Have you ever noticed that sometimes in bed with your partner, you feel like you need a bit of help.
I had a similar experience in the past. And when I went to my doctor and asked about it. He mentioned that “It's nothing to worry. This is very common with people in their late thirties and could be treated easily. There are multiple approaches. And perhaps we could use one of them for you.”
I asked him to prescribe me Viagra. But he said that it's very natural that you feel you require a medical treatment in order to treat yourself with erectile dysfunction (ED). Often people think that Viagra is the only and the best treatment for it. But trust me, it's not.
Then I slept on it and did some research the next day. What I found out that Viagra is not even the name of the salt, which actually treat you. It is just the most famous medication or brand name in PDE-5 inhibitors.
So then I thought is there any better and affordable treatment for it?
Well, actually there are many other drugs, devices and lifestyle changes which could help you get and keep an erection.
So let's talk about them one by one.
1. L-arginine
L-Arginine is a non-essential amino acid, which means it can be produced by the body as well as obtained through the diet. Foods such as soya, chicken and beef are good sources of Arginine. In some individuals, the quantity of arginine needed can be greater than the amount that can be produced by the body or consumed in the diet.
Now to understand how it could help you is when you take high doses of L-arginine. This helps you increase your blood flow, which in return helps you keep your erection, hence beat ED.
Potential side effects of use include nausea, cramps, and diarrhoea. You shouldn’t take this if you take Viagra.
2. Red ginseng
Again Red ginseng is not recommended similar to Viagra. It is a herbal supplement. But remember it has a side effect which could cause a lot of problems in your life. It’s called Dozing.
Yes, I am serious!
Although it certainly helps with ED treatment. Remember, it actually reduce the blood sugar from your body. Which will cause issues if you are suffering from sugar. So speak to your doctor before taking this.
Side effects may include headache, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal problems.
3. Sildenafil
Sildenafil is an alternative which is quite similar to Viagra. I can vouch for it because I had a first-hand experience in using these pills. Although research says that it only works for 74% of men who tried it. But it worked for me, so no complaints.
Remember once you take it. It will take up to 60 minutes to start working, but once it’s working it will last for at least 2.5 hours. In some cases it will last up to 6 hours too.
Side effects might include some
Headache, Flushed Skin, heatburn. It has been adviced that anyone who is suffering from cardiovascular disease should be very careful before taking this pills. I would strongly suggest you should discuss it with your docutor if thats the case.
4. Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil or Cialis is exactly same as Viagra. It a tablet you can take orally and it will start working with in 35 to 50 minutes.
It will help you improve erectile function for up-to 36 hours after you take this medication.
Obviously, you need to speak with your doctor to understand how much dose you can take.
But for me;
My doctor recommended to start with 10 mg. I was also recommended to increase or decrease depending upon my necessity.
Side effects may include headaches, back pain, muscle aches, pain in your arms and legs, facial flushes, stuffy nose, and indigestion.
Do not take tadalafil if you also take medicines called nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain). This combination can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
5. Vardenafil (Levitra)
From studies, we got to know that Levitra is a bit more potent compared to traditional Viagra, when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction. Although both drugs are effective and could not be compared on a graph for effectiveness. Because it will be a single line :)
The only difference has been spotted with Levitra compared to Viagra is it will not alter colour perception. Which is one of the side effects when you take Viagra.
Another study conducted by National library of Medicine found out that Levitra a little better than Viagra in general.
But again, let me reiterate that it would be much better to discuss it with your doctor first before starting this treatment.
Side effects of Levitra may include headache, flushing, indigestion and stuffy nose.
6. Vardenafil (Staxyn)
Vardenafil (Staxyn) is not your usual medication you take with water. Its a bit different in that sense.
You need to place this tablet on your tongue, and then it will slowly dissolve in your mouth. This need to happen at least 60 minutes before you want to be active in your partner.
One thing to remember is if you crush or split the tablet, it will not be that effective as it could be if you just let it dissolve in your mouth. Also, it contains 10 mg of medication, which is more than enough for one day. So basically no more than 1 Staxyn a day.
Side effects may include Headache, flushing, or dizziness. Increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart may also occur.
7. Avanafil (Stendra)
If your doctor has prescribed you Stendra, you could take it with or without food. Usually you can take it whenever you need it, i.e., 30 minutes before when you want to have intercourse with your partner.
Some doctors suggest that you can take it around 15 minutes before your sexual activity. Stendra is available in different doses of type, for example. You can get it for 200 mg, which is a high concentration dose. You can take it for 50 or 100 mg, which is medium and low concentration dose.
Again, one thing to remember is you should never take Stendra more than once a day.
8. KEGEL Exercises
If you think that Kegel Exercises are only for women, than think it again. Because they are not!
Your pelvic muscle plays a very important role in your sexual life. Hence, just like any other muscle in your body. You need to take care of your pelvic muscle too.
Kegel exercise can help you out to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Not only that, but also it will help you with your bladder and bowel movement. Which in return helps your sexual life.
But the most indispensable part of Kegel exercise is to find out the correct muscle to train. Hence, a proper technique needs to be applied.
In general, your pelvic muscle is weakened by either diabetes or over reactive bladders. But sometimes it's caused because of surgical removal of prostate.
As you can see in the picture above. The best way to do Kegel exercise is to tighten your pelvic floor muscles and then hold the contraction for three to five seconds.
Repeat this for 10 to 12 times, and always have a 5 seconds rest between each cycle.
9. Acupuncture
You must be thinking; Do I have to put those thin pins into my Penis? 😆
No, that’s not what I am implying here.
Acupuncture has been used by many doctors to treat several conditions in human body. And it has been suggested that acupuncture could also treat ED, but the evidence to prove that and its efficacy is not available in abundance.
Or I should say, there is very little evidence available.
In a study in 2016 systemic review researchers were failed to prove that acupuncture alone was effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
So in that spirit you can say it’s not the best alternative to Viagra.
Other than 9 alternatives to Viagra mentioned above. There are a few more things you could do in order to improve your sexual life. For example
Lifestyle changes, like weight loss
Obesity makes a big difference when it comes to being effective in your bed. Although one can say how does that matter.
If you start gaining weight or feel obesity, this might not be a good sign. Because study shows, it may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) by 30–90%.
So, changes in your lifestyle might get you more subtle feeling and confidence.
- Try not to skip your breakfast.
- Eat regular meals. Preferable small portions, 4–5 meals instead of 2 big meals.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day. I would suggest only eat meat for 2 days a week.
- Get more active. Go to gym or running. Make friends who do the same every day for motivation.
- Drink plenty of water. Drink at least 2 litres of water every day.
- Eat high fibre foods like dry fruits, avocado green vegetables etc.
- Do not eat packaged food. Like beans in a can, always read food labels to understand what it includes.
If you have more suggestions, or you have seen any other Alternative to Viagra which is quite effective. Please drop me a message and I will try to include in this list.
