Distinguishing Characteristics of Each Drug

The three erectile dysfunction drugs are quite similar but they do have differences and distinguishing characteristics. These variations are dependent on how quickly the body absorbs them and how long they stay active.

Sildenafil is not absorbed well when dietary fat is present, so it must be taken before eating. Vardenafil and tadalafil may be taken at any time. You may not mix any of these medications with alcohol. Alpha-blockers (Hytrin, Cardura, etc.), which are used for hypertension or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), may not be mixed with vardenafil or tadalafil. They are fine to take with sildenafil, but this must still be done carefully.

The fastest drug to produce results is vardenafil, which takes only about 15 minutes or so. Its effects last for more than 12 hours. Sildenafil usually reaches its peak effect between 1 and 4 hours after taking it, but some men report seeing a result within 30 minutes. Its effects also last more than 12 hours. Tadalafil takes a bit longer to work, usually taking about 45 minutes, but it also lasts much longer, sometimes reaching up to 36 hours.

The differences among the medications provide the manufacturers with different opportunities to market their product, often mentioning how their product can give men more sexual spontaneity. However, for most mature men, sexual spontaneity is not as important as being able to plan ahead for their sexual activities. It is true that the longer effects of the medications can give more freedom and ease for the user, but for those who experience side effects, the longer duration could also mean prolonged problems. Also, men with heart conditions will find if more convenient to use drugs that do not have prolonged effects, in case they need to use nitroglycerin after taking an anti-impotence medication.

Which is the Best Medication for You?

It is quite impossible to determine which of these three anti-impotence drugs are going to be best for you, unless you actually use all of them and compare the results for yourself. Men have different priorities as to which is the most important aspect in choosing the right drug. Some will go with tadalafil because of its longer duration. Some might choose vardenafil because it produces the fastest results. Still, others might choose sildenafil because of its longer history.

If you use one medication and are not pleased with the results, you may check with your doctor if it is okay for you to try the other drugs. However, once you experience severe side effects from any of the drugs, you must refrain from taking the drug causing the side effects.

In the long run, insurance coverage and cost may be the deciding factors. For now, the economic differences are disappointingly minimal, but if the free enterprise system works as it should, a winner will eventually emerge. If that happens, we’ll all be winners.

Probably one of the most important factors you should consider are the cost and insurance coverage. Right now, the prices do not vary all that much but if all goes well with the free enterprise system, there will be more economic differences that can work to your advantage.

What are the other solutions besides drugs?

There are several possible reasons why a man might experience penile dysfunction. The cause could either be physical or psychological. Before trying any medication, a complete medical check-up is necessary to determine what is causing the problem. Usually, doctors will recommend one of the three available medications. But this does not work for everyone, especially for men who are taking nitrates or nitroglycerin preparations, who may not take the drugs at all. Some men might also experience severe side effects with the drugs. But there's no need to fret because there are other available options.

1. Penile implants are still preferred by some men but they have lost much of their appeal when Viagra was introduced. Penile implants are usually inflatable devices, which can produce an erection by pumping it with fluid when you need to, or silicone rods that give permanent erections.
2. Alprostadil increases blood flow in the penis and is quite effective, but it has to be administered directly to the penis. This can be done either by injection or urethral pellets. Men have to do this on their own, and while a lot of men will find this repulsive, it does work for some.
3. Vacuum pumps create an "artificial" erection. This is done by placing the penis in an airtight cylinder. A hand pump removes the air which causes the blood to flow into the penis, which creates an erection. A band is then placed at the base of the penis to keep it stiff. Using it could be a burden, but it is safe and effective and it can be bought even without a doctor's prescription.
4. Sex therapy and counselling is best for men whose penile problems result from psychological causes.

These treatments are all effective and relatively safe, and there is at least one of them that will work for you. Other treatments besides those mentioned will probably not work. Do not be tempted to try those supplements or herbal remedies like Andro, Yohimbine, ginseng, DHEA or any of those vitamins and herbs. They do not work and using them will just be a waste of your time and money.