Viagra or Cialis? When your doctor prescribes treatment to improve the quality of your erections, they will often offer you several options available on the market: Viagra or Cialis, Levitra , or Spedra . But how do you choose between these different medications? What are their differences in terms of effectiveness, duration of action, and suitability to your health profile? In this article, we will explore the characteristics of these treatments in detail, drawing on the explanations of Dr. Sébastien Beley , a urologist and andrologist specializing in male sexual disorders .
The goal is to help you understand how these medications work, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient or looking to optimize your current treatment, this article will provide clear answers based on medical expertise. So, Viagra or Cialis?
Viagra or Cialis? Understanding the mechanism of action of oral treatments for erectile dysfunction
Before comparing different medications, it is essential to understand their common mechanism of action. All oral treatments for erectile dysfunction, including
By inhibiting PDE5, these medications allow for greater relaxation of the smooth muscles in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, thus promoting better blood flow and a longer-lasting erection. In other words, these treatments do not cause a spontaneous erection, but facilitate the erectile response to sexual stimulation.
The main difference between these medications lies in:
- The time it takes for the medication to start working (onset of effect)
- The strength of the inhibitory effect (intensity of the erection)
- The length of time the drug remains effective
Viagra: Fast acting and proven effectiveness
Viagra, or sildenafil , was one of the first treatments available and remains very popular. It is known for its rapid action, especially when taken on an empty stomach, away from alcohol or a high-fat meal. Under these conditions, Viagra can begin to work in about an hour after ingestion.
Its effectiveness lasts for approximately 6 hours, providing a sufficient window for sexual activity. This duration is generally considered to be of good quality, offering a firm and lasting erection.
Viagra is often recommended for patients who have difficulty achieving an erection, particularly those with diabetes or heavy smoking , two factors that complicate the response to treatment. Its potency can help overcome these obstacles.
Viagra usage tips
- Take the medication on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
- Avoid alcohol and fatty meals before taking this medication.
- Plan to take it approximately one hour before sexual activity.
- Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Cialis: Extended duration of action and flexibility of use
Cialis , whose active ingredient is tadalafil, is distinguished by its long duration of action. Unlike Viagra, its effectiveness does not depend on taking it on an empty stomach, nor on the consumption of alcohol or heavy meals. This offers greater freedom in its use, without dietary restrictions.
The effects of Cialis can last up to 48 hours, and sometimes even longer in some patients. This characteristic has earned it the nickname “the weekend pill,” as it allows for greater spontaneity in sexual activity, without the need to precisely plan when to take the medication.
Some patients even report an effect that manifests the day after taking it, which is a notable advantage for those who want a more lasting effect.
Adaptation to health conditions
As with Viagra, the presence of medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic smoking can influence the effectiveness of Cialis. However, in general, its long duration of action and good food tolerance make it a preferred choice for many patients.
Forms of Cialis administration
- Taken on demand: taken as needed before sexual activity.
- Daily intake: a low dose (usually 5 mg) taken every day, allowing for constant availability of the drug in the body.
This flexibility allows the treatment to be adapted to the needs and lifestyle of each patient.
Levitra: Speed and potency comparable to Viagra
Levitra , or vardenafil, is another PDE5 inhibitor, which often has a similar or slightly faster onset of action than Viagra. Its effectiveness can be felt in less than an hour in some cases, making it an attractive option for those seeking a rapid effect.
In laboratory tests, Levitra has shown equal or slightly greater potency than Viagra, although this difference is not always noticeable in everyday life. Its duration of action is comparable, generally around 6 hours, or sometimes even a little longer.
Levitra can therefore be considered an effective alternative, particularly for patients who do not tolerate Viagra well or who wish to try another treatment.
Spedra: A recent arrival with limitations to consider
Spedra , whose active ingredient is avanafil, is the newest drug in this category. It is characterized by a very rapid onset of action, sometimes in just a few tens of minutes, which is an advantage for those seeking immediate relief.
However, despite its rapid action, its intensity and duration of effectiveness are often considered disappointing compared to other treatments. This limitation explains why Spedra is not yet widely prescribed or distributed.
However, it may represent an option for some patients, under medical supervision, particularly those who want a very fast-acting treatment.
Choose the right treatment: Viagra or Cialis
The choice between Viagra or Cialis, Levitra, or Spedra does not depend solely on the pharmacological characteristics of the drug. It is also crucial to consider:
- Symptoms and severity of erectile dysfunction: some patients require more powerful treatment or treatment with a longer duration of action.
- Lifestyle: frequency of sexual relations, desired spontaneity, and eating or alcohol consumption habits.
- Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and other conditions can influence the efficacy and tolerability of the drug.
- Individual tolerance: possible side effects, adverse reactions, or personal preferences.
- Dosage: taken occasionally or daily, according to the prescription and needs.
- Cost and availability: the emergence of generics can make certain treatments more accessible.
On-demand processing vs. daily processing
Some patients prefer medication taken only during sexual intercourse (on-demand treatment), while others benefit from a low-dose daily regimen, particularly with Cialis. This choice will depend on the frequency of sexual activity and the nature of the erectile dysfunction.
Daily treatment may be advantageous for those who desire a consistent improvement in their erectile function, without having to plan when to take the medication.
The importance of medical follow-up and communication with your urologist
Medical monitoring is essential to adjust the treatment based on your experience and how you feel. It is important to inform your doctor or specialist of any observed effects, whether beneficial or adverse.
The doctor will then be able to adapt:
- The dose
- The moment of capture
- Drug choice
Open dialogue helps to optimize treatment and improve the quality of sexual life.
Comparative summary of the main erectile dysfunction medications: Viagra or Cialis, or something else?
| Medicine | Start of action | Duration of effectiveness | Dietary influence | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra (Sildenafil) | Approximately 1 hour (faster on an empty stomach) | Approximately 6 hours | Yes (slowed down by fatty meals and alcohol) | Effective in difficult patients (diabetes, smoking) |
| Cialis (Tadalafil) | Variable, not affected by food | Up to 48 hours | No | Prolonged effect, daily intake possible |
| Levitra (Vardenafil) | Less than an hour | 6 hours or more | Moderate | Potency similar to or greater than Viagra |
| Spedra (Avanafil) | A few dozen minutes | Shorter duration, moderate effect | Not specified | Fast but limited in intensity and duration |
Conclusion: Personalizing treatment for a better quality of life
Choosing between Viagra or Cialis, Levitra or Spedra to treat erectile dysfunction depends on a thorough understanding of the pharmacological differences and the individual patient’s needs. Each medication has its advantages and limitations, whether in terms of speed of action, duration of effectiveness, or food tolerance.
It is important to remember that these treatments are only effective when combined with sexual stimulation and are not suitable for all profiles, particularly in the case of certain pathologies or drug interactions.
Personalized medical monitoring is essential to adjust the dosage, timing of administration, or even change medications if necessary. Don’t hesitate to discuss any side effects you experience openly with your urologist or specialist to find the most suitable solution for your situation.
Finally, the arrival of generics has made these treatments more accessible, thus facilitating better monitoring and optimal management of erectile dysfunction.
For more information and advice on male sexual health, do not hesitate to consult qualified specialists and follow medical advances in this field.
