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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 30–50 million men in the United States each year. Although the prevalence of this issue increases with age, it does not only affect older adults.
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.
Learn more about Viagra.
The table below offers a quick comparison of Viagra to its alternatives.
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 side effects of the drug include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and a blue tint to an individual’s field of vision.
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Viagra.
When looking for help with erectile dysfunction, people can look at the following cheaper alternatives to Viagra:
Beyond Viagra, several medications can help with having and keeping erections.
Oral drugs, including Viagra, may be the first approach to treating ED.
Viagra is effective because it slows the action of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme in the blood vessel walls. This helps the muscles in the penis to relax and encourage blood flow, helping a person get an erection.
Other prescription-only PDE5 inhibitors include:
Various telehealth companies stock ED medication, including:
Read our in-depth reviews of telehealth companies that sell Viagra here:
Alternatives to pills and tablets include:
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.
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.
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.
Drug treatments may be unsuitable in some people, perhaps due to other health issues. In these cases, a doctor may recommend:
Some wearable devices can help a person maintain an erection, such as Eddie by Giddy.
*Price may vary.
Eddie by Giddy is a nonprescription, Class II wearable medical device that people can wear on a flaccid or erect penis. It is a C-shaped device that hooks onto the base of the penis. It has a tension band that constricts the penis.
Learn more about Eddie by Giddy.
The device constricts the veins in the penis, enabling blood flow into the penile shaft. This helps a person to keep an erection.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has registered the device, no scientific studies have evaluated its effectiveness.
It comes in various sizes and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our Eddie by Giddy review.
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 last resort.
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.
*Price may vary.
The Pos-T-Vac is a manual or battery-operated vacuum pump. The manual options offer more control over the suction.
To use a vacuum pump, a person puts their penis into the pump. This creates a vacuum around the penis to enhance blood flow. The suction helps facilitate an erection, but a person must wear a tension band to sustain it.
The manufacturers state not to wear a tension band longer than 30 minutes.
Learn more about the best ED pumps.
Many companies sell dietary supplements, herbal preparations, and food products as remedies for ED.
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 undisclosed sildenafil and tadalafil, which can be dangerous for some people. They can interact with nitrate medication and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol may take nitrate medication.
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:
*Price may vary.
A 2018 article states that aging causes a decline in DHEA, which leads to symptoms of depression, aggressive behavior, and low libido, among others. The research also notes that some trials suggest DHEA supplements may help improve a person’s well-being.
This supplement offers 50 mg of DHEA per serving of one tablet. The company warns that people who are taking medication should consult with a doctor before taking this supplement.
A person can expect to pay around $64 from Amazon for this product.
According to a 2021 study, ginseng may improve an individual’s ability to have intercourse.
Learn more about ginseng and ED.
This ginseng supplement is hypoallergenic and free from gluten and GMOs. The capsules are also vegan and vegetarian.
The company recommends taking one capsule per day. Each serving contains 250 mg of Panax ginseng.
A person can expect to pay around $9 for a 60-count bottle of this product.
As mentioned above, ginseng may be beneficial for improving a person’s ability to have intercourse.
This type of tablet contains two different kinds of Korean ginseng for added support. It also contains calcium and is free from soy, sugar, preservatives, fragrance, and artificial colors and flavors. It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The company recommends taking one tablet daily. Each serving contains 1,000 mg of ginseng and 110 mg of calcium.
A person can expect to pay around $19 for this product from Amazon.
A 2019 study found that those who took 1,500 to 5,000 mg of l-arginine significantly improved their ED symptoms.
This L-arginine supplement is free from gluten, wheat, soy, milk, lactose, and GMOs.
The company recommends taking four caplets every day. Each serving contains 4,000 mg of L-arginine.
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), certain lifestyle changes may help improve erectile function, including:
ED can result from physical, psychological, and emotional factors.
Medical conditions that may cause ED include:
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:
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 cause ED can include antidepressants, blood pressure medication, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, and opiods.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about alternatives to Viagra.
People in the U.S. usually need a doctor’s prescription for ED medication.
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.
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.
As an alternative to Viagra, a person may wish to try any of the following:
A person may also wish to consider making some lifestyle changes instead of using Viagra.
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.
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.
Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2023
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Alternatives to Viagra: Pills, Natural Remedies, and Other Treatments – Medical News Today
