Treatment of Impotence

Some men find that one of the PDE5 drugs helps with their erections, but doesn't work perfectly. In this situation, it's usually worth trying a different PDE5 drug before switching to another type of treatment.

• sildenafil (Viagra) has been on the market the longest. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to work, and lasts four to six hours.

• vardenafil (Levitra) is a newer drug than Viagra, but works about the same. Some men who do not respond to Viagra will respond to Levitra, and vice versa.

• tadalafil (Cialis) is also newer than Viagra, and lasts much longer -- up to 36 hours. It also appears to work slightly more quickly than Viagra or Levitra. Cialis' long action means that it can be taken less frequently and also that it does not need to be taken within several hours of sexual activity.

If you have tried two or more of the PDE5 drugs and still are not satisfied, you may want to explore alternative treatments.

Would you like to use this Decision Guide to learn more about treatments other than PDE5 drugs?

Yes, I want to continue to use this decision guide.

No, I have enough information.