Three Options for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Tuesday, September 16 2008

There are Three Major ED Drugs on the Market – Which one is Right for You?

Ever since Pfizer obtained the patent on Viagra in 1996, and put the drug onto the market in 1998, they have significantly impacted the lives of millions of those who suffer with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) around the world. Following the popularity of Viagra, two more ED treatments would come along: Levitra and Cialis.

Each of these ED treatment drugs work in a very similar fashion. They all release PDE5 inhibitors into the bloodstream counteracting the enzyme responsible for causing the arteries in the penis to constrict, which restricts blood flow to the main shaft of the penis. When these PDE5 enzymes are disabled, the arteries relax, and upon sexual arousal and or stimulation, the penis is able to fill with blood and easily become firm and erect. Upon sexual release, the blood slowly leaves the penis and returns to a flaccid state.

What are the differences between the three major ED drugs on the market?

Viagra is currently the number one ED drug on the market. Viagra boasts a pretty significant success rate, which clinical trials shown to be 70% effective for treatment of ED. Viagra is also known as the most potent of the ED drugs, and usually lasts between 3-4 hours in the system. However, it may not always be successful when treating some forms of ED, such as Erectile Dysfunction caused by instances of illness commonly found with prostate cancer or diabetes.

Levitra, another popular ED treatment option, is shown to last a little longer in the system-roughly, 5-6 hours, and results are shown to be a little faster when taken on a full stomach. Another note regarding Levitra, is that it has also been shown to work effectively as an ED treatment relating issues of illness when other treatment options have failed to work.

Finally there is Cialis, the newest form of treatment option for ED. Cialis lasts the longest in the system (24-36 hours) and proves useful for those with ED who do not want to have to take a pill every time before sexual intimacy. Like the other leading ED drugs on the market, Cialis also works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzymes in the bloodstream and allowing for the arteries to supply the necessary blood flow to the penis, resulting in a longer, firmer and more sustained erection in ED patients.

Which ED treatment currently on the market is best for you?

The only real way to know for sure is by asking your physician which one they would recommend as the right ED treatment. Since all medical conditions vary from case-to-case, based upon your current medical history your doctor will be able to decide which one of these three ED treatment options is best suited to be the most effective.