There are a lot of different products on the market to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This abundance of choice can make it hard to know which one is best suited for you. In this article, we discuss the difference between Viagra, Viagra Connect, and sildenafil. We also discuss how they differ from other products for ED.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man fails to get or maintain an erection. This is very common and most men will find it can happen occasionally. If it keeps happening it can become a problem and cause of stress. A number of factors can cause ED:
- Psychological/emotional problems such as stress or anxiety
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other diseases
- Low testosterone levels
Sometimes the best fix can be the simplest. While lifestyle changes can be hard to make, making them can sometimes have a profound effect on overall health. Factors which can affect erectile dysfunction include alcohol, smoking, weight and stress. Addressing these factors can help improve ED problems.
Treatments such as Viagra can be very effective in improving ED and can be ordered online.
Visit our online erectile dysfunction clinic
Viagra and Viagra Connect
Viagra and Viagra connect both contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate. While the packaging may be different, the contents of the tablets are the same. Both products are a brand of sildenafil produced by the manufacturer Pfizer. Generic versions of sildenafil are also available.
The main difference between Viagra and Viagra Connect is that Viagra Connect can be bought from a pharmacy. You do not need a prescription from a doctor to buy Viagra Connect. Viagra tablets need to be prescribed by a doctor.
The other difference is that Viagra Connect is only available as the 50mg strength. Three strengths of Viagra tablets can be prescribed:
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 100mg
Sometimes Viagra Connect is referred to as ‘over the counter Viagra’. This is because it is available to buy over the counter at a pharmacy after speaking to a pharmacist. It is also available to order from our online pharmacy after completing a questionnaire for our pharmacists to assess.
View Viagra Connect from £3.44 Online
Viagra vs Sildenafil
Sildenafil is the cheaper generic version of Viagra. This means both contain sildenafil as the active ingredient but Viagra is the brand version produced by Pfizer. The branded version is more expensive than the generic version.
A number of different drug manufacturers produce generic sildenafil so it often comes in different packages from different companies. Some people prefer to take a brand they’ve had before. This may be one reason someone buys Viagra instead of generic sildenafil.
If you have noticed a particular manufacturer is better for you, you can email us after placing your order. We will then do our best to accommodate your request, or offer a refund if this is not possible.
How does Viagra work?
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, is a type of drug called a PDE5 inhibitor. This class of medicines works by relaxing and opening the blood vessels in the penis. This improves blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually aroused. By doing so, it helps men achieve and maintain an erection.
Viagra should be taken 30-60 minutes before sex. Ideally, it should be taken on an empty stomach because a high-fat meal can slow absorption. Viagra can work to improve erections up to 4 hours after taking a dose.
How effective is Viagra/Viagra Connect?
Around 74% of men with erection problems say Viagra Connect improved their erections. If the tablets do not work for you at first, you should not give up. If there are no side effects for you, you should try the tablets on at least 4 occasions.
If there is still no effect, speak to your doctor. Your doctor might increase the dose or prescribe another ED treatment.
Taking Viagra Connect when drinking alcohol may also cause the drug to be less effective. You can read more about the effects of drinking alcohol on your sex life here.
How long does Viagra last?
Viagra stays active in your body for up to 4 hours before it is broken down by the liver.
Does Viagra make you last longer?
Viagra can help with erectile dysfunction problems like not being able to get or keep an erection long enough. Unfortunately, Viagra and other ED treatments do not help with premature ejaculation. Ejaculation problems are common and many men can find them stressful or worrying. Treatment for premature ejaculation is available from our online doctors.
Viagra side effects
Like with any medication, there can be side effects with Viagra.
Some side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Facial flushing
- Chest pains
The patient information leaflet for Viagra contains a full list of side effects.
Other erectile dysfunction treatments
Our doctors can prescribe a number of other medicines found on our ED page:
Visit our online erectile dysfunction clinic
- Cialis (active ingredient Tadalafil)
- Levitra (active ingredient Vardenafil)
- Spedra (active ingredient Avanafil)
How are they different from Viagra (sildenafil)?
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is the generic version of the branded medicine Cialis. Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor which means it is in the same class of drugs as sildenafil. In studies, 72%-86% of men reported their erections improved while taking tadalafil.
The biggest difference between the two medicines is that tadalafil is a longer-acting drug. This means that it is effective for longer than Viagra. For some men, it can improve erections up to 36 hours after a tablet is taken. Generic sildenafil and generic tadalafil are roughly similar in price.
Vardenafil
The brand name for vardenafil is Levitra. Vardenafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor and works in a similar way to the other medicines in this class.
Vardenafil and Viagra are effective for a similar amount of time after taking a dose, about 4-6 hours.
Spedra
The active ingredient in Spedra is avanafil, another PDE5 inhibitor. Spedra may work quicker than Viagra. It can improve erections within 20 minutes of taking a tablet.
Summary
Both Viagra and Viagra Connect are manufactured by the company Pfizer. Both products contain the exact same drug called sildenafil.
The main difference is that Viagra Connect can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor. Viagra must be prescribed by a doctor. Viagra Connect is only available as the 50mg strength. Doctors can prescribe three different strengths of Viagra (25mg, 50mg and 100mg).
You can order ED treatments including Viagra Connect and Viagra online from our online pharmacy and online doctor service. Some people prefer to order online rather than speak to a pharmacist or doctor face-to-face.
To order online, you have to fill out an online consultation form which is assessed by our doctors. If deemed safe and suitable, the doctor will pass a prescription on to our pharmacy team, who will fill the prescription. This will then be sent discreetly and securely to your delivery address.
