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Viagra is a well-known treatment for erectile dysfunction, but many other approaches can help achieve and maintain erections. They include medical devices, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Research indicates that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects over 30–50 million men in the United States each year. Although the prevalence of this issue increases with age, it does not only affect older adults.

A range of treatments and strategies can improve or reverse ED. Options include drugs, other medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and alternative herbal treatments.

In this article, we look into various alternatives to Viagra, answer some frequently asked questions, and discuss when to contact a doctor about ED.

Learn more about Viagra.

The table below offers a quick comparison of Viagra to its alternatives.

Why use it?Price Lasts forProsCons
Viagra (sildenafil)starts working in 30–60 minutesdepends on insurance, location, and pharmacy4 hoursdifferent doses available

available in generic form at a lower price
can interact with medications

may cause side effects
Other medication (vardenafil, tadalafil, avanafil)starts working between 30 minutes and 6 hoursdepends on insurance, location, and pharmacyup to 36 hours, depending on the typedifferent doses available

can take them with or without food

some dissolve on the tongue
can interact with medications

may cause side effects
Medical devicesmay suit people who cannot take ED medicationfrom $95–650

average cost of $250
up to 30 minutes per use

a few months of regular use, depending on the type
few side effects

cost-effective
potential injury with improper use

bulky
Supplementsnot recommended as they do not have approval from the FDAprices vary depending on the supplement typeinsufficient available information available online

affordable
may interact with medications

may cause side effects

no approval from FDA
Lifestyle changesquitting smoking, exercising, and avoiding heavy drinking may improve sexual functionnot applicablenot applicablereduces the risk of developing certain conditions, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancerbuying fitness equipment or nutritious foods can be costly

The generic name for Viagra is sildenafil. The drug also has another brand name: Revatio. It works by slowing down the action of PDE5, an enzyme in the blood vessel walls.

This enzyme breaks down a substance responsible for blood flow in the penis. Inhibiting the enzyme increases blood flow to the area and helps achieve and maintain erections.

However, sildenafil can only help maintain an erection that a person has physically stimulated.

Common side effects of the drug include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and a blue tint to an individual’s field of vision.

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Viagra.

Pros

  • effective treatment for erectile dysfunction
  • readily available by prescription in most pharmacies and online telehealth services
  • some insurance providers may cover part, or all, of the costs of this medication
  • available in different strengths
  • available in both generic and brand-name forms

Cons

  • more expensive than generic sildenafil
  • can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and rash
  • unsuitable for people who take nitrates
  • unsuitable for people who have ischemic optical neuropathy or other inherited degenerative eye conditions
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When looking for help with erectile dysfunction, people can look at the following cheaper alternatives to Viagra:

  • Leading a more active lifestyle: Being more active can help improve ED. For instance, a 2018 study found that 160 minutes of weekly exercise reduced the symptoms of ED in the participating males.
  • Nutritious diet: A nutritious and balanced diet can lower a person’s risk of developing ED. A study of over 21,400 males found that following a Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 diet had a reduced chance of experiencing erectile problems.
  • Generic medications: Viagra is the branded version of the generic drug sildenafil. Buying generic versions of ED drugs can save people a lot of money. Doctors may prescribe other generic ED drugs, such as tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). Learn more about how ED medications compare.
  • Wearable devices: Devices people can wear before or during sex to get or maintain an erection may be more cost-effective than medication. They are typically reusable, and a person may not have to replace them as often as they would have to renew a prescription for ED medication.

Beyond Viagra, several medications can help with having and keeping erections.

Oral medications

Oral drugs, including Viagra, may be the first approach to treating ED.

Viagra is effective because it slows the action of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme in the blood vessel walls. This helps the muscles in the penis to relax and encourage blood flow, helping a person get an erection.

Other prescription-only PDE5 inhibitors include:

  • Vardenafil is available under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn and comes in regular and disintegrating tablet forms. A person takes it one hour before sex, which can be effective for up to five hours.
  • Tadalafil: It is available under the brand names Adcirca and Cialis. A person takes it at least 30 minutes before sex. Each dose can last up to 36 hours.
  • Avanafil: It is available as Stendra in the U.S and people take it 15–30 minutes before sex. The effects can last up to 6 hours.

Pros

  • different doses available
  • can take them with or without food
  • some dissolve on the tongue
  • these drugs rely on a prescription from a doctor so are safe and have FDA approval

Cons

  • side effects are possible
  • may interact with certain medications
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Various telehealth companies stock ED medication, including:

  • The platform also offers treatment for those concerned about hair loss, premature ejaculation, and allergies.
  • Hims: This company addresses men’s health concerns. First, people complete an online form so that a physician can learn more about their symptoms. Once a person receives a treatment plan, they can have a follow-up appointment with Hims doctors.
  • Lemonaid Health: This brand offers medication for various health conditions. People can access ED medication starting from $2 per pill after scheduling an online appointment with a doctor.

Read our in-depth reviews of telehealth companies that sell Viagra here:

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Nonoral drugs

Alternatives to pills and tablets include:

Penile self-injections

Certain medications, such as alprostadil (Caverject), papaverine, and phentolamine (Regitine), are available as an injection that goes directly into the side or base of the penis.

This method generally works very quickly and is highly effective. However, it may cause side effects, including swelling, pain, and stinging. It may also cause permanent damage with improper use.

Learn more about penile injections.

Pros

  • generally works quickly
  • requires a prescription so is safe to use
  • available in different dosages

Cons

  • side effects are possible
  • can cause damage with improper use
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Urethral suppositories

A person can use a special applicator to insert very small alprostadil suppositories into the urethra, which can help stimulate erections.

A person can self-administer this treatment, and it generally works quickly.

However, these suppositories can affect a fetus if a sexual partner is pregnant. It can also cause side effects and be less effective than other methods.

Pros

  • generally works quickly
  • requires a prescription so is safe to use
  • available in different dosages

Cons

  • side effects are possible and may be less effective than other methods
  • can cause damage with improper use
  • harmful if a person’s partner is pregnant
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Testosterone replacements

A doctor may recommend this approach if they believe that ED is due to low testosterone levels. A person can take synthetic testosterone via pills, patches, and injections.

Pros

  • increased energy
  • increased muscle mass
  • increased libido

Cons

  • risk of unwanted physical changes, such as swollen breast tissue
  • risk of prostate health issues
  • risk of reducing sperm count
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Drug treatments may be unsuitable in some people, perhaps due to other health issues. In these cases, a doctor may recommend:

Wearable devices

Some wearable devices can help a person maintain an erection, such as Eddie by Giddy.

Penis implants

Implants are inflatable or bendable rods that a surgeon implants into the erection chambers of the penis. However, doctors typically only recommend this approach as a last resort.

Pros

  • allows for control over erections
  • typically a long lasting solution
  • typically effective, even when other methods are not

Cons

  • invasive and requires recovery time
  • risk of injury
  • risk of infection
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Vacuum pump

Vacuum pumps help people get an erection but do not help a person sustain one. One option a person can consider is the Pos-T-Vac Erectile Vacuum System.

Many companies sell dietary supplements, herbal preparations, and food products as remedies for ED.

Keep in mind

It’s essential to be careful when purchasing or consuming any alternative products, including those that claim to be herbal versions of Viagra.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several statements warning consumers about the safety of such goods. It says these products may contain hidden synthetic chemicals or other ingredients that could be harmful. There has not been enough research to support these supplements’ usage fully.

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Supplements and foods that supposedly enhance sexual function could contain undisclosed drug ingredients. This includes undisclosed sildenafil and tadalafil, which can be dangerous for some people. They can interact with nitrate medication and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol may take nitrate medication.

These supplements do not undergo FDA analysis for quality or purity.

With this in mind, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional before starting a supplement. Additionally, people should choose a brand that engages in third-party testing and certification.

Some alternative herbal treatments, include the following:

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), certain lifestyle changes may help improve erectile function, including:

  • Eating a balanced diet: Flavonoid-rich foods, such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and citrus fruits, may reduce ED for some people.
  • Maintaining a moderate body weight: Having overweight or obesity may cause or worsen ED.
  • Getting regular exercise: Physical activity can improve circulation, reduce stress, and contribute to moderate body weight.
  • Quitting smoking: Research indicates a strong link between cigarette smoking and ED.
  • Avoiding heavy drinking and Illegal use of substances may improve sexual function.
  • Seeking help for mental health conditions: Addressing anxiety, depression, and sources of sustained stress, for example, may help.

ED can result from physical, psychological, and emotional factors.

Medical conditions that may cause ED include:

The American Urological Association (AUA) also lists dyslipidemia as a risk factor for ED. This is an imbalance of lipids, including cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides.

Learn more about LDL and HDL cholesterol.

Mental health conditions and factors that may contribute to ED include anxiety, depression, guilt, stress, and low self-esteem.

Other factors that may play a role include:

  • alcohol and illegal drug use
  • overweight or obesity
  • low levels of exercise
  • smoking

Anyone with symptoms of ED that last for a few weeks or more should contact a healthcare professional.

This is particularly important for people who suspect that an underlying health issue, such as heart disease, may be causing their ED.

This health issue can also be a side effect of certain medications, so a doctor may address it by changing a person’s ongoing treatment plan.

Drugs that may cause ED can include antidepressants, blood pressure medication, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, and opiods.

Below are some of the most common questions and answers about alternatives to Viagra.

Do I need a prescription for erectile dysfunction pills?

People in the U.S. usually need a doctor’s prescription for ED medication.

Do natural Viagra alternatives work?

Insufficient scientific evidence suggests that herbs and other supplements can treat ED. However, various lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and eating a balanced diet, may help.

Can I purchase Viagra alternatives online?

Some companies employ licensed medical professionals to help determine if someone may benefit from a Viagra alternative. The company can ship the treatment to the person’s front door if the healthcare professional approves.

What can I use instead of Viagra?

As an alternative to Viagra, a person may wish to try any of the following:

  • Alternative oral drugs: Including vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil.
  • Nonoral drugs: Such as penile self injections, urethral suppositories, and testosterone replacements.
  • Medical devices: Such as Eddie by Giddy, penis implants, and vacuum pumps.
  • Natural alternatives: Including ginseng, DHEA, and L-arginine supplements.

A person may also wish to consider making some lifestyle changes instead of using Viagra.

What is the closest thing to Viagra over-the-counter?

There are no over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra. However, people may wish to try natural supplements that people can purchase without a prescription.

Natural supplements that may benefit individuals with erectile dysfunction include ginseng, DHEA, and L-arginine.

Additionally, some medical devices are available to purchase without a prescription.

What can I take naturally to get hard?

A person may wish to try taking natural supplements containing ginseng, DHEA, and L-arginine. However, a person should consider consulting with their doctor before taking these supplements.

There are various options for people who cannot or do not want Viagra. These alternatives include other medications, medical devices, and lifestyle changes.

Individuals should speak with a doctor about treating ED safely.