What are the alternatives to Viagra?

Viagra is only one of many erectile dysfunction treatments available in Ireland that can help you get and keep an erection. ZAVA has a range of Viagra alternatives, such as sildenafil, Levitra, Spedra, and Cialis. These treatments all work to increase the blood flow to your penis but contain different active ingredients. You can find out more about each of our Viagra alternatives below.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the unbranded version of Viagra containing the active ingredient sildenafil. This means it works exactly the same way and is a cheaper alternative to Viagra. The usual dose is 50mg, but this can be decreased to 25mg if you have side effects. The maximum dose of sildenafil is 100mg.

You should take sildenafil an hour before you want to have sex. It can last for up to 4 hours but this can be slightly different for every man. You should never take more than one tablet in a 24 hour period.

Levitra

Levitra is a branded ED medication that contains the active ingredient vardenafil. It should be taken around 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to have sex and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to work. Like sildenafil, Levitra lasts for around 4 hours. The recommended dose of Levitra is one 10mg tablet, taken no more than once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose to 20mg if you need it.

Levitra is suitable for diabetics making it a great Viagra alternative if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Spedra

Spedra is another alternative to Viagra that contains the active ingredient avanafil. The usual dose for ED is one 100mg tablet. You can also be prescribed with 50mg or 200mg tablets, depending on your symptoms and side effects. You should take Spedra around 30 minutes before sexual activity. As with most ED treatments, you should not take more than one tablet in a day.

Spedra works faster and lasts longer than Viagra. Spedra can last for around 4 to 5 hours and takes 30 minutes to work.

Cialis

Cialis is a branded ED treatment that contains the active ingredient tadalafil. It works in the same way that Viagra does but lasts much longer. You should take Cialis about 30 minutes before you plan to have sex and it should start to work within 30 minutes. It can last for up to 36 hours after taking it, which means it could be suitable if you have sex frequently as you do not need to take a tablet every day.

Cialis is available in 10mg or 20mg tablets and the starting dose is 10mg. Your doctor can increase your dose if you are struggling to get or keep an erection.

Viagra Connect

Viagra Connect is a Viagra alternative that is available over the counter in Ireland. It is not available from ZAVA, but you can find it in your local pharmacy. Although you do not need a prescription, the pharmacist will still ask you some questions to make sure Viagra Connect is safe and suitable for you.

Viagra Connect comes in 50mg tablets and is the same medication as Viagra. It works in the same way and contains the same active ingredient sildenafil. It should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before sex and lasts around 4 hours.

There are non medical alternatives to Viagra if you do not want to take medication or you get Viagra side effects. You can also use these alternatives alongside medication to improve your ED symptoms. This includes lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, penis pumps or rings, and sex therapy. You should speak to your doctor if you have ED as they can help you find the best treatment.

Lifestyle changes

There are some lifestyle changes that could make it easier to get or maintain an erection over time. This can include:

• quitting smoking
• eating a healthy and balanced diet
• exercising daily
• reducing the amount of time you watch porn
• losing weight (if you are overweight)
• reducing stress and anxiety in your life by doing relaxing activities, getting more sleep, or speaking to a therapist
• not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol in a week
• reducing the amount of time that you cycle (if you cycle more than 3 hours a week)

Depending on the reason for your ED, lifestyle changes do not always help. That is why it is important to speak to your doctor to find the cause of your ED symptoms.

Pelvic floor exercises

Your pelvic floor contains the muscles that support your bowel and bladder, as well as helping you to maintain an erection. If you have a weakness in your pelvic floor, you may find it more difficult to get and keep an erection. You may also have other symptoms such as needing to go to the toilet frequently or urinary incontinence (leaking urine).

You can find out more about pelvic floor exercises for men by looking online or speaking to your doctor. As you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, you may find it easier to get and keep an erection.

Vacuum/penis pumps

A penis pump or vacuum pump is a natural therapy for ED. It works by creating a vacuum around your penis, by using water or air pressure. This works to increase the blood flow to your penis which can help you get a full erection. You can use a penis pump alongside medical treatments or if you do not want to take medication.

Sex therapy

ED can sometimes be caused by a psychological problem. This is more likely if you have trouble getting an erection only some of the time. For instance, you may be able to get an erection alone but struggle with a sexual partner. This could be caused by anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, or something else.

Sex therapy can help you find the reason for your erection problems, which can treat your ED. You can get sex therapy through the NHS or pay privately.

Penis rings

Penis rings are a small band that fit around the base of your penis and can help treat ED. The ring can help you keep an erection for longer by slowing the blood flow from your penis. You can get different sized rings depending what size your penis is. Penis rings work best if you can get an erection but struggle to maintain it.

If you are trying a penis ring, be careful to not keep it on for longer than you need it and no longer than 30 minutes. You should also make sure it fits correctly and does not cut off all circulation in your penis. If you get pain, strange tingling, or numbness, take off the ring straight away.

Sildenafil is the cheapest Viagra alternative and contains the same active ingredient. It is the unbranded version of Viagra and comes in 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg tablets.

Cialis is the best Viagra alternative if you want an ED treatment that lasts longer. Unlike Viagra that lasts for up to 4 hours, Cialis can last for up to 36 hours after taking it. This means you could have sex for up to a day and a half after taking it without taking another tablet.

If you are looking for a faster alternative to Viagra, Spedra can work in as little as 30 minutes. This can be different for every man and it may take a few times for Spedra to work as it should. Spedra works fastest when taken without food.

Yes, Viagra Connect is an over the counter alternative to Viagra that is available in Ireland. Although ZAVA does not have Viagra Connect in Ireland, you should be able to find it in your local pharmacy. You do not need a prescription to get Viagra Connect but you may need to discuss your symptoms and medical history with a pharmacist first.