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    Erectile Dysfunction
    1234 · 20 min read

    Cialis vs Viagra - Which is best?

    The debate of Viagra vs. Cialis has been raging for years now and it can be a sensitive question for many men to ask. The majority of men will at some point struggle with attaining and maintaining a healthy erection. This is why medications, such as Viagra and Cialis, have been developed in order to help these cases.

    When Viagra was launched in 1998, it revolutionised the lives of men with erectile dysfunction and impotence symptoms (and their partners’ lives too). Quickly nicknamed “the little blue pill”, Viagra has been used by countless men around the world. But despite its fame, it’s not the only option. Cialis may not have been around in the UK for as long, but it’s actually overtaken Viagra in the popularity stakes.  The results of 12 studies where men tried both drugs all came back with the same result; that Cialis was the favourite. But why is that, and how do they compare?

    What are viagra & cialis and what do they each do?

    Viagra and Cialis are medications that have been developed to help combat the effects of erectile dysfunction, allowing for men of all ages to attain a healthy erection and to, in some cases, boost their sexual performance.

    Many people will often question whether to use Viagra or Cialis, but do not actually understand how or why they work. Both of these medications contain chemicals that are designed to promote blood flow to the penis so the user can perform sexually. This can completely change a man's physical and mental well-being, restoring a sense of masculinity and prowess.

    What are the differences between the medicines in cialis and viagra?

    Starting with the technical aspects, both drugs contain active ingredients. Viagra contains sildenafil, while Cialis uses tadalafil and whichever one you go for, you’ll need a prescription first. However, Viagra can be prescribed freely on the NHS while Cialis is restricted, meaning it might be harder to get your hands on.

    Viagra comes in three dosages (25mg, 50mg, or 100mg) while Cialis is available in four (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg), and both drugs are taken orally.  Both drugs are designed to be taken in an ‘on demand’ capacity, so you take a pill before you want to get an erection. However, the lower doses of Cialis (2.5mg and 5mg) are designed to be taken daily so that you don’t need to pre plan. This is particularly popular for men who want to get an erection more than once a week. Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) are both available as branded or generic and with different tablet amounts.

    What is the difference in effectiveness between cialis and viagra?

    So how do they stack up in terms of how well they work? Well, Viagra manages to work for a slightly higher percentage of people (84%, compared to 81% for Cialis) but it can sometimes be affected (and the benefits dampened) if you’ve recently eaten a big meal or one that’s high in fat, while Cialis doesn’t suffer from this same factor.

    Both get to work in about an hour, but the main difference between the two is how long they last. While Viagra tends to last a respectable 4 to 5 hours, Cialis storms ahead in that respect, with its potency lasting up to 36 hours. For anyone alarmed by that fact, it doesn’t mean that the drug produces an instantaneous erection. It simply means that in an erotic context, the drug can still assist 36 hours after taking it. So there’ll be no embarrassing, unavoidable bulges when you’re in public.

    The fact that Cialis can last that long has earned it the nickname of “the weekend drug” – if a man takes a pill on Friday, it will last him through to Sunday.

    And of course, erectile dysfunction medication is as much about the couple who are using it, as it is about the man taking it, and Cialis is the preferred drug amongst women too. Not only is this powerful pill perfect for hot and heavy new couples, but it’s also the favourite with long-term partners. The 36-hour window of opportunity makes spontaneous sex possible between those in the honeymoon period, and while long-term couples may be more likely to plan sex dates in advance than to have an impromptu session, it opens up availability for those plans too.

    What are the differences in side effects between cialis and viagra?

    Like with many medications, Viagra and Cialis are still both susceptible to side effects. Some of the side effects include headaches, back pain, muscle aches, red flushes or indigestion. The most common side effects by percentage are headaches (16% of users), stomach upset (7%), and nasal congestion (4%). Although both drugs have these downsides, the side effects may be a mark against Cialis; longer effectiveness also means longer to put up with the not-so-great parts.

    For this same reason, Cialis may also be more likely to cause added side effects if you’re on any other medications. Like with anything though, you should always consult a medical professional if you’re unsure of whether or not erectile dysfunction medication is suitable for you to take. In summary, side effects are usually minimal and are not a common factor to consider when comparing Viagra vs. Cialis.

    What are the differences in cost between cialis & viagra?

    Which drug works best for you is entirely down to the individual, as is the price. Buy Viagra for men below from £11.99. Cialis can be purchased from £13.99, but depending on how regularly you plan on using it and which better fits your lifestyle, they can each work out to be the most cost-effective. It’s all about working out what’s best for you and your partner. If you would like to discover more about Viagra or Cialis or any other erectile dysfunction treatments available, check out our full range online today. Or, if you would like to ask a member of our team a question about any of the products in our range, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

    Is there an alternative to Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil)?

    If you do not think that Viagra or Cialis would be the right option for you there are a number of different medications that you can try. Levitra (vardenafil) is a similar medication to Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) in that they come in tablet form.

    If you want to try an alternative form, Vitaros (alprostadil) is a cream that can help to effectively treat erectile dysfunction.

    What do people who have used Viagra or Cialis have to say about them?

    Here are a couple of reviews from people that have used both Viagra and Cialis.

    "I have been taking Viagra for about 15 years. It works great for me with minimal side effects."

    "It's an excellent drug (Cialis). I got back my sexual confidence back with this drug."

    For more information and reviews about Viagra and Cialis, check out the links.

    More information

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    Blog author

    Scott Weaver

    Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.

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