Viagra® is probably the most recognized drug for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the whole world, but two newer ED medications, Cialis® and Levitra®, released in 2003, have changed the way men look at a very personal problem. They’ve asked the important question: Which is the most popular and effective ED medication?
The answer might come as a surprise.
How Viagra and Its Counterparts Operate With a group of four major drugs and a variety of different doses, it can be hard to know where your baseline might be. Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra® (avanafil), and the not as common udenafil, all function the same way. They block an enzyme in the body known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). It includes tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil—the inhibitors that function by blocking an enzyme in the body that actually constricts blood flow.
They basically remove obstacles along the way of improved blood circulation in the penis, helping an erection to come about.
PDE5 inhibitors are extremely potent at allowing men with ED to achieve and maintain an erection. With sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil all being made available as inexpensive generics, they all are incredibly widely prescribed. They do, however, have slight structural differences between them which make them unique from each other. What’s the Most Popular ED Medication and Why?
Most of the Rex MD customers gravitate to either Viagra or Cialis because these two medications are arguably the most popular PDE5 inhibitors. That’s because Viagra was the first ED medication ever approved, all the way back in 1998, and Cialis similarly staked a place in users’ imaginations by allowing them to get an erection at any point within the next 36 hours. When matched in user preference, the results from these two giants of ED medications may come out surprisingly.
Cialis: The Preferred Choice
In head-to-head comparisons, both men and their partners tend to favor Cialis over Viagra. An analysis conducted in 2017 directly compared Cialis (tadalafil) with Viagra (sildenafil), providing clear insights into why Cialis has become a top choice. This comprehensive analysis examined 16 studies encompassing 5,189 patients, whose ages ranged from 36.9 to 56.2 years.
The findings of this review, and another similar one in 2015, consistently indicated a preference for tadalafil over sildenafil among patients and their partners. In conclusion:
“Tadalafil and sildenafil have been shown to exhibit comparable efficacy, safety, and satisfaction for the treatment of ED, and tadalafil dramatically improved the psychological outcomes. The adherence and persistence rates for tadalafil and sildenafil were equal. Furthermore, both men and women preferred tadalafil to sildenafil for the treatment of ED. Thus, tadalafil may be a better choice for ED treatment.”
But why is Cialis the preferred option for many?
Cialis Lasts Longer
One notable feature of Cialis is its extended duration of action. While Viagra can be taken between 30 minutes and 4 hours before sexual activity, Cialis is typically recommended 60 minutes prior to intercourse. Yet, its effects can persist for up to 36 hours, earning it the colloquial nickname of the “weekend pill.” This extended window alleviates timing pressures and the need for meticulous planning, providing users with greater flexibility.
Potential Mental Health Benefits
According to researchers, opting for tadalafil over sildenafil can also yield psychosocial and psychological benefits for couples. The reduced pressure on timing leads to enhanced overall satisfaction with treatment. Tadalafil boosts sexual confidence more effectively than sildenafil.
Fewer Side Effects
Viagra is often considered the most effective ED medication due to its rapid onset of action. However, there is some evidence suggesting that it might be associated with more side effects than its counterparts. In one analysis, sildenafil exhibited the highest overall rate of adverse events, whereas tadalafil had the lowest rate among all adverse events. In another 2017 study, the overall adverse event rate for tadalafil was found to be similar to that of sildenafil, although the nature of their side effects differed. Both medications showed no significant difference in the rate of headaches, stomach pain, or nasal congestion. However, tadalafil users experienced less facial flushing and more back pain compared to those taking sildenafil.
For those prioritizing sheer effectiveness, Viagra may be the initial choice. Conversely, tadalafil might be more suitable for those aiming to optimize tolerability and effectiveness.
Cost-Effective Options
Fortunately, tadalafil and sildenafil are now both affordable and readily accessible. This accessibility is primarily due to their availability as generic drugs from various manufacturers. When these medications were initially approved two decades ago, their cost was high as they were still branded, fetching prices as exorbitant as $90 per dose.
Today, you can obtain tadalafil affordably through telehealth providers like Rex MD. The process is as simple as completing an online medical questionnaire and participating in a virtual consultation with one of our board-certified physicians. Once approved, your order will be discreetly packaged and delivered to your doorstep.
In conclusion, while Viagra remains an iconic ED medication, Cialis has gained the upper hand in terms of preference due to its prolonged effectiveness, potential mental health benefits, fewer side effects, and cost-effectiveness. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities in managing erectile dysfunction.