In the U.S. alone, over 50 million men suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction -- that is, the inability to achieve erection or to maintain an erection long enough to finish sex. Millions have gone to prescription help in the form of Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. Millions of others have found help with natural remedies. Which is right for you?

Effectiveness
Prescription drugs for impotence are among the hottest-selling and most-requested pharmaceuticals on the market today. With current studies estimating that as many as 52% of ALL men will experience impotence to a greater or lesser degree in their lifetimes, these drugs are an essential part of the men's reproductive health landscape. Available only with a prescription, drugs like sildenafil citrate work by blocking the action of an enzyme called PDE5 (phosphodiesterace enzyme). The PDE5 enzyme normally breaks down a compound called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). The more cGMP inside a cell, the better the erection will be. So by blocking the action of PDE5, more cGMP can accumulate in the cells, and voila! Better erection, and longer sustained state of erection.

To date, millions of men have been helped by these drugs. A whole category of lore and legend has developed -- tales abound of superhero stamina and superhuman erection hardness created by the drugs.

Natural alternatives to prescription drugs are perhaps even more popular than the prescription meds -- about 50 different brands are available currently, and they're used daily by millions of men worldwide. Rather than complex drugs, these alternatives are usually made of herbal ingredients, amino acids, nutrients and vitamins. Herbals in particular have hundreds of years of history of treating male impotence in dozens of cultures; today's alternative supplements take these time-tested ingredients and put them together with modern standardization techniques and superior tableting processes that make a more effective pill than ever before.

Side Effects
Prescription impotence drugs, like most pharmaceuticals, carry risks and potential side effects. Drugs like Viagra can become deadly when combined with nitrate medications such as LSMO, Imdur, Nitropaste, Nitrostat and NitroBid that are prescribed to treat coronary artery disease or heart failure. Prescription impotence drugs are not recommended for men taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin and saquinavir.

Even without drug interaction risks, impotence meds are linked to greater incidence of heart problems or exacerbation of existing conditions. In patients taking Viagra, several heart-related side effects have been reported, including heart attack, sudden death, irregular heart rhythm, stroke, chest pain, and increased blood pressure. Other factors influence the safety of impotence drugs, as well: there are increased risks for men with liver problems, kidney problems or age greater than 65 years. Other side effects include severe headaches, dizziness or loss of balance, complete blackouts, abnormal vision (seeing a blue-green aura), indigestion and nasal problems. Side effects increase with higher dosages.

By contrast, natural alternative products have no side effects and are considered safe. Though the natural ingredients are potent and effective and should be taken as directed, there are no known ill effects or risks.

Expense
Viagra, Cialis and Levitra typically cost between $8 and $12 per pill, depending on dosage -- that's a single dose at an average of $10 a pop. That amounts to perhaps hundreds of dollars per month. Add to that the cost of doctor's office visit and follow-up visits, and the prescription route becomes a pricey one.

Natural alternatives are far less expensive and do not require a doctor's office visit.

Summary
Both prescription medications and natural alternatives are effective means of treating erectile dysfunction. Your best bet is to weigh the pros and cons, consult with a doctor, compare notes with a trusted friend, or try a natural alternative for yourself before proceeding with other approaches. In any case, erectile dysfunction is more treatable than ever, and men no longer have to just live with its devastating and embarrassing effects.