Little Blue Pills Erectile Dysfunction Medication and YouThe best selling erectile dysfunction medication on the market, Viagra has been helping men enjoy active sex lives since 1998. The “little blue pill” as it is often called, helps men who have trouble achieving and maintaining erections and is the preferred ED medication of both men and their physicians alike. Understanding how these drugs work is crucial in getting the right medication to enhance your sex life.

How Erectile Dysfunction Medication Works

Viagra is shown to be effective in blocking the enzymes that decrease sexual desire. This blocking allows the arousal hormones to flood the body, leading to strong erections. Viagra works in 60-70 percent of all men who use the drug, and men of all ages rely on the drug to enhance their intimate lives with their partners.

Viagra works best if taken on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before expected sexual activity. Experts recommend taking only the recommended one-pill dosage and caution that taking more than recommended will not enhance the experience, and will only worsen the side effects of the drug.

Alternatives to Viagra

Two other drugs have been introduced by manufacturers and approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Cialis is similar to Viagra but has a longer lasting effect. The drug can provide erections for up to 24-36 hours after use, while Viagra is only effective for 4-6 hours. Cialis has also been approved for daily use for men who suffer from prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction.

Levitra is another drug that has been FDA approved for use in treating erectile dysfunction. The drug is similar to Cialis in that it is effective for up to nearly two days. All three drugs require stimulation in order to work, and do not enhance sexual function in men that are not experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Users who take Levitra report fewer side effects and incidences of priapism, a condition that causes men to have erections that will not subside naturally. Levitra is also known to work more quickly than other ED medications, with users claiming that they can be ready for sexual activity in as little as 15 minutes. This makes spontaneity more likely and many men prefer Levitra because of this benefit.

Who Should Not Take ED Medications?

While erectile dysfunction medication works for most men, there are some men that should avoid taking them. These groups include:

  • Men who are advised to avoid sex
  • Men who have suffered heart attack or stroke within the last six months
  • Men who have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure

Call a physician immediately if you experience any of the following after taking ED medication:

  • An erection that last for more than 4 hours
  • Painful erection
  • Chest pain
  • Itching or burning while urinating
  • Rash in the genital area

Sexual dysfunction happens to many men of all ages, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a healthy sex life. With FDA approved medications that will help you to enjoy an energized intimate relationship, you can go out and take life by the horns.