Erectile dysfunction is a problem that plaques man for many years without much hope for help or cure Only in current history is there a marked cure for this problem with a large

percentage of sufferers. There are several medications on the market to treat the erectile dysfunction in men, however, Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra are the leading medications used

because their results are significant.

Each one of these three has advantages and disadvantages. The one that suits you best is dependent upon your specific

health situation.

1.) Levitra®

Levitra® is an FDA-approved oral prescription medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. It is available in 2.5-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets and is taken only when needed. Penile erection is in fact a specific hemodynamic process initiated by the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa - erectile parts of the penis. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released from nerve endings which then activates the enzymes resulting in increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa. This substance triggers smooth muscle relaxation, allowing an increased blood flow into the penis, resulting in erection.

The main regulators of tissue concentration of cGMP are phosphodiesterases and the main ingredient of Levitra® is the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5.

Levitra Advantages

o Levitra is a more potent molecule, and it seems to work faster and on a full stomach.

o Levitra® helps increase blood flow to the penis, so it may help men with erectile dysfunction and keep an erection that lasts long enough to finish having sex.

o Once a man has completed sexual activity, the blood flow to his penis decreases and his erection should go away

o Levitra® provided the first-time success and reliable improvement of erection quality in most men including those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes

o Men taking Levitra® had harder erections and greater success at maintaining their erections long enough to finish having sex

o Works for many men with other health conditions, including high cholesterol

o It may be used by those taking one or more types of blood pressure medication

o Works for many men with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, across all levels of ED severity

o May work when other oral treatments do not

Levitra Disadvantages

o Nitrates

Administration of Levitra® with nitrates and nitric oxide donors is contraindicated. A suitable time interval following Levitra usage for the safe administration of nitrates or nitric oxide donors has not been determined.

o Hypersensitivity

This medication is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of the tablet.

o Cardiovascular effects General

Physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. In men for whom sexual activity is not recommended because of their underlying cardiovascular status, any treatment for erectile dysfunction, including Levitra, generally should not be used.

o Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction

It is proven that patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction could be sensitive to the action of vasodilators including Type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

o Blood Pressure Effects

Levitra® is systemic vasodilator which results in decreases in blood pressure in healthy people. While this normally would be expected to be of little consequence in most patients, it may present a problem in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.

o Other Effects

There have been rare reports of prolonged erections greater than 4 hours and painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration. In the event that an erection persists longer than 4 hours,

the patient should seek immediate medical assistance.

2.) Cialis

Cialis (Tadalafil®) is another drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil has FDA approval in the United States and became available in December, 2003 as the third pill after

Viagra® and Levitra®. It is known as the "Weekend Pill" due to its 36-hour effect. Chemically it is almost identical to Levitra® because it also belongs to the group of medications called

selective inhibitors of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

Cialis Advantages

o It is known as the "Weekend Pill" due to its 36-hour effect.

Cialis Possible Disadvantages

o an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

o chest pain or irregular heartbeats;

o dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw);

o swelling of the ankles or legs;

o shortness of breath;

o prolonged or severe dizziness; or a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection

o Because it is proven that PDE5 inhibitors such as Tadalafil may cause low blood pressure, it is recommended that organic nitrates should not be taken for at least 48 hours after taking the last dose of Tadalafil®. It is proven that using organic nitrates within this time frame may increase the risk of life-threatening hypotension

Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, or temporary blue tint in vision or difficulty telling the difference

between the colors blue and green.

3.) Viagra®

Viagra® or Sildenafil citrate is a drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. A substance called nitric oxide binds to the receptors of the enzyme

guanylate cyclase which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernous. This is resulting in increased inflow of

blood in the penis and an erection.

Similar to Cialis® and Levitra®, Viagra® is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus

cavernous. This is resulting in better erections. Sildenafil is metabolized by hepatic enzymes and excreted by both the liver and kidneys.

Viagra Advantages

o Viagra has a good track record since it has been used by 20 million men worldwide.

o Several recent studies showed that Viagra® may help reduce and relieve cognitive deficits associated with aging. Although mechanism of this still isn't known, scientists found that in rats, administration of Viagra partially reversed the memory impairment.

Viagra Disadvantages

Not recommended:

o When taking nitric oxide donors, organic nitrites and nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate, and other similar medications

o In men for whom sexual intercourse is inadvisable due to cardiovascular risk factors

o Severe liver damage

o Severe impairment in renal function

o Low blood pressure

o Recent stroke or heart attack

o Hereditary degenerative retinal disorders

Common side effects include sneezing, headache, flushing, dyspepsia, prolonged erections, palpitations and photophobia.

So, looking at all of the different advantages and disadvantages associated with each one of these medications, one has to look at them holistically and apply them to their specific

health conditions to find the one that is best suited for his own use.