Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil: Which One Is Right for Your Sex Life?
With so many different types of medications for erectile dysfunction to choose from, picking the right one can leave your mind spinning. Not all ED medications are the same, and you want to pick the one that’s best for you. No matter your age, erectile dysfunction is easily remedied. With the proper medication, you can jump back in the sack with your partner and share the intimacy and pleasure that sex brings.
In this article, we’ll cover the similarities and differences between two of the most popular ED medications, Tadalafil and Sildenafil. You’ll learn everything you’ll need to know to make an educated choice as to which one is best for you.
How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Tadalafil and Sildenafil are two of the most popular erectile dysfunction treatments. Guys from different backgrounds, young and old, swear by these pills. If you need some help in the bedroom, there’s no shame in popping a pill and benefiting from the best medical science can offer. There’s no need to deny yourself or your partner the pleasure that a healthy sex life can bring.
Erectile dysfunction (whether physical or psychological) is the inability to attain or sustain an erection suitable for sexual activity. Conferring to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 30 million men in the United States have erectile dysfunction. The number of men with the same issues as yours proves that you’re not alone. Your next step is determining which ED medication is right to improve your sex life.
Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil: What Is the Difference Between Them?
Congratulate yourself for deciding to be proactive and for seeking help for your sexual performance issues. As men, we should be more open to talking to our friends and to men’s health professionals about erectile dysfunction and what our treatment options are. So here we’ll give you all you need to know about the two most popular pills for ED.
What Is Tadalafil?
Better known under its brand name Cialis, tadalafil is a popular ED medication that has helped hundreds of thousands of men regain control of their sexual health. However, you won’t find tadalafil on the shelves of your favorite pharmacy as an over-the-counter medication. Instead, visiting a men’s healthcare professional who will write you a prescription to use this product would be best.
Tadalafil’s main role is to inhibit phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This type of medication affects blood cells and gives commands to certain types of cells. In lay terms, tadalafil tells the penile blood vessels to expand and form an erection. Fortunately, sexual stimulation is also required for this to occur, so there’s no fear of an unwanted erection at an inappropriate time.
There are two types of tadalafil available. You and your men’s healthcare professional can decide which option is best for you. Men with a very active and adventurous sex life who want spontaneous sex anytime and anywhere can take a daily pill. This option will have you ready to go without waiting. There’s also an option to take tadalafil just before sexual activity, lasting up to 36 hours.
Tadalafil Side Effects and Precautions
Tadalafil is well-tolerated by most men. However, like most medications, some do experience side effects. The most common ones for tadalafil include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushed face
- Minor muscle pain
- Abdominal distress
- Nasal congestion
Some medications can cause adverse reactions when taken with tadalafil. Before considering tadalafil as your go-to bedroom cure, inform the prescribing professional of any medications you’re taking. Some worth noting are:
- Nitrates
- High blood pressure medications
- Alpha-blockers
- Anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs
What Is Sildenafil?
You may have never heard of Sildenafil, but you’ve most certainly heard of it when referred to by its brand name Viagra. This little blue pill has been on the market since 1998 and continues to be some guys’ tried-and-true bedroom cure. Although many younger guys see Sildenafil as “their father’s medication,” it works as well now as it did when it first hit the market and changed the world of erectile medication treatments.
Like other ED medications on the market, Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. It sends signals to the blood vessels of the penis to expand when sexually aroused. Without sexual arousal, these signals won’t be sent. Few things are more embarrassing than a grown man trying to hide his sexual excitement in public. Thankfully, this isn’t how Sildenafil works.
Sildenafil is effective with 66% of the men who use it to assist them in the bedroom. Unfortunately, it’s not available as an over-the-counter product, and men who want to give it a try will first need to speak to a men’s healthcare professional. It’s typical to see results in 30 to 60 minutes after taking the pill with a full glass of water. Its effects last for approximately 4 hours.
Sildenafil Side Effects and Precautions
Although very well tolerated by most, some men do experience some side effects. They’re tolerable and frequently short-lived. Sildenafil’s most often reported side effects include:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Blurred and other vision issues
- Drop in blood pressure
- Painful erections that last longer than 4 hours
Sildenafil’s dosage is limited to one pill per 24 hours. Its effects could be diminished if taken after eating a large, filling meal or with large amounts of alcohol. Men taking certain types of medications for their blood pressure – amlodipine, losartan, and clonidine – should speak to their healthcare professional before taking Sildenafil.
Other medications that could adversely interact with Sildenafil include:
- Nitrates such as nitroglycerin
- Guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators like Adempas
The Main Differences Between Tadalafil and Sildenafil
Both of these ED medications work well for most men, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all cure. For various reasons, one may work much better for one guy but not so much for the next. Speaking with your men’s healthcare professional about what medications you’re currently taking and what your frequency of sexual activity is can help the two of you choose which medication will work best with your lifestyle.
The differences between tadalafil and Sildenafil are minimal. Here are the key differences between them:
Tadalafil: How to Take It and How Long It Lasts
- It can last up to 36 hours
- It can be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal
- The most common dosages are 5mg or 20mg
You may feel that since tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, it may be the better choice since it opens up a larger window for sexual activity. While this may be true, men who experience mild side effects from its use could also potentially experience these side effects for longer.
Sildenafil: How to Take It and How Long It Lasts
- It lasts 4 to 6 hours
- Best when taken on an empty stomach
- The most common dosages are 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg
Although Sildenafil typically lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, it may not be the best choice for men who want a more spontaneous sex life or for those seeking sexual activity several times a day. However, the upside of this smaller window of efficiency is if you experience side effects from the medication, they won’t last as long.
Tadalafil Vs. Sildenafil: Which One Is Stronger Overall?
In terms of strength, it’s difficult to say that one is necessarily stronger than the other. However, tadalafil is typically considered to have a longer duration of action, lasting up to 36 hours, compared to Sildenafil’s 4-6 hour duration. This means that tadalafil may be a better choice for men who want a longer window of opportunity for sexual activity.
Additionally, tadalafil is approved for treating both erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), whereas Sildenafil is only approved for erectile dysfunction.
It’s important to note that both drugs can have side effects and may interact with other medications. Therefore, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider about the right medication for you, as they can consider your health status and patient history.
Is Tadalafil 20mg Stronger Than Sildenafil 100mg?
Tadalafil and Sildenafil work differently, so comparing dosage sizes is like comparing apples to oranges. Depending on your medication, your healthcare professional will likely recommend you start on the lowest dosage. If your body doesn’t respond, an increase in dosage amounts is warranted. Sticking with the lowest dosage that works for you can also help to keep side effects at bay.
What Is the Strongest Erectile Dysfunction Pill on the Market Today?
There is no single “strongest” erectile dysfunction pill, as each medication works differently for each individual. The most common drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction are Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). Each medication has a unique mechanism of action and can have different effects and side effects depending on the individual taking them.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are among the most commonly prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil has a shorter duration of action, lasting 4-6 hours, while tadalafil can last up to 36 hours. However, the duration of action is not the only factor to consider when determining which medication is “stronger” as it depends on individual factors.
Tadalafil vs. Sildenafil: The Bottom Line
Men having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual activities shouldn’t throw in the towel and give up on fulfilling and pleasurable sex life.
Talk to your primary care physician or a men’s health professional to see if tadalafil or Sildenafil can put you back in the game. It’s important to end the stigma of erectile dysfunction by speaking more freely about it and seeking the advice of professionals.
If one of these ED treatments doesn’t cause a positive response, the other one most likely will. Your men’s healthcare professional can help you decide which is best for you. So along with a healthy, well-balanced diet and proper exercise, there is an ED treatment for you.