Tablets
Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are all drugs that can help men get erections. They belong to a group of drugs called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors and all work as well as each other.
You will need to have a desire or interest for sex and some stimulation to the penis for the tablets to work. After taking these tablets you need to wait 30 minutes to an hour before they start to work. Viagra and Levitra will have an effect for around four hours. Cialis can have an effect for about 36 hours.
If the maximum dose of one drug does not work, one of the other drugs may be more effective for you. The drugs may not work straight away. You should try each tablet at least four to eight times before deciding how effective it is or changing to an alternative tablet. It may also take a few tries to get the timing right with your partner.
These tablets may not work as well after a big meal, particularly one that contains a lot of fatty foods.
Cialis (tadalafil) also comes in a one-a-day version. This is also a successful treatment for erectile dysfunction. You might prefer to take a tablet once a day if you want to have sex often or if you and your partner prefer spontaneous rather than pre-planned sex.
All of these drugs can cause some side effects including:
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• A flushed face
• Itchiness or swelling in your nose (rhinitis)
• Back pain
These side effects are usually mild and do not last long.
You should not take PDE5 tablets if you are taking a group of heart drugs called nitrates. Nitrates are usually used to treat heart problems. If you have a heart problem or are using nitrates you should discuss this with your GP or specialist before starting treatment for your ED.
Some men take tablets for ED during the weeks and months immediately after surgery, before they are ready to have sex. The idea behind this is that the medication, alongside some gentle self-stimulation to the penis, may encourage regular blood flow to the penis, help your erections to return and could stop your penis becoming smaller.
These drugs do not increase your level of sexual desire, known as your libido. They will only help you to get an erection if you are sexually stimulated.