Vigora (Sildenafil) vs. Other ED Medications: What Works Best?

If you're looking at Vigora for erectile dysfunction, you're not alone. Thousands of men in the UK and beyond use Sildenafil-based pills to get back in the game. But with so many options out there - some branded, some generic, some newer - how do you know which one actually works best for you? This isn’t about picking the cheapest pill. It’s about finding the right fit for your body, lifestyle, and health.

What is Vigora, really?

Vigora is a generic version of Viagra. It contains the same active ingredient: Sildenafil citrate. At 50mg or 100mg doses, it works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, letting more blood flow in when you’re sexually aroused. It doesn’t cause an erection on its own. You still need stimulation.

Most men take Vigora about 30 to 60 minutes before sex. It lasts around 4 to 5 hours. Some people feel the effects as early as 12 minutes. Others need up to an hour. It’s not magic - it’s medicine. And like all medicines, it has limits.

How does Sildenafil compare to Tadalafil (Cialis)?

Tadalafil, sold as Cialis, is the most common alternative to Sildenafil. The big difference? Duration.

Cialis can last up to 36 hours. That’s why it’s nicknamed “the weekend pill.” If you’re someone who prefers spontaneity - not planning sex around a pill schedule - this might be a better fit. But longer doesn’t always mean better.

Here’s the trade-off: Tadalafil can cause back pain or muscle aches in about 5% of users. Sildenafil rarely does. Also, Cialis works slower - it can take 2 hours to kick in. Sildenafil is faster. If you need results quickly, Vigora wins.

Another thing: Tadalafil is often prescribed daily at 2.5mg or 5mg for men with ongoing ED. Sildenafil isn’t approved for daily use in the UK. So if you’re looking for regular, low-dose treatment, Cialis has the edge.

What about Vardenafil (Levitra)?

Vardenafil, sold as Levitra or Staxyn, is less popular than Sildenafil or Tadalafil - but it’s still a solid option. It works similarly to Vigora: take it 25 to 60 minutes before sex, lasts 4 to 5 hours.

Some men report Vardenafil works better when they’ve eaten a fatty meal. Sildenafil loses effectiveness with a heavy meal. If you’re someone who likes to eat before intimacy, Vardenafil might be more forgiving.

But here’s the catch: Vardenafil is more expensive than generic Sildenafil. And in the UK, it’s not as widely stocked in pharmacies. Most GPs will still start you on Sildenafil first. It’s the default for a reason: proven, affordable, and well-studied.

Avanafil (Stendra): The Fastest Option

Avanafil is the new kid on the block. Marketed as Stendra, it starts working in as little as 15 minutes. That’s faster than any other ED pill on the market. It also has a lower chance of causing headaches or facial flushing compared to Sildenafil.

But there’s a downside: availability. Avanafil isn’t routinely prescribed in the UK. It’s not on the NHS list. You’ll need a private prescription, and the cost is significantly higher - often £10 per tablet or more.

For most men, the speed advantage isn’t worth the price tag. But if you’ve tried Sildenafil and still feel like it’s too slow, or you get side effects you can’t tolerate, Avanafil might be worth a trial.

What about natural or herbal options?

You’ve probably seen ads for “natural ED cures” - ginseng, L-arginine, horny goat weed, yohimbine. Some claim to work like Viagra. None of them work the same way.

There’s no strong clinical evidence that any herbal supplement reliably treats ED. A 2023 review in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that while some men reported mild improvements with ginseng, the effects were inconsistent and nowhere near the success rate of Sildenafil (which works in 70-80% of users).

Plus, supplements aren’t regulated like medicines. A 2024 UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) alert warned that 1 in 5 online “natural ED pills” contained hidden Sildenafil or similar drugs - sometimes at dangerous doses.

If you’re tempted by a herbal remedy, talk to your doctor first. You might be risking your health for a placebo.

Which one is right for you?

There’s no single best ED pill. The right choice depends on your body, your habits, and your health.

Choose Vigora (Sildenafil) if:

• You want fast results (30-60 minutes)
• You’re on a budget - it’s the cheapest effective option
• You’re healthy and don’t have severe heart or liver issues
• You prefer taking it only when needed

Choose Tadalafil (Cialis) if:

• You want flexibility - no need to plan sex around a pill
• You’re open to daily low-dose treatment
• You don’t mind waiting 2 hours for it to work

Choose Vardenafil (Levitra) if:

• You eat fatty meals often before sex
• You’ve had side effects with Sildenafil

Choose Avanafil (Stendra) if:

• You need results in under 20 minutes
• You’re willing to pay more for speed and fewer side effects

Side effects you should know

All these pills share similar side effects - headaches, flushing, upset stomach, dizziness. These are usually mild and go away on their own.

But there are red flags:

• Vision changes - blurred vision, blue tint, sudden vision loss (rare, but linked to Sildenafil)
• Hearing loss - sudden ringing or loss in one or both ears
• Prolonged erection - lasting more than 4 hours (priapism). This is a medical emergency.

If you have heart disease, take nitrates (like GTN spray for angina), or have low blood pressure, you should not take any of these pills. Sildenafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when mixed with nitrates.

What about alcohol and food?

Alcohol doesn’t stop Sildenafil from working, but it can make side effects worse - dizziness, low blood pressure, or even fainting. Stick to one drink or skip it.

High-fat meals delay Sildenafil’s effect. You might wait 90 minutes instead of 30. Tadalafil and Vardenafil handle food better. Avanafil is least affected.

What if Sildenafil doesn’t work?

It happens. About 1 in 5 men don’t respond to the first try. That doesn’t mean it won’t work at all.

Try these steps:

1. Take it on an empty stomach - wait 2 hours after eating
2. Give it time - don’t give up after one attempt
3. Try a higher dose - if 50mg didn’t work, 100mg might
4. Wait 4-6 weeks - your body needs time to adjust
5. Consider psychological factors - stress, anxiety, or depression can block results

If none of that helps, talk to your doctor. There are other treatments: injectables, vacuum pumps, or even penile implants. Sildenafil isn’t the end of the road.

Final thoughts: Stick with what’s proven

Vigora isn’t flashy. It doesn’t promise 36-hour freedom or 15-minute speed. But it’s the most tested, most trusted, and most affordable option for ED in the UK. For most men, it’s still the best starting point.

Don’t chase the newest pill. Don’t fall for miracle cures. Don’t risk your health with unregulated online products.

If you’re unsure, ask your GP or pharmacist. They’ve seen this before. They know what works. And they won’t push you toward the most expensive option - they’ll help you find the one that actually fits your life.

If you’ve been hesitant to talk to a doctor about ED, now’s the time. It’s not embarrassing - it’s common. And there are real, safe, effective solutions. You don’t have to settle for disappointment.