The Best Alternatives to Viagra

Viagra tends to be more expensive than other erectile dysfunction medications because it is a branded version of the medication sildenafil.

Cheaper alternatives to Viagra include:

• Sildenafil (generic version)
• Superdrug Sildenafil

Pharmaceutical companies often invest a lot of money into the research, development, and marketing of branded medications. To help them recover these costs, they are allowed a ‘patent’, which means for a set period of time they are the only ones allowed to make and sell the medications they develop. This means they can set a higher price as there is no competition.

Viagra and sildenafil are almost identical, but the generic versions often cost less. This is because once the patent runs out, other companies can make and sell the medication so pricing becomes more competitive.. Generic medications tend to be 70 to 90% cheaper than their branded versions.

Viagra typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to work and should be taken at least half an hour before you intend to have sex.

If this isn’t quick enough for you, Spedra may be a suitable alternative. It is a branded version of its active ingredient, avanafil, and gets to work in 15 to 30 minutes. Like Viagra, Spedra is only available with a prescription.

Many erectile dysfunction treatments require you to “plan” when you are going to have sex because of the time they take to work. Cialis Daily helps you to have more spontaneous sex because it is a daily pill, so it’s always in your system. So, you can be ready for sex without any planning for it or waiting for your pill to work.

Viagra lasts for an average of 4 hours after you take it, although this can vary between individuals. You can only take one Viagra tablet in 24 hours, so depending on your circumstances you might be looking for an erectile dysfunction treatment that lasts longer than Viagra.

The following erectile dysfunction treatments last longer than Viagra:

• Cialis: Also known as the ‘Weekend Pill’, Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil. It is a long-lasting treatment that lasts for up to 36 hours.
• Cialis Daily: Is available in a much lower dose but is taken every day to ensure you are always ready for sex. This means it lasts for as long as you’re taking it every day.
• Tadalafil: The generic version of Cialis, tadalafil is a cheaper alternative that is also effective for up to 36 hours.

Remember that Viagra doesn’t make you last longer in bed if you are ejaculating before you want to. If you want to last longer in bed before orgasming you may need premature ejaculation treatment.

There are several reasons why Viagra might not have worked for you, including:

• the dose is too low
• you have not waited long enough after taking it to attempt to have sex
• you have waited too long to have sex after taking it
• you’re not sexually aroused
• you drank alcohol while taking it
• you had a high fat meal
• you haven’t tried it enough times yet

Should I try Viagra again if it hasn’t worked the first time?

Viagra doesn’t always work the first time. Some people need time for their body to get used to and respond to Viagra. Your doctor may suggest trying Viagra several times (up to 8 times) before trying an alternative.

Performance anxiety can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. You should tell your doctor if you feel you have emotional difficulties during or before sex. If you do, you shouldn’t feel ashamed of it – this is normal, and common. ED treatments do not work unless you are aroused. You should talk to your partner and your doctor about your frustrations.

How to get the most out of Viagra

Studies show that a 50mg Viagra dose is 74% effective, but if you find it doesn’t work for you the first time or you want to increase your chances of success, there are several things you can do:

• Give it time: Most people find that Viagra takes 30 to 60 minutes to work but it can take up to 2 hours. Viagra does not work instantly, so it is important to wait for its effects to take place before attempting to have sex.
• Get in the mood: Viagra doesn’t work if you are not sexually aroused. It’s important to participate in activities that you find sexually stimulating, this is a good way to involve your partner in your Viagra journey too.
• Avoid fatty meals: You can take Viagra with or without food, but if you choose to take it with a meal, make sure it is light. Large and high fat meals can delay the time it takes for Viagra to work.
• Avoid alcohol: Drinking large amounts of alcohol after you have taken Viagra can cause it to be ineffective. If you are going to drink, try to limit it to 1 alcoholic beverage or even better, avoid it completely.
• Stay relaxed: If erectile dysfunction is making you anxious, this can also affect your ability to get an erection. Try to stay calm and relaxed to allow Viagra to do its thing. If anxiety is a big problem for you, tell your doctor.

If Viagra is not right for you, there are many medical erectile dysfunction alternatives available.

Other erectile dysfunction tablets

There are a number of other erectile dysfunction tablets to consider.

Alprostadil cream (Vitaros cream)

How it works: Relaxes the walls of the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow.

How you use it: The cream is applied directly inside the urethra with an applicator.

Pros:

• Low rates of side effects.
• Well- tolerated.

Cons:

• Female partners may experience burning sensations.
• Can worsen low blood pressure.

Price (if applicable):

• It is available in 3 mg/g 4 packs for £64.

Alprostadil (Caverject injection)

How it works: Relaxes the walls of the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow.

How you use it: The injection is given at the base of your penis. A doctor or nurse will inject it the first time and show you how to do it.

Pros:

• Can work in as little as 15 minutes
• Can be helpful if erectile dysfunction pills haven’t worked for you.

Cons:

• Can cause bruising, scarring, or bending of the penis.
• Increased risk of painful, prolonged erections.
• Lasts for around 1 hour only.

Price (if applicable):

• NHS indicative price £11.30

Eroxon gel

How it works: Creates a rapid cooling and gradual warming effect in the penis, stimulating the nerve endings, helping you to get an erection.

How you use it: The gel is applied directly to the head of the penis.

Pros:

• Available without prescription.
• Can help you get an erection within 10 minutes.

Cons:

• Can cause burning sensations in men and women.
• Minor side effects include headaches.

Price (if applicable):

• From £22.99

Penile implants

How it works: Inflatable implants or flexible rods are surgically inserted into the penis. Penile implants are usually reserved for men who have tried other erectile dysfunction treatments without success.

How you use it: Inflatable implants require a device filled with a saline solution and a pump hidden in the scrotum. The pump is pressed to help you get an erection as the saline solution moves into the device and inflates it. When you have finished, you can deflate the device.

Pros:

• A highly- effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.
• Usually recommended when other treatments have failed.

Cons:

• Penile implants can be expensive.
• Recovering from surgery can take weeks.
• Implants aren’t suitable for everyone.

Price (if applicable):

• From around £3000

Testosterone replacement

How it works: Testosterone can improve erectile function in men with low testosterone levels.

How you use it: It works by increasing testosterone levels in men whose levels are low.

Pros:

• Improves sexual function in men with low testosterone levels.
• Can increase libido.
• Available in several forms; gel, cream, pills, implants.

Cons:

• Won’t work for everyone.
• Testosterone can cause side effects.
• Increased risk of blood clots and prostate cancer.

Price (if applicable):

• From £55

Alternatives that do not involve taking medication

Medication-based therapies are not the only option available to treat erectile dysfunction. Some men prefer to explore non-medication methods, such as pumps, dietary changes, and exercise.

Penis pumps

Penis pumps are devices that are placed over the penis to help you get an erection. They can be used with or without water and work to increase blood flow to the penis. Research suggests that vacuum pumps are around 90% effective.

Penis pumps can be used with other erectile dysfunction treatments, like Viagra. This can be a promising option for men who have tried ED pills but haven’t got the results they want. One study found that combining erectile dysfunction pills with a vacuum pump increased their chances of getting and maintaining an erection significantly.

One of the downsides to penis pumps is their cost, although you only have to pay it once and they’re reusable. When compared with other treatments, they are more expensive. You can request a penis pump from Superdrug Online Doctor with prices starting from £155.

Penis rings

Penis rings are devices that fit around the base of the penis, or the penis and testicles, applying pressure to the surrounding areas. Traditionally, they are used to enhance sexual pleasure but some people find they can help improve erectile function when used in combination with other methods, such as penis pumps.

Penis rings are usually provided when you buy a penis pump. However, there are some risks to using penis rings that you should consider, such as:

• pain
• unusual swelling
• bruising
• numbness or pins and needles

Lifestyle changes

There are several lifestyle changes you can try that can effectively improve erectile function:

• Weight loss: If you’re overweight, losing weight can be one of the most effective ways to improve erectile function. One study found that when a weight loss intervention was followed, erectile function was restored in 31% of men.
• Quit smoking: Erectile dysfunction can be improved by quitting smoking. Cigarette smoking can affect many systems involved in getting an erection. In a study involving 281 men with erectile dysfunction, quitting smoking improved erectile function in 25% of the participants who gave up smoking completely. We can help you give up smoking with our quit smoking service.
• Reducing stress: Stress and anxiety can disrupt the signals from the brain that increase blood flow to the penis, enabling you to get an erection. It is important to help manage stress if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction. You can try activities such as mindfulness and meditation or therapy such as counselling may be available.
• Improve your diet: Research shows that a healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Diets that are rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, fish and low in red and processed meat, such as the ‘Mediterranean Diet’ were less likely to be associated with erectile dysfunction.
• Less porn: Watching excessive amounts of porn can cause psychological erectile dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that watching porn could be causing increased rates of erectile dysfunction in men under 40.
• Good sleep: Poor sleep and shortened sleep duration may contribute to erectile dysfunction. In a study involving young male students, almost 51% reported poor sleep quality, of which 73% experienced erectile dysfunction. Try to practise good sleep hygiene such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, changing your bed clothes regularly, switching off screens around 2 hours before going to bed, and keeping your bedroom cool and dark.

Pelvic floor exercises

Also known as Kegel exercises, pelvic floor exercises may help treat erectile dysfunction. To do Kegels properly, you need to:

1. Locate the muscles responsible for causing an erection. You can do this by stopping the flow of urine while breathing normally and not clenching the muscles in your legs, buttocks or abdomen. When you have successfully slowed or stopped the flow of urine, you have found the correct muscles.
2. Next, contract these muscles for a count of 4.
3. Release for another count of 4.
4. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

Pelvic floor exercises can help regain erectile function after 6 months in 40% of men. Pelvic floor exercises are an easy and cost effective way to help improve your chance of getting and keeping an erection. However, they may not work for everyone, especially if your erectile dysfunction is caused by an underlying health condition.

Therapy or counselling

Not all erectile dysfunction is related to physical causes. In many cases, getting and keeping erections can be made more difficult by anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.

Therapy or counselling may help you if your erectile dysfunction is linked to mental health causes. They can also be used in combination with medications.