In this article we will cover some of the basics regarding impotence and the role of ED medications in treating impotence. Of the three major ED medications, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra we will consider Viagra vs. Levitra.

Impotence: Facts and Statistics

Known as male erectile dysfunction, impotence affects younger and older men alike, over 150 million men worldwide. In fact, one out of 10 men over the age of 21 is victims of erectile dysfunction due to different reasons.

Impotence is one form of erectile dysfunction and can be the result of:

• low testosterone levels
• diabetes
• arteriosclerosis
• prostate cancer surgery
• multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease.

There are also drugs associated with causing impotence such as:

• marijuana
• heroin
• cocaine
• prescription ulcer medications such as Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• prescription hypertension medicines such as beta-blockers and diuretics

Smoking and alcoholism also inhibit sexual performance. The nicotine in cigarettes can aggravate impotence by blocking key arteries, which decreases blood flow to the male genitalia. Often, more than one factor is involved in impotence. In general, anything that can affect the flow of blood to the penis can cause impotence.

Stress, anxiety and loss of self-esteem occur if impotence remains untreated. A number of very effective treatments are available now to address the problem of impotence. Oral medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis have revolutionized the treatment of male impotence. Let's compare two of them, Viagra vs. Levitra.

What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Viagra and Levitra?

Viagra vs. Levitra

Similarities

1. Viagra and Levitra both cause erections by increasing the flow of blood to the male genitalia so that when a man is sexually stimulated he will get an erection.
2. Viagra and Levitra are both approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra was approved on March 27, 1998 and Levitra was introduced in Europe in early 2003 and received FDA approval for use in the US late in 2003.
3. Viagra and Levitra both come in the form of a pill, can be taken orally and do not require an invasive medical procedures.

Differences

1. Levitra will help maintain an erection a little longer than Viagra. They both begin to take effect in about 30-60 minutes. With Levitra, the effects last for about 5 hours as opposed to Viagra lasting for approximately 4 hours.
2. Levitra was found to be effective in men who had experienced serious and long-term impotence, and who had no obvious reaction to Viagra.
3. You must wait 2 hours after a meal to use Viagra and you have to wait at least 3 hours after consuming a meal before taking Levitra, because a reach or fatty meal can slow down the effectiveness of Levitra.

What Should I Know Before Taking Viagra or Levitra?

1. You should not take Viagra or Levitra if you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery.
2. You should not take these drugs if you take nitroglycerin or a long-acting nitrate to treat chest pain or if you had a heart attack, stroke, irregular heart beat within the last 6 months.
3. You should not take Viagra or Levitra if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or prostate problems. These drugs can cause dangerously low blood pressure and even heart attack.
4. You should not take Viagra or Levitra if you have liver or kidney problems or any blood disorders.
5. You should not take more or less of these drugs than prescribed by your doctor.
6. You should not take these drugs more than once a day.

Research data by Pfizer®, the manufacturer of Viagra, demonstrated a 78% improvement in erections in men with impotence.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this article provides helpful health information. This information may not be complete and may not cover all diseases, physical conditions, or treatments. This information does not constitute medical advice or treatment. This information should not be used in place of a consultation with a medical professional that should be consulted before deciding on a course of treatment or deciding not to seek treatment.

This article provides only general information. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medicines mentioned. The information not intended as medical advice for individual problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of taking a particular medication. The treating physician, relying on experience and knowledge of the patient, must determine dosages and the best treatment for the patient.