Erectile Dysfunction, or ED for short, is when a man is unable to or finds it difficult to maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can be caused for various reasons, sometimes linking to age, mental health and even medical conditions. Though this can be a knock to the male confidence, luckily, there is a cure in the form of a special little pill. Let’s learn more about Sildenafil and Viagra.

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a tablet used to treat erectile dysfunction, which can also be called male impotence. When used to combat issues with erections, Sildenafil works by temporarily increasing the flow of blood to the penis when the patient feels sexually stimulated. This drug is available by prescription or over the counter and usually comes in a tablet. Sildenafil is the generic name for this medicine that has many different brand names and types, and this particular drug comes in strengths of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

How does Sildenafil work?

Sildenafil is part of a family of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors create vasodilation in the penis and lungs by blocking the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which causes a maintenance of the action of mediators of vasodilation including nitric oxide (NO). To put it simply, it’s a type of drug that is able to alter blood flow and how some cells are able to communicate within the body. Sildenafil works by preventing the action of phosphodiesterase type-5, a chemical compound within the body. This helps to relax and expand blood vessels and improves the flow of blood to the penis once sexually stimulated. This then helps the patient to maintain an erection.

What are the benefits of Sildenafil?

Sildenafil can be taken an hour before sexual activity and works for 30-60 minutes at a time. This can ultimately help someone who is uncomfortable and negatively affected by their impotency maintain an erection and begin to lead a more confident lifestyle. As well as this, as Sildenafil is the generic, unbranded version of the medicine, this means that it will be a lot cheaper than its branded counterparts where you essentially get the same thing, making it much more cost-effective.

What are the side effects of Sildenafil?

Side effects are normal in any medication. The common side effects for Sildenafil occur within 1 in 100 people and can include headaches, nausea, hot flushes, stuffy nose, dizziness and indigestion. However, serious side effects are possible even if they are a lot rarer and only occur within 1 to 1000 people. If you do experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision, it is important to get in touch with someone who can assist with medical help. If you or someone around you experiences a seizure or fit, or has a prolonged or painful erection that persists for over two hours, then you should go to A&E immediately.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name, prescription only drug that is also used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra has become popular over the years for being the number one name for erectile dysfunction tablets. These tablets contain the drug Sildenafil. Viagra also comes in the form of tablets that are taken orally and should be taken around an hour before sexual activity. Like Sildenafil, Viagra is also available in the same 3 strengths, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Viagra does also come in an over the counter version, known as Viagra Connect, available in 50mg tablets.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works in the exact same was as sildenafil does, because it is comprised of this drug. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually aroused and aims to maintain an erection through the phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) chemicals being limited via the PDE5 inhibitor, or Viagra, which helps to enlarge and relax blood vessels allowing more blood flow to the penis when it is sexually stimulated. With a constant flow of blood, the penis will continue to stay erect through sexual intercourse.

What are the benefits of Viagra?

Viagra is proven to work in several clinical studies when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, between 43% to 83% of men who took Viagra compared to others who took placebo’s had improved erections depending on the cause of their impotence and the dosage of Viagra given. As well as this, it’s popularity in brand name alone has made it a trusted name amongst men who look toward the little blue pill to aid them with their erectile dysfunction.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

Mild side effects of Viagra include headaches, hot flushes, indigestion, light sensitivity and slightly blurred vision, nasal congestion, back pain, muscle pain, nausea, rash or dizziness. These side effects are said to go away within a few days or a couple of weeks, but if they grow worse in severity then talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you or someone around you experiences a seizure or fit, or has a prolonged or painful erection that persists for over two hours, then you should go to A&E immediately.

Which is better, Sildenafil or Viagra?

In summary, Sildenafil and Viagra are exactly the same drug in practically identical forms. They are both made up of the drug sildenafil, and are available in the same strengths.

Can I buy Sildenafil and Viagra online in the UK?

You can buy Sildenafil and Viagra online in the UK through Pharmacy Planet. We make it easier to get your medication by doing it all online and getting it delivered straight to you door. Prices on Pharmacy Planet start from £13.99, all you have to do is fill out a quick clinical consultation questionnaire and our team will sort out the rest.