We’d Love To help

Reach out to us we will get back to you

Preferable Time to Call

GDRX Logo

Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra: Choosing the Right Treatment

Photo of author
Published
Updated
Written by- Gina Walters
4.7
(187)

Horny Goat Weeds and Viagra are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual dysfunction, making it difficult for a man to get and keep an erection.

Thus, to treat ED, doctors often prescribe Pfizer’s Viagra. However, there are many popular alternatives to Viagra. 

These substitutes include over-the-counter medicines like Horny Goat Weed.

So, let’s dive deep to understand how to choose between Horny Goat Weed and Viagra.

What is Viagra

As mentioned, Viagra treats impotence in men. It was in 1998 that it became one of the first FDA-approved medicines to treat impotence in men.

The active component of Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate. Sildenafil belongs to a group of Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Viagra works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme and maintaining the desired cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the body for erection.

Suggestion
Do not take Viagra pills with high-fat meals. This might affect the absorption of the medicine in the body.


To know more about how Viagra pills work, you can read How does Viagra work.

What is Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement marketed to treat ED in men.

The active component in this herbal medicine is Icariin, extracted from the Epimedium plant.

There have been claims that Icariin inhibits the PDE5 enzymes in the penile region. Further, it works by relaxing and easing the flow of blood. 

However, very little research claims that Horny Goat Weed has treated ED in men.

Recommended Article: Know the truth if Horny Goat Weed really works or not. Read Does Horny Goat Weed Really Work for ED: An In-Depth Analysis 

Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra: A Comparison

flowers of horny goat weedSource: Porntep-Kawjun
Horny goat weed plant

As mentioned, Horny Goat Weed and Viagra can both be used to treat ED in men.

However, there have been debates regarding the choice. So, now that you know about these pills, here’s a brief comparison that will help you make the right choice.

How fast does Horny Goat Weed work

Horny Goat Weed can treat ED. 

You should take the supplement for around a month to start seeing results because, as you should be aware, it could take some time for the medicine’s benefits to become apparent.

Comparatively, Viagra is a need-based pill. It helps to treat erection issues within 30 to 60 minutes of intake.

Is there a Horny Goat Weed for women?

Like men, women can also take Horny Goat Weed for sexual issues. They help improve sexual desire, increase libido, relieve the nervous system, and support energy and stamina levels. 

Apart from treating Sexual Dysfunction in men and sexual inability in women, it is also used to treat Cardiovascular conditions, fatigue, brain injury, etc.

Compared to Horny Goat Weed, Viagra is not for women. However, there are medicines like Lovegra (Sildenafil) which help increase libido and sexual stimulation in women.

Can Horny Goat Weed have any positives for women? Read Benefits of Horny Goat Weed For Women You Didn’t Know

When to take Horny Goat Weed?

According to experts, it is best to take Horny Goat Weed 90 minutes before sexual intercourse.

Unlike Goat Weed, Viagra should take 30 to 60 minutes before sexual intercourse. Viagra lasts for around 4 to 6 hours. It allows men to get erect in response to sexual stimulation during this time frame.

What are the side effects of Goat Weed?

Horny Goat Weed has been claimed to have specific side effects, including Nausea, vomiting, irritability, etc.

Researchers claim that Horny Goat Weed can worsen bleeding, etc. 

Since this weed acts like estrogen, it might develop estrogen-specific conditions like breast Cancer.

Contrastingly, Viagra has mild to rare side effects, including headache, Nausea, indigestion, etc.

Recommended Article: Know side effects of Viagra Read Top 5 Viagra Side Effects

Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra: What is more effective

According to research, Icariin has proved effective, but certainly, Sildenafil is 80 times more potent than Icariin.

Because of these safety concerns, Horny Goat Weed is not recommended by the doctor for use.

Contrastingly, Viagra is an FDA-approved and clinically proven medicine to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men.

It is safe to use and has proven itself as a first-choice treatment for Sexual Dysfunction in men.

Learn about the surprising benefits of Horny Goat Weed in our article. Read Exploring the Surprising Horny Goat Weed Benefits

A brief comparison

Viagra pillsSource: Iurii_Maksym
Doctor holding pills
ComparisonHorny Goat WeedViagra
Active ingredientIcariin (herbal)Sildenafil
PrescriptionNot requiredRequired
Action TimeApprox 90 minutes30 to 60 minutes
Side effectsSevere side effects can lead to Cancer, blood clotting, etc.Mild to medium side effects like Nausea, headache, etc
ApprovalsNot clinically approvedFDA-approved, trusted medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take Horny Goat Weed with Viagra?

No, you should not take Viagra along with any other ED medicines. Over-the-counter pills, herbal ED supplements, etc., can interact with Viagra. Thus, abstain from taking them simultaneously.

Does Goat Weed make you bigger?

No, Horny Goat Weed does not make you bigger. There has been no such evidence of increased or enhancement of penis size after taking this herbal med.

How much Horny Goat Weed should I take?

Other than the recommended serving established by the manufacturer, there is no standard dosage for Goat Weed. As a result, depending on the brand, the amount of horny goat weed serving varies from 500 to 1,000 mg.

Citations:
When referencing outside resources, GoodrxMedicine always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our Content Information Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4.7 / 5. Vote count: 187

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.