The evolution of oral drugs for erectile dysfunction

The accidental discovery of Viagra opened the floodgates to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Until then, there had only been usually quite painful injections and rather clumsy pieces of equipment like the vacuum tube. The fact of a pill makes treatment so convenient. For many, it also means the extent of the problem can be hidden. When you see Viagra, the temptation is to assume we cannot improve on it. Except, of course, there are two competing drugs now on the market and more in the pipeline. This forces the question: how can the research teams take the humble little blue pill to new levels of performance?

From Viagra to Cilais and Levitra

As we have Viagra, it’s effective, works rapidly and has few serious side effects. Although the effects of as-needed version of Cialis last longer, the reality for most couples during the week and, sometimes at weekends, is that sexual activity is restricted to the evening and night. People must work and do other social things. The fact you might get more hours for your dollar with Cialis is a potential waste unless you really do have the weekend free with no other commitments. Similarly, although the as-needed version of Levitra is more likely to produce result in more difficult cases, e.g. when there’s damage due to diabetes or following prostate surgery, this are less common situations. For the “ordinary” man, Viagra produces the right result.

So the evolution comes in offering 24/7 physical ability and in the delivery system. Cialis has the advantage in its once-daily format. One pill every day does allow sexual activity on demand. There’s a new drug going through trials that can be taken twice a day. This fills in the gap between Viagra taken as needed with at least twenty-four hours between each pill and Cialis which you take every day. The drug being tested could be taken in the morning and again at night should the opportunity present itself.

New versions of the ED drugs

Then we come to the people who are uncomfortable with pills. In the US, this is considered a slight psychological difficulty. In other countries, swallowing pills can be unusual. Hence, there are versions of Viagra and the other drugs in soluble tablets or tablets placed under the tongue. In the US, there are drugs going through trials as a nasal spray and a topical cream you rub on to the penis. Once absorbed through the skin, the erection comes. At the stage of animal testing, there are gene therapies to change the way in which the muscles in the penis work.

Until all the trials are complete, the choice in the US is slightly limited. This leaves Viagra as the best value-for-money erectile dysfunction drug.