Sildenafil and tadalafil work by increasing blood flow to the penis, thus facilitating an erection, but their use requires a prescription to avoid side effects.

What medication should be taken to achieve an erection?

Notre équipe éditoriale

Medically reviewed by Notre équipe éditoriale

Written by Anne-Sophie Laignel

Last updated 1/30/2025 - 5 min read

Why should you consult a doctor before taking an erectile dysfunction medication?

Erectile dysfunction can have various causes:

  • Physical causes: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, hormonal disorders, side effects of certain medications.
  • Psychological causes: stress, anxiety, depression, fear of failure.
  • Lifestyle-related factors: tobacco, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet.

A doctor is the only professional qualified to assess the origin of the problem and to propose an appropriate treatment. Insufficient erection can be a symptom of an underlying disease that requires specific treatment. Taking medication without medical supervision can conceal a more serious problem and delay proper management.

What are the available medications to improve erection?

Erectile dysfunction medications are subject to medical prescription. They mainly belong to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Their role is to promote blood flow to the penis by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for detumescence (loss of erection).

1. Sildenafil (Viagra®)

  • First drug of its kind to have been released on the market.
  • Begins to work about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and its effect lasts between 4 and 6 hours.
  • Only works if there is sexual stimulation.
  • Contraindicated in case of taking nitrate derivatives (medications for angina pectoris) as it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

2. Tadalafil (Cialis®)

  • Its main advantage is its prolonged duration of action, which can last up to 36 hours.
  • Allows for more spontaneity, as it is not necessary to take it just before sexual intercourse.
  • Like sildenafil, it requires sexual stimulation to be effective.

3. Vardenafil (Levitra®)

  • Similar effects to sildenafil, but may be better tolerated by some patients.
  • Available in the form of a standard tablet or an orodispersible tablet (which dissolves under the tongue), which can make it easier to take.

4. Avanafil (Spedra®)

  • Latest generation medication with a faster onset of action (15 to 30 minutes after ingestion).
  • Approximately 6 hours duration of action.
  • Effective only when sexual stimulation is present.
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What are the risks and precautions to be taken?

These medications are generally well tolerated, but they are not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects:

  • Headaches
  • Hot flashes
  • Digestive troubles
  • Nasal congestion
  • Visual disturbances (increased sensitivity to light, blue-tinted vision)

In some rare cases, more serious complications can occur, including significant drops in blood pressure, chest pain, or priapism (prolonged and painful erection requiring urgent medical attention).

That's why it is imperative to never take these medications without medical advice. An assessment of your health condition will help to avoid dangerous interactions with other treatments and to identify any potential contraindications.

Are natural alternatives effective?

Faced with the dangers of self-medication, some men turn to natural solutions to improve their erection. Although certain plants and dietary supplements may have a beneficial effect on blood circulation and libido, they do not replace a validated medical treatment.

Here are some examples:

  • Ginseng: renowned for its tonifying and stimulating effects on the libido.
  • Maca : an Andean plant known for its aphrodisiac properties.
  • L-arginine: an amino acid that promotes the production of nitric oxide, a compound involved in the dilation of blood vessels.
  • Yohimbe: an extract from the bark of an African tree, it is sometimes used to improve erection, but its side effects (high blood pressure, palpitations) make it risky.

Even though these products are available without a prescription, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them, especially if you have underlying health issues.

Why avoid buying medication online without a prescription?

One of the major dangers of erectile dysfunction drugs is their illegal sale on the Internet. Many counterfeits are in circulation and often contain active substances in random quantities, or even toxic components.

According to health authorities, over 50% of the drugs sold online are counterfeit. Not only are they ineffective, but they can also lead to serious side effects. It is therefore crucial to never purchase these treatments without a prescription and to always go through an official channel (physical pharmacies or accredited online platforms).

A supervised medical treatment for a secure care management

If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, it is crucial to consult a doctor to identify the cause of the problem and receive appropriate treatment. Medications like Viagra®, Cialis®, or Levitra® are effective, but must be taken under medical supervision to avoid any health risks.

In parallel, a healthy lifestyle (physical activity, balanced diet, stress reduction) can play a key role in improving sexual performance.

In summary:

  • Never take erection medications without a medical prescription.
  • Consult a doctor to determine the cause of your problem and receive appropriate treatment.
  • Avoid buying medication online without regulation, as it can be dangerous.
  • In addition to medical treatment, adopt a healthy lifestyle to promote better erections.

Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being, and serious and structured care can lead to a lasting improvement in quality of life.

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Medicinal treatments such as Viagra and Cialis, available through Kano.care, offer an immediate and scientifically validated solution, unlike dietary supplements which remain unproven.

Medication vs Dietary Supplement for better erections.

In a market flooded with solutions for erectile dysfunction, it is essential to distinguish truly effective treatments from products that are at best supplementary, at worst ineffective. The difference between a medication and a dietary supplement is crucial, as it directly affects the health and effectiveness of the proposed solutions. At Kano, we have chosen to offer our patients access to approved medicinal treatments prescribed by health professionals, thus ensuring optimal and effective management of erectile dysfunction.

Viagra is an effective medication for erectile dysfunction, but its use must be supervised by a healthcare professional. Indeed, improper use can lead to serious side effects and dangerous interactions.

How to buy Viagra? (or Sildenafil)

Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, but unlike other products that are freely available, it cannot be purchased directly from a pharmacy or online without a prescription. Its acquisition is based on a medical prescription, as its use must be regulated to ensure its effectiveness and to avoid health risks. Discover in this article why Viagra requires a prescription, how a medical consultation on Kano.care proceeds, and why one should be wary of products sold illegally online.

Kano.care offers a responsible approach with online medical consultations and authentic treatments.

Why can't you buy Cialis online without a consultation and a medical prescription?

Purchasing Cialis online without a medical prescription exposes you to major dangers, such as counterfeit drugs, illegal websites, and the lack of medical follow-up. This treatment for erectile dysfunction requires a prior medical evaluation to ensure its effectiveness and to avoid risks associated with contraindications or improper dosing. Kano.care offers a legal and secure alternative through online consultations, reliable prescriptions, and fast and discreet delivery. By choosing Kano.care, you benefit from comprehensive care that respects medical practices and focuses on your intimate health.

Les sites qui proposent du Viagra sans ordonnance sont souvent illégaux et insécurisés, mettant en danger la santé et les données personnelles des utilisateurs.

Pourquoi vous ne pouvez pas acheter du Viagra en ligne sans consultation et prescription médicale?

Le Viagra, reconnu mondialement pour son efficacité dans le traitement de la dysfonction érectile, ne doit pas être considéré comme un médicament anodin. Son acquisition requiert une approche responsable et encadrée par des professionnels de santé. Si vous vous interrogez sur l’impossibilité d’acheter légalement du Viagra en ligne sans consultation médicale, sachez que cela repose sur des impératifs de sécurité, de légalité et de santé publique. Cet article met en lumière les dangers de l’achat non encadré de Viagra et présente l’approche rigoureuse de Kano.care, qui offre un accès légal, sécurisé et médicalement supervisé à ce traitement.

A consultation with a healthcare professional, such as those at Kano.care, is essential to assess your eligibility for treatment and to choose the solution that is best suited to your sexuality and health condition.

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and their generics: which treatment for what kind of sexuality?

Erectile dysfunction is a common issue, but today, effective solutions are available. Among these, oral treatments such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, as well as their generic versions, hold a prominent place. However, each molecule has specific characteristics, suited to different needs and lifestyles. This article will guide you to better understand their differences and choose the most suitable treatment, with the support of a healthcare professional.

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Treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®, and Spedra®, carry potential risks that vary depending on the patient's health condition. They may cause serious side effects, including cardiovascular issues, dangerous drug interactions, or prolonged erections (priapism), which require immediate medical attention. It is essential never to take these medications without the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. A thorough medical consultation is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment for each individual, taking into account medical history and contraindications. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the medications are obtained from reliable and authorized sources. Medications purchased outside legal channels or without a prescription may be counterfeit, ineffective, or even harmful to health. Always consult a doctor before using these treatments and obtain medications from a licensed pharmacy.

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