Advertisers suggest that there is nothing more important for the health of a relationship than sexual spontaneity. The viewer is shown a man and woman enjoying each other’s company with the hint of sexual innuendo that romance is in the air. The announcer suggests that it would be almost tragic if the mood were “killed” because the man was unable to maintain an erection. The advertisers promote oral medications that can aid in achieving and maintain erections and thus allowing the couple to experience a healthy sexual relationship. But is it all hype?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man is unable to achieve an erection or maintain an erection long enough to finish having sex. Another term for this would be impotence. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly found in men older than 65.
Emotional issues such as stress, worry, depression, guilt and anxiety can lead to the loss of a man’s libido and ED. It becomes an endless cycle because if a man experiences the loss of an erection, he may fear that it will happen again at which point his performance may be affected and could lead to impotence.
Although there are quite a few treatment options available for ED, this article will discuss the oral medications that are often prescribed and a side-by-side comparison of the three most common, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra will be done.
Cialis |
Levitra |
Viagra |
Works for up to 36 hours | Works for up to 6 hours | Works up to five hours |
Recommended time to take before sex: 30 minutes to 12 hours | Recommended time to take before sex: 25-45 minutes | Recommended time to take before sex: 60 minutes |
Side Effects: headache, dyspepsia/upset stomach, back pain | Side Effects: Headache, facial flushing | Side Effects: headache, facial flushing, altered or blueish vision |
Can be taken with food | Should be taken on an empty stomach | |
No adverse side effects on the heart or vision | Requires monitoring for side effects on heart and vision | |
Lasted longer in clinical trials | Did not last as long in clinical trials as Levitra | |
Effective in as little as 16 minutes | Effective in 30 to 60 minutes | |
No food or alcohol restrictions | Very well known; proven effective | |
Few side effects | Manufacturer claims improved qualify of erections | Discounted heavily; widely available |
Lasts longer in the body to increase spontaneity | Demonstrated rapid and reliable response | |
Packaged in 3 different dosages – can tailor the dose to minimize side effects | Available in 50 mg and 100 mg. |
By a review of the chart, it appears that Cialis would offer the most benefits for a healthy sexual experience with viewer side effects. The benefits appear to last longer and can be taken well ahead of the other two medications.