Viagra and Cialis are both phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor medications. They are prescribed to males when they are unable to get or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse, a condition officially known as erectile dysfunction (ED). This is very common and affects 1/3 of men. The occurrence of ED also increases from 5 to 15% in men aged 40-70.
Viagra was the original drug for treating erectile dysfunction and was introduced to the market in 1998. In the last 22 years, it has been used by approximately forty million men across the globe. Cialis has been gaining popularity in the last decade and sales of both are relatively similar.
About Viagra and Cialis
Viagra and Cialis do not result in an immediate erection and neither medication increases a male’s sexual desire. They function by relaxing the muscles in the penis to enable increased blood flow and help a male to get or sustain an erection when he is sexually stimulated. Usually, when a man is aroused, a compound called nitric oxide is released in the penis, which causes the widening of blood vessels.
This triggers an enzyme to produce a substance known as cGMP, which affects the amount of blood flow in the penis and causes an erection. The PDE5 enzyme destroys cGMP. So, PDE5 inhibitor medications, such as Viagra and Cialis, stop this destruction and enable cGMP to remain and consequently the erection.
Both medications take between 30 minutes to one hour to start working and require a prescription.
The main differentiator
The biggest difference between Viagra and Cialis is that Cialis is much longer-lasting. It works for around 36 hours compared to Viagra’s 6. Therefore, Viagra is intended to be taken when required, whereas Cialis is a continuous treatment that can be taken in a small dose every day. While you may be drawn to Cialis for its sustained capabilities, keep in mind that any potential side effects would also last for that amount of time.
Therefore, if the individual has a good idea that sexual intercourse will be taking place within a certain timeframe then Viagra may be the more tempting option. This is because the medication and its side effects will wear off quicker. However, if you assume sex will occur at some point during perhaps a weekend, then a low dose of Cialis over those days may be the preferred choice to ensure readiness when the opportunity arises.
Side effects
As mentioned, both Viagra and Cialis do come with relatively similar potential side effects. If you experience chest pain, nausea, or dizziness during sexual intercourse using either drug then seek medical assistance immediately. Common side effects of one or both may include:
- Back or muscle pain
- Changes in colour vision.
- Diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Reddening of the face
Ultimately, the main consideration is choosing a medication that is right for you and your unique circumstances. You may also want to try making certain lifestyle changes or actions before or at the same time as using Viagra or Cialis, to help reduce the occurrence of erectile dysfunction. Some options which may help are eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, drug, or tobacco usage, losing weight, or maintaining a regular exercise routine.
You can speak with a doctor online about a Viagra or Cialis prescription today.