Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a relatively common condition that occurs in around 30 million American men. (1) The condition refers to the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. (2) ED and men have a complex psychosocial relationship, like how infertility affects women. As such, men with ED often feel embarrassed or ashamed, with some men developing deeper psychological problems such as depression. (3,4)
Fortunately, ED is treatable, reversible, and curable depending on the cause. (5,6) Viagra (sildenafil) is the most prominent and prevalent ED treatment following its approval by the FDA in 1998. (7) The blue pill’s popularity led to the development of Viagra alternatives in the market. These alternative treatments offer different active ingredients, price variations, online prescriptions, and alternative application forms.
Finding the perfect Viagra alternative can be daunting, but our team of certified and licensed professionals did the hard work and research to find the best Viagra alternatives. We considered several crucial parameters, such as key ingredients, dosage, and form, in our research. We rounded up the best Viagra alternatives that fit your needs and preferences.
Best Viagra alternative overall
Hims Cialis stands out as our top pick for best overall Viagra alternative because of its ability to help men reclaim their sexuality while regaining lifestyle normalcy. Men can enjoy spontaneous sexual activity all month long with Hims Cialis monthly subscription. The online consultation and delivery process is safe, private, and discreet, and helps kick off a more confident lease on life.
Our picks for the best Viagra alternative
- Best overall: Hims Cialis
- Best pills: Ro Sparks
- Best OTC: Giddy Health Men’s Libido Bundle
- Best natural: Nature’s Bounty L-Arginine
- Best cheap: Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables
Compare viagra alternatives
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| Hims Cialias | Ro Sparks | Giddy Health Men’s Libido Bundle | Nature’s Bounty L-Arginine | Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables | |
| Rating | |||||
| Price | $958/month | $48/month for lowest dose | $45.60/month (Optional subscription) | $14.25 | $20 – $90/month |
| Key ingredients | Tadalafil | Sildenafil, tadalafil | B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, selenium, zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha, longjack | L-Arginine | Sildenafil |
| Dosage | One tablet every 24 hours (as needed) | One tablet every 24 hours (as needed) | One capsule every 24 hours | One tablet three times per day | One tablet every 24 hours (as needed) |
| Form | Tablet | Tablet | Capsule | Tablet | Tablet |
Best overall Viagra alternative: Hims Cialis
Key product features
What you should know
Hims Cialis is a low-dose (5 mg) one-a-day treatment for erectile dysfunction. Its active ingredient is tadalafil and it helps men achieve erections throughout a 24 to 36 hour period. This is a duration that’s at least six times longer than Viagra and many of its alternatives.
- One user of an ED focus group thought the Hims screening process was the least invasive yet very thorough compared to others on the market.
- The price is very expensive at $958 a month, making this a prescription for men who value its benefits over its cost.
- Insurance may lower Hims Cialis’s costs.
- Adding Hims Cialis to a morning routine means men don’t have to carry pills on their person, Moreover, men can avoid the awkward conversations, moments, and thoughts involved that as-needed pills may lead into.
Why we like Hims Cialis as best overall Viagra alternative
Hims Cialis offers men the opportunity to discreetly regain the confidence they lost due to erectile dysfunction. It’s not required to take Cialis minutes before sex, unlike Viagra and its alternatives. As such, it’s the optimal choice for men who desire sexual freedom with a sense of independence.
Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that stays in the body longer than other ED medications. One 5 mg tablet may be effective for 24 to 36 hours, providing men with all-day performance readiness. Because of this, men can take Cialis many hours before engaging in intercourse.
A daily dose of Cialis requires a few days of use to become fully effective. However, the concentration effectiveness of a single tablet occurs within 30 minutes of consumption. Taking Cialis requires some discipline to maintain its effectiveness, but it’s easy to fit into a daily routine. Cialis shouldn’t be taken with other medications and vitamins without first consulting a health care provider. Cialis does have food and drug interactions, so it’s imperative to speak with your healthcare provider. “If you’re using Cialis, look out for dizziness,” warns Neil Paulvin, DO., a multiple board-certified physician. “It may also cause headaches.“
Hims has a thorough screening process for its users, which starts off with a short pre-screening questionnaire. This questionnaire can be skipped entirely and finishing the questionnaire leads to an area where users can shop around or start the consultation process. These questions are to set up your medical profile and create an account. A comprehensive set of 40 questions that takes three to eight minutes to complete is provided to the user to help find the right medication.
Afterwards, the user is presented with an opportunity to choose a medication. Shipping and billing information is then requested. The information will be reviewed by a health care provider, and once prescribed, you will be charged for the selected product before it ships.
Expense is a potential problem for those who want to take daily Cialis. A monthly subscription starts at $958 (without insurance) on the Hims platform, which is around ten times more than the subscription of the generic version. Paying a subscription at that price would be a luxury that many men can’t afford. 37% of Americans don’t have $400 for emergency expenses. Moreover, 56% aren’t willing (or able) to pay a $1,000 bill from their savings. (8) Adding an amount comparable to the rent may be an issue for many men, but some may believe the cost may be worth the confidence boost, sense of normalcy, and sexual freedom.
What customers are saying
Hims holds an above-average rating on Trustpilot with over 4,000 reviews. The 3.2 rating is lower than expected, but the reviews are based on various healthcare products that Hims provides.
Many users loved the support and service that Hims provided, such as verified user Christopher L., who had good things to say about Hims and their partnered physicians. He noted their knowledge and willingness to help. His five-star review read, “Very good experience, the doctor was always available to answer any questions.”
Some people loved the product but couldn’t keep up with the expense even with the help of insurance.
Gregory, a verified Trustpilot user, expressed his dismay in his three-star review: “I don’t use Hims anymore. It’s too expensive! The daily Cialis was great, but at $240 a month, I couldn’t do it. If they could drop it some, then it would be great.”
Specs
| Price | $958 ( standard pricing without insurance) |
| Form | Tablet |
| Dose | One every 24 hours (as needed) |
| Dosage amount | 5 mg |
| Key ingredients | Tadalafil |
| Cost per dose | $32 |
| Side effects | Flushing, headache, nausea, dizziness, chest or arm pain, low blood pressure, and priapism |
Best pill Viagra alternative: Ro Sparks
Key product features
What you should know
Ro Sparks utilizes the two active ingredients, sildenafil and tadalafil for quicker and longer-lasting results. The treatment is specially formulated to be absorbed sublingually (under the tongue), so it works approximately two times as fast as other leading ED medications.
- This medicine helps grant men the ability to have erections sooner, hold erections longer, and maximize the period of sexual capabilities through a combination of the two active ingredients.
- Subscriptions are priced at $12 per dose with a minimum requirement of four dosages.
- The limited dosage options make this the ideal treatment for men who don’t have sex often but still want to be ready for the moment.
Why we like Ro Sparks as best pill Viagra alternative
Ro Sparks is a pill that combines the two leading active ingredients in ED medicines to provide maximum benefits. Other Viagra alternatives use the same active ingredients, but Ro Sparks activates in around 15 minutes. This results in men achieving erections two times quicker than with most other brands. The combination of being fast-acting and multifunctioning makes Ro Sparks our pick for the best pill Viagra alternative.
The active ingredients of Ro Sparks are sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Sildenafil allows users to have an erection quickly, while tadalafil stays in the body just in case an erection is necessary later in the day. Tadalafil potentially stays in the body for upwards of 36 hours, as previously mentioned. Ro Sparks utilizes a unique mixture that makes it a longer-lasting alternative to Viagra, which lasts for around four hours.
Administration of the pill is sublingual, which means it is absorbed into the bloodstream from under the tongue. (9) Viagra and other ED medications are generally absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. Most ED medications start to work in around 30 minutes after oral administration. Alternatively, on average, Ro Sparks users see results in 15 minutes, making Ro Sparks two times quicker than other ED treatments. Ro Sparks doesn’t need to be taken with food or water as a sublingual treatment, which offers users a hassle-free experience by allowing them to take the pill at any time.
Subscription pricing for Ro Sparks is dosage-based. Ro’s website states that a subscription costs $12 per dose, but monthly subscriptions require four to 10 doses. Simply put, Ro Sparks costs between $48-$120, depending on the chosen subscription. A monthly maximum of 10 doses might seemingly put a damper on those who are more sexually active. However, the tadalafil in Ro Sparks allows men to make good use of the 24-36 hours of effectiveness. Multiple sexual encounters can occur under the duration of a single dose, which makes the treatment quite effective.
Priapism is a potential side-effect of Ro Sparks due to containing sildenafil. The condition is when an erection can subside and lasts longer than a few hours. It’s a rare side effect that’s uncomfortable and can be painful at times.
The FDA hasn’t approved Ro Sparks because it’s a compound medication. As a result, the medication isn’t subject to the FDA’s safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing reviews.
Ro is a trusted company that works with healthcare providers to provide potential clients with the correct treatment for them. This is done through an online screening process and kicks things off with a sign-up. New users receive a 15% off coupon and a small questionnaire to set up an account. Ro will send a text confirmation to the user’s phone before continuing. The option to opt-in and receive emails and text notifications is then presented to the user.
A user from an ED focus group noted that he receives email notifications and text messages that provide him updates on his subscription orders. The user is provided with about 14 questions to determine the best treatment. Then, the user selects the treatment and plan they want, followed by shipping and billing information. If approved, the user will be charged and the package will be shipped. Additionally, Ro offers customers support and follow-ups with a subscription.
To learn more about this brand, check out our full Roman ED review.
What customers are saying
Ro (Roman) has a “great” company rating on Trustpilot. Ro produces various healthcare products, which causes the reviews to be all over the place. People seem to enjoy Ro products.
“Sparks is an improvement upon sildenafil alone. In my case, I noticed fewer side effects (I have had mild skin flushing, stuffy nose, and peripheral vision issues). Also, in my case, my erections not only last longer, but I notice I have been able to get erections quicker (less refractory period) and can have multiple erections and multiple ejaculations in one day. Thank you for this product!”
Mike O., Trustpilot review
We noticed two things about the reviews. Ro products generally work, but customer service and pricing are either iffy or awful. Notice in our review that we talked about pricing. We did the math and read between the lines to find the actual price versus the “per dose” price. The general consensus is that Ro is a little misleading with its costs. Women seemed to have the most issues with Ro regarding their services and pricing.
Specs
| Price | $48 – $120 (depends on plan) |
| Form | Tablet |
| Dose | One every 24 hours (as needed) |
| Dosage amount | 55 mg (sildenafil), 22 mg (tadalafil) |
| Key ingredients | Sildenafil, tadalafil |
| Cost per dose | $12 |
| Side effects | Flushing, headache, nasal stuffiness, nausea, dizziness, upset stomach, and priapism |
Best OTC Viagra alternative: Giddy+Health Men’s Libido Bundle
Key product features
What you should know
The Giddy+Health Men’s Libido Bundle comes with two bottles of 30 capsules. One bottle contains 14 essential vitamins and minerals to assist with general health, and the other contains vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts intended to boost sexual performance.
- This bundle contains an array of vitamins and minerals intended to optimize men’s health and increase libido and sexuality.
- Bundle subscribers pay $45.60 per month which is less than the original price of $65.
- The contents and makeup of capsules are vegetarian, making it a viable option for men looking for ED solutions that match their lifestyle.
- Men’s Libido Bundle shouldn’t cause the potential side effects and cardiovascular problems that ED medications may cause.
Why we like Giddy+Health Men’s Libido Bundle as best OTC Viagra alternative
The Men’s Libido Bundle is a set of multivitamins that focuses on sexual health. The vitamins are produced and sold by Giddy, a platform that hosts expert-reviewed articles dedicated to sexuality and sexual health. It’s important to note that these multivitamins are not a one-to-one alternative to Viagra. Viagra and its alternatives are medications, but the Men’s Libido Bundle are supplements. (10)
We chose the Men’s Libido Bundle as the best OTC Viagra alternative because it contains ingredients that promote blood flow and testosterone production. These factors improve the chances of achieving and maintaining an erection.
Both bottles contain erection-promoting vitamins and minerals you may not find in other men’s multivitamins. The “14 Essentials” capsules contain vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc. Giddy doesn’t promote the inclusion of these vitamins and minerals for erection-obtaining purposes, but the benefits are potentially there. Vitamin D is used off-label for lowering blood pressure, a factor shared with phosphodiesterases (PDEs). (11)
Multiple studies suggest that magnesium may also lower blood pressure with more substantial evidence of success. (12) Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D intake may improve testosterone. Lower testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction share a correlating relationship. (13) Men who reap more benefits from magnesium should consider the best magnesium supplements.
Giddy primarily promotes ashwagandha, vitamin D, and longjack (Eurycoma longifolia) for their “Libido Boost” capsules. The use of ashwagandha in the capsules is to promote healthy blood flow to the genitals, according to Giddy. Longjack is a key ingredient because of its aphrodisiac properties. Studies show that longjack may stimulate androgen hormones such as testosterone. (14) However, more research is needed to support these claims. The supplements contain vitamin D and zinc, which may boost testosterone levels. Both multivitamins are approved by the European Food Safety Administration (EFSA).
Men can take advantage of the Men’s Libido Bundle subscription. A subscription ensures that the supplements are always available and saves time and stress from a manual reorder. However, interested parties can opt to purchase the bundle through a subscription or as a standalone product. Either option is a good choice because the price is about the same, with the standalone option being 50 cents cheaper on Amazon. Canceling the subscription model is a hassle-free and straightforward process.
It may take 30-60 days to receive these supplements’ concentrated effects and benefits. This is not the option for men who need immediate or fast-acting results. The Giddy+Health Men’s Libido Bundle utilizes microbeads to slow the absorption process of its vitamins and minerals. This is intended to supply men with the required nutrients to be in their best shape.
Specs
| Price | $45.60 ($45 on Amazon) |
| Form | Capsule |
| Dose | One a day |
| Dosage amount | Not available |
| Key ingredients | B vitamins, methylfolate, vitamin D, cholecalciferol, vitamin K, selenium, zinc, ashwagandha, longjack |
| Cost per dose | 75 cents |
| Side effects | Not available; talk to your health care provider or professional |
Best natural Viagra alternative: Nature’s Bounty L-Arginine
Key product features
What you should know
Nature’s Bounty L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that assists vascular function. It is a vasodilator that widens blood vessels to promote blood flow, which may help men overcome ED.
- Every capsule is packed with 1000 mg of L-arginine, which the body will use for a variety of processes, including increasing blood flow to help men develop potential erections.
- A cost of 24 cents per unit makes L-arginine very affordable and cheaper than other Viagra alternatives.
- L-arginine is a natural and generally low-risk alternative to Viagra, which can be a great fit for men who occasionally have erectile dysfunction.
Why we like Nature Bounty L-Arginine as best natural viagra alternative
Nature Bounty’s L-arginine is a daily tablet that’s chock full of the amino acid it’s named for. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and help the body perform a variety of processes. Moreover, L-arginine can be found in non-meat sources making a great all-natural and vegetarian solution for ED. L-arginine isn’t a one-to-one alternative to Viagra, but it’s a part of bodily functions that share the same results.
L-arginine is believed to support blood flow and vascular function. Its ability to do this stems from operating as a vasodilator, meaning it dilates (widens) blood vessel walls. (15) More accurately, it is the physiological precursor of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that relaxes the muscles around blood vessels by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) induction which causes dilation. (16)
Vasodilation as a result of l-arginine is the reason the amino acid is used as an erectile dysfunction remedy. The thought process is that widening the body’s blood vessel walls will increase blood flow to the penis and make erections more achievable. Sildenafil (Viagra) operates similarly because it also causes vasodilation. The significant difference is that sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, and PDE5 breaks down cGMP, which is responsible for vasodilation. (17) In simpler terms, L-arginine and sildenafil help achieve erections, but sildenafil helps maintain erections.
Nature Bounty suggests taking one 1000 mg L-arginine tablet three times a day. For better results, swallow the pill with food. This isn’t the best option for men who don’t have three scheduled meals. However, men who eat three meals can effortlessly add this supplement to their diet. Additionally, the ingredients of Nature’s Bounty’s L-arginine tablets are made of natural materials, which works well for vegetarian lifestyles.
The body naturally produces L-arginine, so consuming too much may have adverse effects. For example, excessive amounts of L-arginine can potentially increase the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks if you’ve already contracted the virus, which Dr. Paulvin confirms. (15) Fortunately, 3000 mg daily is half the minimum recommendation of 6000 mg, so these supplements are generally safe to use. (18) L-arginine is one of the 20 amino acids used in the production of proteins. This is beneficial because the body can use extra L-arginine for other bodily processes.
It is hard for Viagra alternatives to beat the 24-cent per unit pricing for Nature Bounty’s L-arginine. The regular price is $14.45 for 50 tablets, which is approximately twice the price of a single dose of some Viagra alternatives and around three times less than others.
What customers are saying
Nature’s Bounty L-Arginine has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating with over 9,000 reviews on Amazon, making this the highest-reviewed product on the list. Many people use the supplement for different reasons but conclude that it works.
Verified purchaser Eric titled his five-star review with ‘Works as intended,’ and the review simply read, “If you know, you know.” Yes, Eric, we know, and it seems others do, too,
Another verified purchaser named Cole H. took Nature Bounty’s L-Arginine with a testosterone supplement and called the combination a “game changer.” This is the conclusion of his thorough five-star review:
“In conclusion, if you’re looking for a game-changing strategy to take your male vitality to new heights, I wholeheartedly recommend combining L-arginine and the King Maker Testosterone supplement. The synergistic effects of these two products create an unparalleled male cheat code, enhancing blood flow naturally and unlocking a level of performance you never thought possible.”
However, many of the one-star reviews pointed out that the pill either did nothing or was too big. Around half of the 73 written reviews complained of the size and claimed they were “horse pills.”
Gabriel R. was displeased and even offered some advice in his one-star review. He wrote, “Rough and huge pill, really hard to swallow. Unless you are used to huge pills, look for another brand. I will never buy it again.”
Specs
| Price | $14.25 |
| Form | Tablet |
| Dose | Three times daily |
| Dosage amount | 1000 mg |
| Key ingredients | L-arginine |
| Cost per dose | $0.24 |
| Side effects | Bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, difficulty breathing and heart failure |
Best cheap Viagra alternative: Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables
Key product features
What you should know
Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables are berry-flavored edible tablets designed for better oral administration. These chewables are affordable for those who desire sildenafil without the high price tag.
- Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables have the same active ingredient found in Viagra and direct Viagra alternatives, but it is in chewable form.
- The lowest price option of $20 is a little over $3 per dose, which is many times lower than Viagra and Viagra alternatives.
- Chewable tablets are typically safer and more easily swallowed than whole pills.
Why we like Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables as best cheap viagra alternative
Not many subscriptions or as-needed purchases will beat the quality and price of Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables. We chose Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables as our pick for the best cheap Viagra alternative because it provides the same amount of active ingredients as competitors but for less money. Moreover, it comes in a chewable form factor that eases the administration process.
The lowest subscription price, $20 for six pills, is about $3.30 per dose. The highest-priced subscription, $90 for 34 pills, is approximately $2.65 per dose. Other providers offer sildenafil for $4 per dose and Viagra for $135 per dose.
The form factor is an additional benefit of the chewables. According to one study, 40% of Americans have difficulty swallowing pills. (19) Bluechew solves this issue by producing chewable tablets. Oral administration is much easier in this manner because chewing the tablet makes digestion and absorption of the sildenafil easier.
Bluechew Sildenafil Chewables shares its blue color with Viagra as brands tend to follow similar branding conventions of proprietary products. However, the chewable characteristic and berry flavor make the tablet feel less like medicine and further differentiate itself from Viagra and its alternatives.
Six doses a month may seem low and unsatisfactory for those with high libidos and access to sex. Sildenafil only lasts for about four to five hours, unlike tadalafil. As such, one dose can’t be flexed into another day, although multiple sexual encounters are quite possible. However, a study suggests that men typically have sex one to three times per month or at least once a week. (20) $20 a month for six pills is quite affordable, and there still may be more pills than necessary. Men seeking more rendezvous might consider Bluechew’s more popular 17-pack for $50.
Everything from consultations to support to purchasing is done strictly online. The online service is convenient and gives men a little extra privacy. The screening process begins when a man selects which plan he wants. He signs up to make an account and then answers medical and fitness-related questions. After that, he must fill out his shipping information, phone number, and payment information. A Bluechew-affiliated provider will review the information, and the order will be finalized and processed if the man is an appropriate candidate. The delivery packaging is also made of non-branded kraft markers, which provides further privacy. Questions can be answered via chat or through email. The money men save from ordering the $20 subscription can be used to expedite the shipping process to overnight delivery.
What customers are saying
Bluechew and its products have a slightly below-average rating on Trustpilot with 2.2/5 star rating. Most complaints express concerns over billing, customer service, and product efficacy. However, the good reviews do note that the product works.
People such as Lenny R. appreciate that the product is effective and that the whole process is private and discreet.
“I’ve been using Bluechew for a few months, and it works as good as the stuff from my doctor. I don’t have to deal with driving, sitting in the waiting room, and wasting time that I don’t have talking about stuff I would rather keep private. The order comes in discreet packaging, and prices are outstanding.”
Lenny R., Trustpilot reviewer
Megan B. expressed much satisfaction with how well the product works for her partner. Her five-star review read, “I’m a woman, and he took it for the first time last night. After [having sex two times] last night and once before work, I’m here to say it worked for us. It worked really well and kicked in about 30 minutes after.”
A few people like Kaleb had issues with Bluechew’s customer service and products but noted the decent advertising.
Kaleb gave a warning and shared his frustrations in a one-star review that read, “All their company is good at is making annoying ads. The product does not work. Stay away.”
Specs
| Price | $20 – $90 (depends on plan) |
| Form | Tablet |
| Dose | One every 24 hours (as needed) |
| Dosage amount | 30 mg (45 mg for different plan) |
| Key ingredients | Sildenafil |
| Cost per dose | $3.33 – $2.64 (more tablets equals lower cost) |
| Side effects | Facial flushing, headaches, low blood pressure, and priapism |
How we score erectile dysfunction treatments
Navigating the vast array of erectile dysfunction treatments available today can be challenging. With so many options claiming to offer relief, it’s crucial to have a reliable way to determine which treatments are most effective and suitable for your needs. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate, and comprehensive reviews grounded in a robust scoring methodology and insights from leading experts. We aim to guide you in making informed decisions that enhance your sexual health and overall well-being. Read our full erectile dysfunction treatment scoring methodology for further information on each factor.
Efficacy and reliability—40%
Efficacy and reliability are the foundation of our ED treatment evaluations. The primary focus for anyone seeking treatment is to restore or improve erectile function effectively.
Here’s what we look for:
- Treatment efficacy
- Onset of action
- Consistency
- Side effects
- Clinical support
Ease of use and accessibility—30%
Ease of use and accessibility are critical components of any successful erectile dysfunction treatment regimen. A treatment’s effectiveness can be significantly impacted by how easily it can be integrated into a user’s daily life.
We assess:
- Application process
- Dosage flexibility
- Instruction clarity
- Convenience
- Support resources
Value—20%
The value of ED treatments includes the initial cost, long-term financial implications, and overall cost-effectiveness. While effectiveness and ease of use are paramount, the economic impact of a treatment must be considered.
We evaluate:
- Cost of the treatment
- Insurance coverage
- Long-term cost analysis
- Warranty
Customer experience—10%
In order to ensure a positive customer experience, users need to feel informed and supported throughout their treatment journey. While efficacy, ease of use, and value are critical, how a user interacts with a treatment provider—from the initial purchase through ongoing support—can significantly influence their overall satisfaction and adherence to the treatment.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Customer service
- Delivery and packaging
- Return policy
Are Viagra alternatives safe?
Viagra alternatives are generally safe to use for men.
The FDA approves Viagra and its alternatives to treat erectile dysfunction. Subsequently, they aren’t to be used by women, individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), and children.
Importantly, Viagra and its alternatives are not safe for and not to be used by children. A case of accidental ingestion of a Viagra-like pill by a male pediatric patient caused facial flushing, bilateral rhone, diarrhea, transient penile engorgement, and short-term pain in the penile region. (21)
How to choose the best Viagra alternative for you
Choosing the best Viagra Alternative is relatively simple. Sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra) last about three to five hours and are great for planned sexual activity. Tadalafil typically lasts between 24 to 36 hours and is better if you’re prone to spontaneous sexual activity.
Understanding the above will only help get you started. These medications require prescriptions where a consultation is necessary. Those who seek discretion should try ordering their medication online. Online consultations and screenings provide excellent privacy, and deliveries come in discreet packaging.
Those who don’t mind visiting their healthcare provider can go in person for a consultation.
Other types of ED treatment
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that has affected men since the dawn of human history. As such, many kinds of treatments exist and are still being developed today. Other ED treatments include:
- Prostheses: Penis implants that are either semi-rigid or inflatable so that erections are more easily reached.
- Gas station/corner store OTCs: Non-FDA approved drug concoctions such as Rhino pills.
- Medicinal creams: Creams like Med3000 (Eroxonin) that contain plant extracts and chemicals to assist with erections.
- Herbal remedies: Drugs, drinks, or creams that contain extracts from plants like longjack.
- Steroids: Uses androgen hormones that help male reproductive health and development to help resolve ED.
- Supplements: Use of vitamins, minerals, and extracts that assist in achieving erections.
- ED rings: Rings placed at or near the base of the penis after an erection to keep blood from leaving (better known as cock rings).
- Penis pumps: Devices that utilize a vacuum to pump blood into the penis.
- Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT): Utilizes soundwaves and induces cellular microtrauma which helps form new blood vessels and improve erections.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy: Uses blood platelets to help restore penile functions.
- Stem cell therapy: Uses stem cells to restore penis functionality to assist in achieving erections.
Side effects of Viagra alternatives
Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil have side effects similar to those of PDE5 inhibitors. If you are interested in sexual health supplements without PDE5 inhibitors, consider alternatives like Semenax.
Side effects that don’t typically require medical attention include facial flushing or redness, headaches, nosebleeds, runny or stuffy noses, problems sleeping, and upset stomach. Back and muscle pain are additional side effects to look out for when taking tadalafil or vardenafil.
Side effects that require medical attention include allergic reactions, hearing loss or ear ringing, heart attack, heart rhythm changes, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, prolonged or painful erections, stroke, sudden numbness, and sudden vision loss.
Side effects of L-arginine include bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and heart failure.
When to talk with a doctor about erectile dysfunction
Talk with a doctor about erectile dysfunction as soon as you notice a problem. Failure to achieve an erection isn’t always an immediate cause of concern. ED occurring three or more times in succession may indicate a problem.
“If erectile dysfunction happens all the time, you should discuss this with your doctor,” adds Dr. Paulvin. “Also, if there is any pain associated with it, fatigue, or hair loss.”
FAQs
Is there a better alternative to Viagra?
Yes, there is a better alternative to Viagra. However, the matter is subjective and differs from person to person. Factors such as ingredients, technology, price, effect duration, efficacy, form factor, administration, lifestyle, medical history, and medical interactions are necessary considerations.
What is the closest supplement to Viagra?
The closest supplement to Viagra is likely L-arginine. Evidence shows that L-arginine functions as a vasodilator to improve blood flow, similar to Viagra. The difference is it may help achieve erections but won’t maintain them.
Do you need a prescription for Viagra alternatives?
Yes, you have to have a prescription for Viagra alternatives, mainly if they include sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and other PDE5 inhibitors. However, vitamin or supplement alternatives do not require a prescription.
What is the best natural Viagra?
L-arginine is likely the best natural Viagra as a naturally occurring amino acid. It is a vasodilator like Viagra. Magnesium and vitamin B3 may be the closest mineral and vitamins to Viagra known today.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Dr. Neil Paulvin, DO.
Dr. Neil Paulvin, DO., is a multiple board-certified physician with certifications in Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulation, and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. His practice in Manhattan combines traditional and alternative medicine to help patients live a healthy lifestyle and perform at their best. He has helped Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, top trainers, and A-list celebrities optimize their health, recover faster from injury, and improve their sports performance.
Heather Morsellino
Heather Morsellino is a freelance writer and fact-checker with over four years of experience in healthcare. She has worked as a pharmacy technician, emergency room medical scribe, and anesthesia technician in the operating room and will finish her ADN within the following year.
Spencer Kildare
Fortune Recommends Writer