Viagra or Cialis: Is One of These Right for You?

Doctors point out that before Viagra, dubbed the "Pfizer Riser," there was a lot of pent-up demand for an erectile dysfunction solution.

"The only treatments that worked at the time were pretty invasive and scary," Dr. Aaron Spitz told Bloomberg. "The situation was that you could recommend penile injections, but a lot of men don't want penile injections."

The other most common drug for erectile dysfunction is Cialis, approved by the FDA in 2003. The sale of Viagra and Cialis, as well as its cousin Levitra, has been big news for men with problems in the bedroom . And they are many. According to the Urology Care Foundation, about 30 million men occasionally have trouble getting or keeping an erection. Fortunately, most men with erectile dysfunction (previously called impotence) are candidates for treatment with this type of medication.

The medications work by increasing the body's natural release of nitric oxide, a chemical that is normally released during sexual arousal. Nitric oxide in turn activates other substances to help relax smooth muscle within the penis, allowing increased blood flow to the area, thus facilitating an erection. In general, these medications increase the effects of nitric oxide.

So what are the differences between Viagra and Cialis? While each works in a similar way, there are a few things that set them apart: side effects, how long they work, and when they should be taken.

For example, although it takes between 30 and 60 minutes for both Viagra and Cialis to be absorbed into the bloodstream, studies show that Cialis can work for up to 36 hours, while Viagra only works for four to six hours. Also, the effectiveness of Cialis is generally not affected by food, while Viagra may be more effective when taken on an empty stomach. Another key point worth mentioning is that Cialis is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is a disease in which the prostate becomes enlarged. If left untreated, it can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and possibly cause urinary tract problems or kidney disease.

"The longer duration of action of Cialis makes it a very popular choice among patients in terms of convenience," Robert Ortiz, MD, an internal medicine specialist and professor of anatomy and physiology, told AARP.

Additionally, Ortiz added that Cialis can be taken daily and as needed so that the body can be ready for sex at any time. Viagra can only be taken as needed. Therefore, Viagra is generally best for people who don't have sex regularly and who prefer to take just one pill on those occasions when they plan to have sex.

Because both drugs belong to the same class (phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors), they share many of the same possible side effects. The most common for Viagra and Cialis include headaches and indigestion. Cialis can also cause back pain, while Viagra does not. Although rare, Viagra can also cause vision changes, while Cialis does not.

Ortiz said the cost of medications is obviously a deciding factor for many patients, especially since most insurance plans don't cover their costs, except for some patients with certain medical conditions, for whom prior authorization is often required. .

"The cost generally depends on the strength of the tablet and varies significantly between pharmacies," he noted. "In general, the prices seem to be comparable between the two.

At  시알리스 구매 , for a patient without insurance, the approximate average cost of each medication per tablet varies as follows: Cialis 5 mg ($8 to $10) and 20 mg ($20 to $30); Viagra 50 mg ($25 to $30) and 100 mg ($35 to $40)," she added. "Unfortunately, prices can sometimes vary and could be even higher."

In the end, the only way to know which medication is right for you is to try them. You should talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions, as each individual reacts differently. Your doctor can help you determine which treatment plan to follow.

"Choosing the right drug is completely subjective based on the risk/benefit ratio," Ortiz said. "Regardless of which medication patients choose, these agents have been shown to be effective in some patients but not in others.

The fact is that both agents work well only to correct the organic component of erectile dysfunction," he added. "However, they do not affect the psychological desire component of the normal sexual response known as libido or sex drive."