You may be aware that there are three erectile dysfunction medications available. These are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.  The basic premise for how each one works is the same.  Each of these treatments works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help men get an erection.  Each of these prescription drugs also is taken orally.

However, these three treatments – Viagra, Cialis and Levitra – all work in different ways because all of them contain a different active ingredient. You may respond better to one active ingredient than to another, thus making it more feasible for you to take something different than your buddy down the street.

For example, the active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate. Cialis contains tadalafil. And, Levitra’s is vardenafil.  And while each of these medications works on the same premise of increasing blood flow to the penis, there are a few differences in how this end result is achieved.  One of these differences is the time it takes for the medication to become effective.  Viagra and Levitra work in about thirty minutes.  Cialis is faster and takes around fifteen minutes.

Another difference is the duration of the effectiveness.  Viagra will generally last about four hours.  Levitra’s effectiveness is about five hours.  And the longest of the three, Cialis, can last up to thirty-six hours.  Your discussion with your doctor can help you determine which of these is the best for your individual situation.

You should also discuss side effects with your doctor.  Almost every type of medication can have side effects.  These are no different.  However by discussing your erectile dysfunction with your doctor and finding the treatment that is right for your situation, your side effects – if any – are certainly manageable.

Arginine is an amino acid that is produces by the human body and can also be found in many foods, especially meat and dairy products. Although the body produces Arginine naturally, it can be given as a supplement. Arginine is known to enhance blood flow so it can be helpful for men whose erectile dysfunction stems from a cardiovascular cause.

Arginine does not work the same was a Viagra. Viagra is normally taken only before anticipated sexual activity. Arginine is taken regularly regardless of sexual activity. The recommended dosage is usually one gram three times a week. Men who have successfully used Arginine have reported improved erections in about six weeks.

Like any drug, you should consult with a doctor before taking Arginine. Any drug that affects blood flow can be dangerous for persons with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. It is an especially bad idea to take Viagra while also taking Arginine as it can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone ) is another popular supplement being used by some to treat erectile dysfunction. DHEA is a steroid hormone that is created by the adrenal gland. DHEA is then converted by the body into sex hormones (Testosterone and Estrogen). Although produced by the body, DHEA can also be manufactured artificially.

Insufficient adrenal gland hormones have been suggested to cause a number of quality of life issues including sex drive, hence the use for erectile dysfunction. Only a doctor can tell if you don’t have sufficient adrenal gland hormones, so you should never take DHEA without a doctor’s supervision. Insufficient adrenal gland hormones can also cause a number of other health issues, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, psychological disorders, and other.

DHEA also has any number side effects. Because it is a hormone, it can lead to early male pattern baldness, breast development in men, and cause sexual and psychological issues.

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While the introduction of such drugs as Levitra (Vardenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), and Viagra (Sildenafil) have been a major boon to men suffering from erectile dysfunction, it is important to explore all options. All drugs can have side effects of one sort or another and some can be quite dangerous. Many drugs can interact with other drugs in negative way. In the case of Viagra, for example, doctors warn against taking it alongside any drug with Nitrates. These drugs can be dangerous to men with diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

One of the dangers of painkillers is that they may mask a symptom rather that treat the underlying cause. There is a similar danger in using these drugs to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of a different condition. Because erections are effected by blood-flow, people with heart trouble and high-blood pressure may also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Viagra may treat that one symptom of the underlying cause is still and can be quite dangerous without treatment.

Diabetes and obesity are also factors in erectile dysfunction. If diabetes or obesity is the primary contributing factors for a patient, he would be far better off focusing on that. Often times, losing weight, taking exercise and eating better will not only make the patient healthier but also improve erections. Unfortunately, a person already unmotivated to lose weight is likely to seek the quick fix of a pill.

Erectile dysfunction can also have psychological causes. There was a time not too long ago when most cases of erectile dysfunction were thought to be the result of psychological factors.  These days, most sources estimate about 15% of erectile dysfunction cases are primarily or entirely psychological in nature. Nevertheless, in these cases, Viagra is still a quick fix and doesn’t solve the real problems underneath.