra, answer some frequently asked questions, and discuss when to contact a doctor about ED.
The table below offers a quick comparison of Viagra to its alternatives.
| Why use it? | Price | Lasts for | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra (sildenafil) | starts working in 30–60 minutes | depends on insurance, location, and pharmacy | 4 hours | different doses available available in generic form at a lower price | can interact with medications may cause side effects |
| Other medication (vardenafil, tadalafil, avanafil) | starts working between 30 minutes and 6 hours | depends on insurance, location, and pharmacy | up to 36 hours, depending on the type | different doses available can take them with or without food some dissolve on the tongue | can interact with medications may cause side effects |
| Medical devices | may suit people who cannot take ED medication | from $95–650 average cost of $250 | up to 30 minutes per use a few months of regular use, depending on the type | few side effects cost-effective | potential injury with improper use bulky |
| Supplements | not recommended as they do not have approval from the FDA | prices vary depending on the supplement type | insufficient available information | available online affordable | may interact with medications may cause side effects no approval from FDA |
| Lifestyle changes | quitting smoking, exercising, and avoiding heavy drinking may improve sexual function | not applicable | not applicable | reduces the risk of developing certain conditions, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer | buying fitness equipment or nutritious foods can be costly |
The generic name for Viagra is sildenafil. The drug also has another brand name: Revatio. It works by slowing down the action of PDE5, an enzyme in the blood vessel walls.
This enzyme breaks down a substance responsible for blood flow in the penis. Inhibiting the enzyme increases blood flow to the area and helps achieve and maintain erections.
However, sildenafil can only help maintain an erection that a person has physically stimulated.
Common
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Viagra.
Pros
- effective treatment for erectile dysfunction
- readily available by prescription in most pharmacies and online telehealth services
- some insurance providers may cover part, or all, of the costs of this medication
- available in different strengths
- available in both generic and brand-name forms
Cons
- more expensive than generic sildenafil
- can cause side effects
such as headaches, nausea, and rash - unsuitable for people who take nitrates
- unsuitable for people who have ischemic optical neuropathy or other inherited degenerative eye conditions
When looking for help with erectile dysfunction, people can look at the following cheaper alternatives to Viagra:
- Leading a more active lifestyle: Being more active can help improve ED. For instance, a
2018 study found that 160 minutes of weekly exercise reduced the symptoms of ED in the participating males. - Nutritious diet: A nutritious and balanced diet can lower a person’s risk of developing ED. A
study of over 21,400 males found that following a Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 diet had a reduced chance of experiencing erectile problems. - Generic medications: Viagra is the branded version of the generic drug sildenafil. Buying generic versions of ED drugs can save people a lot of money. Doctors may prescribe other generic ED drugs, such as tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). Learn more about how ED medications compare.
- Wearable devices: Devices people can wear before or during sex to get or maintain an erection may be more cost-effective than medication. They are typically reusable, and a person may not have to replace them as often as they would have to renew a prescription for ED medication.
Beyond Viagra, several medications can help with having and keeping erections.
Oral medications
Oral drugs, including Viagra, may be the first approach to treating ED.
Viagra is effective because it
Other prescription-only PDE5 inhibitors
- Vardenafil is available under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn and comes in regular and disintegrating tablet forms. A person takes it one hour before sex, which can be effective for up to five hours.
- Tadalafil: It is available under the brand names Adcirca and Cialis. A person takes it at least 30 minutes before sex. Each dose can last up to 36 hours.
- Avanafil: It is available as Stendra in the U.S and people take it 15–30 minutes before sex. The effects can last up to 6 hours.
Pros
- different doses available
- can take them with or without food
- some dissolve on the tongue
- these drugs rely on a prescription from a doctor so are safe and have FDA approval
Cons
- side effects are possible
- may interact with certain medications
Various telehealth companies stock ED medication, including:
- The platform also offers treatment for those concerned about hair loss, premature ejaculation, and allergies.
- Hims: This company addresses men’s health concerns. First, people complete an online form so that a physician can learn more about their symptoms. Once a person receives a treatment plan, they can have a follow-up appointment with Hims doctors.
- Lemonaid Health: This brand offers medication for various health conditions. People can access ED medication starting from $2 per pill after scheduling an online appointment with a doctor.
Read our in-depth reviews of telehealth companies that sell Viagra here:
Nonoral drugs
Alternatives to pills and tablets
Penile self-injections
Certain medications, such as alprostadil (Caverject), papaverine, and phentolamine (Regitine), are available as an injection that goes directly into the side or base of the penis.
This method generally works very quickly and is highly effective. However, it may cause side effects, including swelling, pain, and stinging. It may also cause permanent damage with improper use.
Learn more about penile injections.
Pros
- generally works quickly
- requires a prescription so is safe to use
- available in different dosages
Cons
- side effects are possible
- can cause damage with improper use
Urethral suppositories
A person can use a special applicator to insert very small alprostadil suppositories into the urethra, which can help stimulate erections.
A person can self-administer this treatment, and it generally works quickly.
However, these suppositories can affect a fetus if a sexual partner is pregnant. It can also cause side effects and be less effective than other methods.
Pros
- generally works quickly
- requires a prescription so is safe to use
- available in different dosages
Cons
- side effects are possible and may be less effective than other methods
- can cause damage with improper use
- harmful if a person’s partner is pregnant
Testosterone replacements
A doctor may recommend this approach if they believe that ED is due to low testosterone levels. A person can take synthetic testosterone via pills, patches, and injections.
Pros
- increased energy
- increased muscle mass
- increased libido
Cons
- risk of unwanted physical changes, such as swollen breast tissue
- risk of prostate health issues
- risk of reducing sperm count
Drug treatments may be unsuitable in some people, perhaps due to other health issues. In these cases, a doctor may recommend:
Wearable devices
Some wearable devices can help a person maintain an erection, such as Eddie by Giddy.
Penis implants
Implants are inflatable or bendable rods that a surgeon implants into the erection chambers of the penis. However, doctors typically only recommend this approach as a
Pros
- allows for control over erections
- typically a long lasting solution
- typically effective, even when other methods are not
Cons
- invasive and requires recovery time
- risk of injury
- risk of infection
Vacuum pump
Vacuum pumps help people get an erection but do not help a person sustain one. One option a person can consider is the Pos-T-Vac Erectile Vacuum System.
Many companies sell dietary supplements, herbal preparations, and food products as remedies for ED.
Keep in mind
It’s essential to be careful when purchasing or consuming any alternative products, including those that claim to be herbal versions of Viagra.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several statements warning consumers about the safety of such goods. It says these products may contain hidden synthetic chemicals or other ingredients that could be harmful. There has not been enough research to support these supplements’ usage fully.
Supplements and foods that supposedly enhance sexual function could contain undisclosed drug ingredients. This includes
These supplements do not undergo FDA analysis for quality or purity.
With this in mind, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional before starting a supplement. Additionally, people should choose a brand that engages in third-party testing and certification.
Some alternative herbal treatments, include the following:
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), certain lifestyle changes may help improve erectile function, including:
- Eating a balanced diet: Flavonoid-rich foods, such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and citrus fruits,
may reduce ED for some people. - Maintaining a moderate body weight: Having overweight or obesity may cause or worsen ED.
- Getting regular exercise: Physical activity can
improve circulation, reduce stress, and contribute to moderate body weight. - Quitting smoking:
Research indicates a strong link between cigarette smoking and ED. - Avoiding heavy drinking and Illegal use of substances may improve sexual function.
- Seeking help for mental health conditions: Addressing anxiety, depression, and sources of sustained stress, for example, may help.
ED can result from physical, psychological, and emotional factors.
Medical conditions that may cause ED
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- heart disease
- obesity
- stress and anxiety
- atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries due to a buildup of plaque
- kidney disease
- multiple sclerosis
- Peyronie’s disease, which involves scar tissue in the penis
- injury to the penis, prostate, bladder, pelvis, or spinal cord
The American Urological Association (AUA) also lists dyslipidemia as a risk factor for ED. This is an imbalance of lipids, including cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides.
Learn more about LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Mental health conditions and factors that may contribute to ED include anxiety, depression, guilt, stress, and low self-esteem.
Other factors that may play a role include:
- alcohol and illegal drug use
- overweight or obesity
- low levels of exercise
- smoking
Anyone with symptoms of ED that last for a few weeks or more should contact a healthcare professional.
This is particularly important for people who suspect that an underlying health issue, such as heart disease, may be causing their ED.
This health issue can also be a side effect of certain medications, so a doctor may address it by changing a person’s ongoing treatment plan.
Drugs that may
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about alternatives to Viagra.
Do I need a prescription for erectile dysfunction pills?
People in the U.S. usually need a doctor’s prescription for ED medication.
Do natural Viagra alternatives work?
Insufficient scientific evidence suggests that herbs and other supplements can treat ED. However, various lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and eating a balanced diet, may help.
Can I purchase Viagra alternatives online?
Some companies employ licensed medical professionals to help determine if someone may benefit from a Viagra alternative. The company can ship the treatment to the person’s front door if the healthcare professional approves.
What can I use instead of Viagra?
As an alternative to Viagra, a person may wish to try any of the following:
- Alternative oral drugs: Including vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil.
- Nonoral drugs: Such as penile self injections, urethral suppositories, and testosterone replacements.
- Medical devices: Such as Eddie by Giddy, penis implants, and vacuum pumps.
- Natural alternatives: Including ginseng, DHEA, and L-arginine supplements.
A person may also wish to consider making some lifestyle changes instead of using Viagra.
What is the closest thing to Viagra over-the-counter?
There are no over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra. However, people may wish to try natural supplements that people can purchase without a prescription.
Natural supplements that may benefit individuals with erectile dysfunction include ginseng, DHEA, and L-arginine.
Additionally, some medical devices are available to purchase without a prescription.
What can I take naturally to get hard?
A person may wish to try taking natural supplements containing ginseng, DHEA, and L-arginine. However, a person should consider consulting with their doctor before taking these supplements.
There are various options for people who cannot or do not want Viagra. These alternatives include other medications, medical devices, and lifestyle changes.
Individuals should speak with a doctor about treating ED safely.