Oral medication is often the first-line treatment for erectile problems. These medications are effective and have few side effects for most men with erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil,and Avanafil are all oral medications that can reverse erectile dysfunction. They increase the effects of Nitric Oxide, a natural chemical that your body makes that relaxes the muscles in the penis. This allows you to have an erection when sexual stimulation is applied.
Side effects
Side effects are rarely an issue for most men who use oral erectile disorder medications. Side effects can occur and include:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Visual changes such as blurred vision, blue tint to vision, sensitivity or blurred vision
- Nose stuffy or runny
- Pain in the back
- An erection that doesn't resolve on its own. This rare condition is called priapism and can cause severe pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
- Tadalafil, also known as Cialis. Take this medication with or without food approximately one to two hours before you have sex. It can last up to 36 hours. You can take it in small amounts daily or as a higher dose as you need.
- Avanafil, also known as Stendra. The medication can be taken with or without food up to 30 minutes before having sex. It can last up to six hours.