Last update September 16, 2020
There are millions of men searching for the best libido booster. Little that they know that most erection drugs are short-term libido companions. Yes, it may fulfill your desire within a time window. But that’s about it.
If you are searching for suitable Erection Drugs to boost your libidos such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, then this article is perfect for you for one reason.
There are many reported and common side effects of using Viagra that may lead to blindness and others. This has prompted consumers to resort to natural viagras such as Tongkat Ali.
Using Viagra could lead to blindness, study finds
Granted the most popular libido booster pills available in the market today are Viagra, Cialis, Levitra. The addition of natural plant-based aphrodisiacs such as Tongkat Ali (Malaysian Ginseng) is gaining popularity due to its wide range of health benefits to men’s health.
So, this article also highlights the pros and cons of Viagra vs. Cialis, or Tongkat Ali vs. Viagra.
The sexual wellness market is a billion-dollar industry dominated by big brands such as Viagra (Pfizer). Despite known side-effects, these drugs are designed to provide temporary relief to fulfill your desire.
Sexual Wellness Market Size is Projected at $37 Billion by 2022
With plenty of options to choose from, between Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Tongkat Ali, which one is best suited for you?
If you are in your late 40s or 50s with androgen deficiency, should you choose Tongkat Ali to improve your libido? Or stick with your convenient blue pill?
To answer that, we compile the answers to some of the common questions related to erection drugs, natural aphrodisiac and men’s libido.
Depending on your health objectives, the information on Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Tongkat Ali will provide guidance before making your first purchase.
1. How does Viagra, Cialis and Levitra work?
2. How to use Viagra or Cialis for best results.
3. What are the common side effects of Viagra and Cialis?
4. Does Levitra work the same way as Viagra?
5. Does natural viagra such as Tongkat Ali work?
6. How effective is Viagra vs. Cialis, Levitra or Tongkat Ali?
For men looking for a holistic answer to the above questions, the decision is determined by various factors such as effectiveness, side-effects, price and health benefits.
Before we deep-dive into details, here is a quick summary of our collective review based on several key parameters and feedback from our customer survey.
Viagra(sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) belong to a class of drugs known as PDE5-inhibitors, or commonly referred to as PDE5.
Now here how it works.
According to MedicalNewsToday.com, “PDE5 is an enzyme in the walls of blood vessels. It affects blood flow and how cells signal within the body.”
Have you wondered the mechanism behind that sudden rush (or lust) right after consuming Viagra or Cialis?
It is because more blood is flowing into your penis.
PDE5 inhibitors block the PDE5 enzyme and this inhibition relaxes the blood vessels and increases blood flow.
Well, in principle that is how synthetic drugs work – i.e by allowing more blood flow into your penis that results in an instance erection for a prolonged duration.
And that gets you into the mood.
But, wait. Let’s understand the PDE5 mechanism further.
Here is what happens inside your body when you consume Viagra, Cialis or Levitra.
So does this mechanism behind Viagra, Cialis or Levitra makes you last longer in bed?
Now let’s manage your expectations by understanding the semantics and words used behind all the marketing hype out there.
Although all PDE5 inhibitors share the same mechanism of action, each agent has different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics which affect how quickly it acts, how long its effects last, and its side effects.
The term “last longer” is heavily used as a marketing term in promoting Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. However, there is no scientific evidence that suggests that consuming these drugs results in “long-lasting performance in bed” nor it solve premature ejaculation issues.
As your heart works harder to pump more blood flow to your penis by the PDE5, you may feel a sense of improved libido as you enjoy the time with your partners.
Behind this mechanism however, lies other side-effects that will be covered in this article.
Most men consume Viagra and Cialis an hour before an action takes place with their partner. What most people did not know that the first golden rule is that Viagra (sildenafil) should not be taken with heavy meals, fatty food, or even alcohol.
There are seven other expert tips before you take Viagra that you need to know.
Ideally, you need to wait 1 to 2 hours after your last meal before consuming Viagra or Cialis. But more often than not, we fail to remember this simple tip, especially when actions are happening at a pace faster than our own capacity to think.
On average, Viagra takes an hour to work its magic.
Based on scientific evidence and research, you’ll have to wait at least 1 hour before it reaches maximum effect. The effective time is needed to allow time for the heart to pump more blood flow to your sexual organs that will cause the desired erection.
However, the length of time Viagra takes to work varies from 30 minutes to 100 minutes and the effect is affected by food, alcohol and sexual stimulation. It is recommended to avoid fatty meals and alcohol as it will make it less effective.
Viagra will last for 3 to 5 hours after first consumption before the effect wears off after the 6th hour onwards.
The graph below shows the performance of sildenafil (Viagra) taken with and without food.
On the other hand, tadanafil (Cialis) is a pill that is not affected by food – making it more flexible than Viagra.
Yes, according to expert tips from WebMD or healthline.com , you can consume Cialis at any time: either when you need it.
The effect will start as fast as within 15 minutes, but you’ll have to wait 2 hours for it to be most effective. Cialis stays in your body for about 17 hours (that’s longer than Viagra!) helping you with erections at any point during that period.
Before you get excited, both Viagra and Cialis have both severe side-effects that you need to consider.
The most documented side effects of Viagra and Cialis (including substance containing PDE5-inhibitors) from official sources are:
One of the side-effects that people fear most is infertility that can be caused by Viagra or any substance containing sildenafil. But how far is the truth?
There is evidence from a research study by the Queen’s University in Belfast United Kingdom that suggests the use of sildenafil citrate may adversely affect male fertility.
Whilst Pfizer issued a statement strongly denying this, we will leave this to you to ponder about it.
Generally, if you are a healthy adult, then Viagra and Cialis are relatively safe with tolerable side-effects. But do you know your present health condition and how the side-effects impact your body?
Now, here is a not-so-fun fact related to Viagra and ED drugs.
Yes, Viagra and Cialis can potentially cause death.
According to reports, there are more than 2,200 death linked cases from Erectile Dsyfunction (ED) Drugs based on the USFDA Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology reports. And these drugs contain Viagra and Cialis.
You cannot run away from the notorious side effects of Viagra and Cialis, although there are herbal alternatives such as Tongkat Ali with little to no side effects. More about Tongkat Ali later in this article.
With Viagra, there is a higher risk of vision changes or loss (3% of men get blue vision lasting a few hours) than with Cialis. On the other hand, Cialis has a slightly higher risk of muscle pain than Viagra, although many downplay such risk.
If you are bothered by the side effects or potential death risks, please refrain yourself from consuming Viagra or Cialis with immediate effect.
Now do you have undiagnosed or diagnosed blood pressure issues?
A more serious side effect that all PDE5-inhibitors contained in Viagra and Cialis can lower your blood pressure.
So what does it do to you?
A sudden drop in blood pressure can make you feel dizzy, causing black out, or even cause a sudden heart attack.
If you are consuming a nitrate-filled drug (i.e for angina or high blood pressure), you must never use sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or any similar medication.
Whilst you may not feel the side-effect instantly, but if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, then it is recommended to avoid taking Viagra or Cialis.
In short, yes. It works in the same fashion.
Less known Levitra (vardenafil) is a brand developed by Bayer as a response to Pfizer’s Viagra.
It is considered a relatively expensive drug compared to Viagra or Cialis. Perhaps a premium version of Viagra for the rich, if you like.
From a molecular structure standpoint, vardenafil found in Levitra to be very similar to sildenafil and differs in that the pyrazolo-pyrimidine heterocycle is replaced by an isosteric imidazo-triazine core. Here is how both molecular structures look like.
However, Levitra is regarded to be more potent than Viagra.
Scientists reported that vardenafil is considered five to 10 times more potent than sildenafil, although both vardenafil and sildenafil are “cousins” in the family of synthetic drugs due to its similar molecular properties.
The side effects are very similar with Levitra but less severe than Viagra. Levitra is better taken on an empty stomach and starts working in as quickly as 14 minutes.
So if you need to pop up during dinner, then Levitra is more versatile than Viagra – as it can be taken with food, making it a better choice for most people despite its price.
The maximum effect was recorded at an average of 45 minutes and it will last for a period of up to 5 hours. The typical starting dose of vardenafil (Levitra) is 10 mg; this can be adjusted to 5 mg or 20 mg depending on need.
The number of death cases related to Levitra usage is 121, making it lower than Viagra-related death cases
Whilst Viagra has been implicated in at least 1,824 deaths mostly from heart attacks, Levitra recorded the lowest number of reported deaths at 121, according to research based on public information.
This makes Levitra a better choice to those who are seeking premium erection drugs with less complication and lower health risks.
But how does Levitra compares itself to the effectiveness of natural viagras?
Natural aphrodisiacs have been used by men for centuries. The science and mechanism of how it works have sparked interest amongst scientists in recent years to validate its health benefits.
Tongkat Ali is one of the herbs that is touted as the next herbal viagra. Its root comes from a plant known as Eurycoma Longifolia and found in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tongkat Ali work by activating testosterone hormones in your body.
Also known as the Malaysian Ginseng, Tongkat Ali is now gaining global popularity amongst those seeking for natural alternative remedies due to its wide range of proven health benefits.
Tongkat Ali boosts sexual libido in men by increasing testosterone levels in your body. Experts found that low testosterone is closely correlated with low sexual libido.
This works well knowing our level of testosterone drops significantly by 50% by the age of 30+ years.
Beyond its role as a natural viagra, health benefits from Tongkat Ali ranges from improved energy levels, erection hardness, sperm motility, improve muscle strength, improve mood and others.
There are 12 scientifically proven benefits of Tongkat Ali that are compiled from credible researches and studies around the world.
Tongkat Ali contains major bioactive compounds found in eurycomanone – quassinoids and alkaloids. These bio-active compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties by scientists.
Tongkat Ali is clinically tested to boost libido based on research studies and clinical trials on men.
Tongkat Ali is suitable for men seeking long-term sustainable solutions rather than a quick instant reaction (like Cialis, Viagra or Levitra).
As with all-natural products, the long-term benefits of Tongkat Ali are activated by regulating and increase your testosterone.
Tongkat Ali’s testosterone-boosting action is supported by clinical evidence and tests in the last decade.
Now, the real science is the fact that testosterone hormone production in our body is activated by a hormone known as Luteinising Hormone (LH).
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone which is co-secreted along with Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary).
LH and FSH are released from your testis (men) and ovaries (women) from your pituitary glands.
In a 12-week study by Medicus Research LLC, Northridge, California on a sample size of 26 men, a proprietary freeze-dried water extract of Tongkat Ali, Physta®, was examined for its effect on sexual performance, fulfillment, and well-being in samples.
Compared with the placebo group, results showed increased in libido scores were including increased hardness and erection time
Most scientific studies are based on 200 to 400 mg of Tongkat Ali dosage between four to 12 weeks to gain maximum benefits on men’s libido, sperm concentration and motility.
Here are Tongkat Ali benefits in increasing libido for men:
If you need more evidence on Tongkat Ali’s benefits on men’s libido, here are some research findings from the Journal on Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine for easy reference.
To debunk the myth, yes Tongkat Ali improves your erection in two areas:
This was validated from a scientific study published in 2014, with 30 healthy adults between 40-65 years, subjected to daily consumption of Tongkat Ali over a period of 12 weeks.
Here what we summarized from the study.
Research studies showed that consuming Tongkat Ali can improve sperm concentration and motility significantly.
According to research published in 2010, a total of 350 patients were given 200 mg of the extract daily and follow-up semen analyses were performed every 3 months for 9 months.
Of these 350 patients, 75 patients completed one full cycle of 3 months. Follow-up semen analyses in these patients showed significant improvement.
Here is the result of the male fertility semen analysis after consuming Tongkat Ali.
And there you go!
So, if you are seeking natural plant-based viagra to boost your libido or gain other health benefits, Tongkat Ali is definitely worth a try.
Before you purchase any product, you may want to view the top trusted brands of Tongkat Ali here.
A word of caution – herbal products generally do not work in a similar manner as laboratory-produced drugs, hence the reaction time may take longer for a person to experience the maximum effect.
Finding the best libido booster for men requires understanding multiple perspectives.
Firstly, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are laboratory-produced libido boosters (i.e synthetic drugs) that are developed to enhance men’s sexual health with by increasing blood flow to your penis.
It also means your heart is somewhat “forced to work harder” to pump more blood, ensuring more blood circulation to throughout the male reproductive system.
This mechanism of action by Viagra or Cialis may not necessarily be the best long-term solution for you. Despite this drawback, most men prefer quick solutions.
Secondly, there is no such thing as the best viagra. Living with trade-offs between instant performance, expectations, side-effects, long term health benefits and price are important factors when comparing with natural viagras such as Tongkat Ali.
However, if you are a price-sensitive consumer who seeks the best value for money from a range of viagras, we can help you decide better.
We compile the average prices in the US for Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Tongkat Ali from online stores for you to make better judgement. These prices were compiled from PharmacyChecker and GoodRX amongst others.
What we should look out for is the average price per pill (or per capsule) – thus giving a better price comparison between various products.
Source: Pharmacychecker.com, goodrx.com and akarali.com. Price may vary subject to promotional offers and other factors. We hold no responsibility in updating or changes in price reflected in this article.
If a value is defined as long-term overall health benefits and affordability, then the clear winner is Tongkat Ali.
As there are many Tongkat Ali brands out there, do check our top brand survey before making your first purchase!
However, if you are seeking an instant erection or treat medical conditions related to Erectile Dysfunction, then look no further than Viagra or Levitra as the best value.
The best may not necessarily last.
At least, that’s the age-old wisdom that can be applied when choosing the best libido booster for men’s health.
Sildenafil (Viagra) is by far the most accessible and popular erection drug in the market. However, there are many counterfeits sold online and in the open market.
So, please be careful and do check the list of banned sex supplements by drugs authorities here before making your purchase.
If you are seeking instant reaction and gratification from your partner, then Viagra is ideal for you.
Do remember to take on an empty stomach to gain maximum advantage and be mindful of its side-effects.
Yes, you can opt to purchase the more expensive Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vadenafil (Levitra) but comes with similar side-effects due to the PDE5 inhibitors.
But if you are seeking for a natural plant-based viagra, then do consider Tongkat Ali.
Tongkat Ali, dubbed as natural viagra by the Telegraph UK and ABC News has attracted a new stream of users – those who are seeking long term health benefits with lesser side-effects compared to Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
Tongkat Ali’s versatility has enabled it to be used as functional ingredients (eg: coffee) and performance ingredients (eg: pre-workout drinks). The best about Tongkat Ali that it can be consumed at any time of the day, before or after meal.
At a very affordable and attractive price point, Tongkat Ali could be a threat to Viagra or Cialis as Tongkat Ali is now clinically proven to improve sexual libido and naturally safe.
When it comes to choosing erection drugs or to boost your libido, the best choice is down to you. The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that the choice of medication be up to you – which will vary greatly depending on your personal preference of cost, lifestyle, purpose and other requirements.
So choose your type of viagra wisely and play safe.
Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI. As a writer and journalist, Naressa is all about creating, deconstructing, and reassembling meanings through words. With this approach always in mind, she eagerly explores the nuances in life via the aspects of lifestyle, culture, travel, health, and wellness.
Dr. Andrea Militello (MBBS) is an awarding winning urologist and andrologist based in Italy. He was recognized as Top Doctor in 2022 and covered Tongkat Ali in his views of this ancient herb.
Our articles are third-party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.
Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.
Disclaimer: The content published in this article is for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any form of recommendations to purchase or consume medication, drugs or herbal supplement brands including Tongkat Ali which is mentioned in this article. By reading this, the sole responsibility and decision lies on the reader to make an informed decision based on publicly available information. We encourage you and the readers to consult your nearest doctor before making any purchase from this website or any other websites or social platforms after reading this article.
14 Responses
I’m Marco from United State and stumbled across this article when I was researching for sex booster. Initially, I was primed to purchase Viagra but feel that I should make some research as I always concern about its side effect. This article was an eye-opening for me as I have never known about AkarAli before. Did more research about Tongkat Ali and its side effect seems to be negligible as it is a natural herb. Really exciting finding for me!
I always try to go back to natural resources when taking my supplements, including sex booster. I’m very doubtful and sceptical with chemical product such as Viagra, probably I heard to much scary story such as non-stop erection with people consuming Viagra ???? Unlike those chemical products, natural herbs such as Tongkat Ali is a much better option for me as sex booster with little to no side effects. Although it means that I will have to take it regularly as a diet supplement.
Do have a fair share of experience using viagra. I was close to none in terms knowledge about the pills im taking. Just know that it’ll keep it standing. The day i had a mild headache and a bad diarrhea is when the nurse told me the side effects of taking viagra. Since then i turned to a lot more natural alternatives, tongkat ali. Its must be taken regularly in order to see the results. Well, there’s no short cut to glory isnt it?
As i aged, the sex drive that i had before was gone. I got this natural product that said it will help to improve about 2 weeks ago and my wife and i noticed that the improvement was monumental! It’s been a few years since i felt this good. The results made us very happy. Hope this alternatives can help guys out there to feel better and experience the great results it gave me.
I got into taking herbal or natural remedies through recommendation and positive reviews from friends and colleagues. I was not a disappointing decision. I’ve been using it for about 2 months while at the same time practicing a clean keto diet and regular exercises. I felt better and able to do a more intense exercise. Bear in mind that these results needs time to be seen, that’s just how it is. You gotta work with it, but it will be worth it.
It’s a great alternatives, it gives the energy you needed gives for the entire day. Definitely will make you feel better and also help boost you in the bedroom. Can be a great sauce for workout as well it provides the extra energy boost for exercising. I highly recommend this alternatives as i have been using it for over 4 months now.
I’ve tried a more mainstream testosterone boosters which may consists of chemicals and the result was just average. What sets me off is that it gave a bad side effect like headache. From now on, the natural alternatives will be the route i’m stick with. Within the first week, the extra energy and the increased in libido were felt. Now, i’m trying to make going to the gym as a routine and taking these helped to keep me motivated and focus. A highly recommended alternative!
Tongkat Ali most definitely boost my energy and libido. It wasn’t necessary for me as i am still fairly young, but it really help in improving libido. I have been using it for a couple of months now but not regularly, again because i am fairly young. I have tried experimenting with several other alternatives and they all seem to work. But, not as effective as tongkat ali. Will definitely get it again.
I am a 55 year old man, i try to stay active and take care of myself. But i know that my testosterone, drive, libido are decreasing. So, i tried consuming tongkat ali to counter the issue i’m facing. Two weeks on and this remarkable herb made me felt like a younger version of me. It’s unbelievable how fast the turn a round is. I have an edge and more energy through the entire day. I love it! What a wonderful herb.
To the brothers out there suffering from low testosterone really need to try tongkat ali. I know, getting old ain’t pretty. But with this miraculous herb, you will feel younger again and that youthful energy will be experienced again. Me and my wife was amazed at how much improvement it had delivered just within a couple weeks. Guys, get your hand on tongkat ali to stop the testosterone levels from declining and lets be young again!
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