by Mike Arnold
Ever since revolutionizing the market in 1998, PDE-5 inhibitors have impacted American culture in ways that could not have initially been foreseen. Originally released for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it did not take long for the general public to realize that this class of drugs had applications outside of those indicated for the target demographic. Within a short period of time, their accepted use expanded to include performance enhancement as well as the medical treatment of ED. No longer viewed an “old man’s” drug, the social stigma attached to these compounds was lifted and in the process, their use permeated nearly every sector of society.
Instead of elaborating on the numerous potential applications of PDE-5 inhibitors in the general population, I want to shift focus and discuss the unique challenges a steroid-using BB’r might face and how these drugs can assist in overcoming them. One issue common to the steroid user, when utilizing particular AAS, is that of sexual dysfunction.
It is no secret that certain AAS can cause both libido and performance issues and for many, ancillary supplementation is required in order to treat the condition effectively. For those who find themselves on the other end of the spectrum, with a libido that just won’t quit, PDE-5 inhibitors will offer you the ability to keep pace with your desire, transforming you into a virtual sexual superman. So, whether you seek relief from the crippling effects of AAS or you simply want to elevate your game to the next level, PDE-5 drugs will provide you with the effects you’re looking for.
PDE-5 drugs work to increase erection capacity by enhancing vasodialation. This is accomplished by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) enzyme, which in turn increases levels of cGMP mediated nitric oxide. The end result is increased blood flow to the penis, allowing the individual to achieve and sustain better quality erections for a longer period of time. The 1st PDE-5 inhibitor to be released was Viagra (chemical name, Sildenafil) and to this day, it still works the best for the largest percentage of people. Viagra hits hard & fast, with an onset of action of about 30 minutes and optimal effects being achieved at the 60-90 minute mark. However, unlike other PDE-5’s, it has a relatively short window of opportunity, providing a strong therapeutic effect for about 4-6 hours. This makes Viagra ideal for those individuals who have more control over their sex lives, such as married couples or those who know when they will be engaging in sexual activity. For those who are unable to plan ahead of time, it may be wise to explore less limiting options.
Along with Viagra’s typically superior performance comes both a higher rate and greater intensity of side effects. Tolerability can vary greatly, with some individuals experiencing little in the way of negative side effects, while others find them bothersome enough to switch to another drug. Most commonly, they are limited to headache, flushing, stuffy nose, increased intraocular pressure, and blurred vision; similar to what one might experience with a head cold. Many find relief from these side effects by administering a decongestant prior to use, which I highly recommend, as being unable to breathe through one’s nose is not a situation particularly well suited to close quarter sexual contact. Rarely, more serious adverse events have occurred, such as priapism, severe hypotension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, , and sudden hearing loss. The generally recommended dosing range falls between 50-100 mcg, although some may find lower doses to be adequate. For best results, Viagra should not be taken with a high-fat meal, as dietary fat can impair absorption. Best results are achieved when the drug is administered on an empty stomach.
Nicknamed the “weekend warrior”, Cialis was released in 2003 and quickly became a popular alternative to Viagra because of its long half-life life in the body. While not as potent as Viagra per effective dose, it remains active for about 36 hours, allowing for greater spontaneity in one’s love life. However, Cialis’s onset of action is more prolonged, taking a few hours to reach peak effectiveness. Unlike the other PED-5 inhibitors, the absorption of Cialis is not hindered by fat intake, allowing for freedom in one’s diet around the time of administration. This can come in handy when plans are made unexpectedly. Standard dosing is 10-40 mg, with 20 mg being sufficient for most people. Side effects with Cialis are generally much milder compared to Viagra, further increasing its appeal.
The last available PED-5 inhibitor we are going to discuss is Levitra, also known as Vardenafil. In many ways Levitra is similar to Viagra, in that both possess a rapid onset of action (Cialis beats Viagra at 20 minutes), a relatively short half-life (4-5 hours), and a hard-hitting pro-sexual effect. However, there are some significant differences between the two. Research shows that Levitra, despite a nearly identical half-life, exerts its beneficial effects for a longer period of time, in addition to providing a stronger therapeutic effect per mg. For the most part, Levitra is well tolerated, with nausea being the most commonly reported side effect. Rarely, side effects such as photosensitivity, altered vision, abdominal pain, hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia, and priapism can occur. Normal dosing ranges between 10-20 mg, taken 60-90 minutes before sexual activity.
Fortunately, all of these performance enhancers are widely available on the grey market, with numerous peptide-research companies offering them at significantly reduced prices compared to their pharmaceutical counterparts. As a whole, this category of drugs exhibits a strong safety profile, with serious side effects occurring only rarely in healthy men. Whether you’re trying to restore what was lost or simply enhance your current performance, PDE-5 inhibitors are the best drugs for this purpose.
