Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a widespread condition that currently affects an estimated 322 million men worldwide and is defined as the inability to achieve or keep an erection long enough for intercourse. This might be why the sexual health supplement industry is a 3.5 billion -dollar market that is projected to grow to 7 billion dollars by 2030.
According to Grand View Research, this might be attributed to growing public consciousness relating to sexual health issues, lifestyle trends, the rising elderly population, and the rise of e-commerce platforms. There are many pharmaceutical solutions available that are likely better researched and more potent than most herbal supplements; however, they can be expensive and require a prescription.
Some seek out a natural solution for the perceived health benefits, while others want to save money on the prescription option. In this article, we will look into the herbal supplement, horny goat weed vs Viagra, the lab-made 'little blue pill' used to treat impotence. We'll explore the pros and cons of each and determine the healthier, more reliable option.
This article will also delve into the wide variety of other sexual enhancement pills, both herbal and pharmaceutical, in order to show the full scope of options one has to choose from.
Men have been questing for sexual enhancements since ancient times. Horny goat weed, also known as Epimedium, is proof of this. According to Chinese legend, the plant received its name after a farmer observed the behavior of his goats while eating it. Use of this medicinal herb for male vitality dates back 2000 years as a part of traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to boost sexual performance as well as libido in men.
While more human testing needs to be done to fully understand the extent of the herb's effect, there is likely some truth to this belief. For this reason, it's often put into tablets as a stand-alone ingredient, or included in male health supplements along with other herbs like ginseng and Maca.
Sildenafil, better known by its brand name, Viagra, is a much newer discovery, but has abundant scientific evidence that it temporarily provides men with relief from erectile dysfunction. It was first developed in a lab by Pfizer, a major pharmaceutical company, in early 1998. It quickly dominated the scene with sales in the year 2000 making up 92% of the worldwide market for prescription ED treatments.
Both horny goat weed and Viagra aim to enhance male sexual performance; however, they are very different from each other in terms of safety, efficacy and mechanisms.
This Chinese herb, sometimes referred to as Epimedium, was utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and can now be found anywhere supplements are sold. It has many interesting name alternatives, including bishop's hat, fairy wings, barrenwort and rowdy lamb herb.
Many men choose this supplement because it's believed to increase circulation as well as libido and sexual stamina. It contains the flavonoid icariin, a natural Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that helps boost blood flow to the penis. This leads people to ask is horny goat weed like Viagra? Unlike pharmaceuticals, however, Epimedium is far less potent and requires consistent use to be effective.
This herbal folk remedy is made into sexual enhancement pills, which are commonly utilized an all-natural alternative to the little blue pill, a synthetic-made prescription drug. Many patients believe natural supplements are safer and easier on the body than medication made in the lab. Others enjoy the accessibility and affordability of health supplements.
When comparing horny goat weed vs Viagra, natural does not always mean better or safer, as many things in nature are not safe for human consumption. Lab-made drugs are released to the public under the watchful eye of the Food and Drug Administration. That means in order to be sold, it must show that it is safe and effective for use in multiple phases of clinical trials. Health supplements like Epimedium have no such requirements.
Viagra is a prescription drug used to provide fast, temporary protection against erectile dysfunction during sex. At over 3 million scripts, this medication is among the 157 most prescribed drugs in the USA according to Clincalc. The name-brand hard tablet comes in the form of a small, pale blue diamond with the company name Pfizer embedded into the surface. Generics often adapt a similar look with different markings.
It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor that boosts circulation to the genitals. The treatment works by binding itself to the Phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme, preventing it from breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), an important building block for erections. It signals the blood vessels in the penis to relax and widen, allowing for blood to rush in and resulting in a lasting hard-on.
This medication has been clinically tested and proven to provide most people taking it with a safe enjoyable experience. The average dose is around 100mg, but many professionals start their patients on 25 or 50mg. Some generic brands also offer extra-strength and double-strength formulas. Others offer chewable, effervescent tablets, and edible oral jellies.
When comparing horny goat weed vs Viagra, the little blue pill produces more reliable outcomes, faster. Results can be seen within an hour of ingestion and lasts 4 to 6 hours. Unlike some sexual enhancement pills, these tablets require sexual stimulation.
Horny goat weed and Viagra are both pills aimed at providing relief from erectile dysfunction. Despite this, it's important to do the research and weigh the pros and cons of each formula because both are fundamentally different. Doing so will ensure patients know what to expect from their chosen treatment, and more importantly, what they shouldn't expect.
For example, Viagra is a pharmaceutical synthesized in a lab, therefore its results are usually consistent and reliable. Scientists have fine-tuned the medication to produce the right conditions for a lasting erection in humans, specifically, and can prove its effectiveness consistently in clinical trials.
Epimedium was created by nature, without consideration as to how the human body works. Most evidence of its effectiveness is purely anecdotal. Any research that's been done so far on the herb is limited to small clinical trials and animal studies.
While horny goat weed does contain the chemical icariin, a natural PDE5 inhibitor, tests have shown sildenafil to be 80x more potent, according to a study published in the Journal of Natural Products. Patients taking Viagra can take it once daily as needed and expect to experience the onset of its effects within an hour. Its herbal rival could take a few months of persistent daily consumption to produce the desired effect, if it works at all.
All medications and herbal supplements carry a small risk of side effects. To minimize the risk, follow the professional guidance of a trusted doctor who is aware of what remedies or drugs the patient is currently taking, as well as any conditions aside from ED. For the best results, do not self-dose or go against the health care provider's direction. They can also help with the choice of horny goat weed vs Viagra.
Horny goat weed often comes in doses of 500mg to 1000mg and is generally safe for people to take in moderate doses. The most common side effects of this herbal remedy include dizziness, low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
Viagra is typically well tolerated by healthy male adults. Most side effects are mild and go away when the medication leaves the body. Common reactions can include facial flushing, headaches, stomach-ache and stuffy nose. These are relatively easy to manage, but if they are too uncomfortable or get worse, patients should stop taking the medication and contact their healthcare provider.
If the patient gets a headache, they should get some rest and drink plenty of water. If they experience flushing, cutting back on caffeinated and alcoholic beverages could prevent it from occurring in the future. Lastly, those who get stomach-aches should avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy meals before taking the Viagra.
Do not take this drug if taking nitrates for chest pain. Likewise, patients should not take Viagra or similar products if they have serious heart, kidney or liver disease. Men with uncontrolled blood pressure and certain eye conditions should also avoid this medication.
This list of side effects is incomplete. Patients can view the full list in the Patient Information Leaflet provided alongside the medication.
Horny goat weed vs Viagra is the comparison of an over-the-counter herbal supplement to a regulated, FDA-approved, prescription medication. These are far from the only options, however.
There is a plethora of sexual enhancement pills available on the market, both prescription and non-prescription. Epimedium is often included in herbal blends that contain multiple medicinal remedies for added effectiveness. Some of these include Asian ginseng, Yohimbe, maca, and ginkgo.
Asian ginseng is another traditional Chinese medicine that goes by several names, including Panax or Korean ginseng. It may help reduce impotence by increasing nitric oxide production and improving circulation. One study suggests it could also help with premature ejaculation in patients with moderate ED. There are many herbs used in sexual enhancement blends, it can be useful to do research on the specific ingredients listed on the bottle.
Viagra also has pharmaceutical alternatives. Since its patent expired in 2012, many manufacturers have been able to jump on the sildenafil bandwagon, producing generic ED pills containing the same ingredient, but with a more attractive price tag. Generics sold from reputable pharmacies like this one will be just as safe and produce an equal result.
Lastly, there are several other prescription competitors to Viagra that have different ingredients. Levitra is a drug with a similar onset and window of action. Its active ingredient is called vardenafil. In addition, Cialis is a longer-lasting alternative. It's known as the weekend pill due to its robust 36-hour period of ED protection. Its main ingredient is tadalafil. All of these drugs have expired patents that allow for the production of generic copies.
Choosing between horny goat weed vs Viagra may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Doing the research and getting advice from a medical professional are the best ways to make a confident decision. For those with a medical diagnosis for ED, lab-developed medications like Viagra have been proven to work and be reliably effective.
Patients who are searching for a natural supplement that could potentially boost their libido, horny goat weed might be worth a shot. For maximum satisfaction, however, it's important to have realistic expectations of what herbal supplements can and can't do. Don't expect the same fast results or potency as pharmaceutical drugs, but maybe expect some gradual improvements over time.
Combining either option with healthy lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of sleep could be the best approach to long-term sexual function. Starting small and building good habits along with a little extra support. may be the most powerful aid in bed.
When it comes to horny goat weed vs Viagra and other sexual enhancement options, the right choice all depends on the user. Both are PDE5 inhibitors that improve bedroom life to varying degrees, but there is a significant difference in reliability, potency, and the amount of clinical support available. As with all new medications, the best way to choose is to get professional guidance from a doctor.
Viagra and its generic stand out as the more effective medical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Its results are consistent and fast-acting. One pill will ensure most users will be ready for intimacy within an hour. Epimedium requires weeks of daily consumption for the possible effects to be experienced. With realistic expectations, it could make an excellent addition to a vitamin and herbal supplement stack.
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