Sexual dysfunction is common—an estimated 30 million men in the U.S. experience this condition. Several medications are available to help men get through this trying problem, and the two most common are Cialis and Viagra. Below is more information you need to decide which option is best for you.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Before we examine the differences between Cialis and Viagra, it’s essential to understand what causes erectile dysfunction or ED and the conventional treatment.
It all comes down to blood flow. The penis needs a steady flow of blood to get and maintain an erection. The cells in the genitals release a chemical called NO (Nitric Oxide). The NO floods the penis, and that’s what causes an erection. Viagra, for example, blocks the PDE5 enzyme. The blocker prevents cGMP from being broken down, which increases blood flow to the penis.
Cialis blocks PDE5, too, but it also increases NO production in the area. That’s why taking Cialis can improve E in two different ways: by increasing cGMP and increasing NO.
What is Cialis?
Cialis (Tadalafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor that has been on the market since 2003. It was designed to treat erectile dysfunction, but it can also be used for other pulmonary hypertension conditions. It’s a first-choice treatment option for men who have conditions that prevent them from attaining an erection. It can also be used as a preventative method to fend off ED.
How does it work?
Cialis works by relaxing the muscles that are around the blood vessels of the penis, allowing for a rush of blood flow. This process is what provides you with the necessary erection for penetration. Cialis is also known as a time-release medication, so it stays in the system longer, allowing for more opportunities to attain and sustain healthy sexual function.
Side Effects
These medications work fast—so fast that no drug available to date can mimic them without causing mild to moderate side effects. The most common adverse reaction of Cialis is headache, muscle aches, pain in the back or abdomen, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. Rare but serious side effects can include blood pressure loss and temporary blindness.
What is Viagra?
Viagra (Sildenafil) was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is the most well-known treatment option for erectile dysfunction. It works by inhibiting PDE5, which allows increased blood flow to certain areas of the body. Like Cialis, It was initially only used to treat men with ED. Still, it is also an effective medication for pulmonary hypertension and other conditions that require a relaxation of the muscles. Additionally, Viagra is considered a time-release medication, allowing the more healthy sexual function to happen over time.
Side Effects
Like Cialis, Viagra has mild to moderate side effects. The most common is a headache, and less common are facial flushing, upset stomach, dizziness, nasal congestion, and visual disturbances—including temporary blindness.
The thing with ED drugs is that they all have mild to moderate side effects. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the side effects of both Cialis and Viagra. An over-the-counter supplement called L-Arginine can help increase NO production. This might reduce or eliminate the most common side effect of PDE5 inhibitors: headache.
Both types of drugs effectively get you an erection that can penetrate for sexual intercourse, but Viagra is generally more popular because it’s less expensive than Cialis. That being said, whether you choose Cialis or Viagra comes down to your individual needs and what you’re most comfortable with—as long as your doctor approves it.
What Are Their Differences?
Cialis and Viagra belong to the same class of drugs, but they work differently. Both medications have the same end goal: increased blood flow to the penis. The most obvious difference between the two drugs is that Viagra is taken on an “as needed” basis, while Cialis is usually taken every day. Also, Cialis is effective for up to 36 hours, while Viagra is most effective when taken on an empty stomach and lasts for about four hours.
A lot of men wonder about Cialis Vs. Viagra. Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer since it’s all about personal preference and needs. It comes down to a matter of efficacy and safety. Cialis has been on the market longer and has more studies supporting its efficacy. So it’s generally recognized as the better drug in terms of effectiveness, even though Viagra is widely known and therefore more popular.