Getting Erectile Dysfunction Medications Online: What Are Your Options?

Then, we scored each service to narrow down increase libido in women our list even further. Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission.

Health History and Lifestyle

In reality, timing varies, and factors like food or alcohol can affect how fast they work.” Discover top tips to get the most out of Tadalafil (Cialis). Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Here’s how much each ED pill costs for both brand-name and generic versions: Sildenafil: Brand-name Viagra typically sells for $50 or more per dose. Vardenafil: Brand-name Levitra costs about $40 for a typical dose.

Editorial Policy: Science-Backed, Expert-Reviewed

There’s currently no generic version of avanafil available. ED pills can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. You can either visit a doctor’s office or use a number of telemedicine companies that partner with doctors to prescribe ED pills online. You don’t always need to pay full price for PDE-5 inhibitors. Check out discount and coupon programs from companies like Optum Perks, which is a sister site of Healthline. FDA-approved ED pills are considered safe for people to take if they don’t have any conditions or take medications that interact with the ingredients in the pills. While these pills are safe, they may cause some side effects, including: Seek immediate medical attention if you have any serious side effects, such as: allergic reaction that makes it hard to breathe (anaphylaxis) an erection for longer than 4 hours (priapism) throwing up for more than a day If you can’t or don’t want to take medication for ED, there are some other options you can try: Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes like stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, lowering stress, and following a healthy diet can all have a positive impact on ED. Implants: An inflatable or flexible rod can be surgically implanted in your penis. You can then use the rod to get and maintain an erection. Penis pumps: These devices go over your penis and use a pump to cause your penis to fill with blood.

Once erect, you place a band around the base of your penis to keep your erection. There’s some evidence that natural supplements may work for ED, but research shows mixed results: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): A 2018 research reviewsuggests that lowered DHEA in your body reduces your ability to get an erection, which is why DHEA supplements are recommended to treat ED. But a 2020 literature review concluded that research doesn’t agree on whether it actually works. L-arginine: Research suggests that L-arginine can help improve the effectiveness of Cialis,Viagra, andYohimbine.

The bottom line

The best option for you will depend on your needs and what other medications you’re taking. Read on to learn more about the FDA-approved ED pills available and how they compare in their effectiveness. PDE-5 inhibitors widen blood vessels in your penis so that blood flows more easily into the spongy tissues that help you get an erection. These medications also help break down the protein cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) so that you can keep your erection longer. Viagra usually starts working 30–60 minutes after taking a 50-milligram (mg) dose.

Highlights of Cialis:

It can then last for about 4–6 hours before the effects start to wear off. Don’t take Viagra if you’re taking any of the following medications: Talk with a doctor before taking Viagra if you have any of the following conditions: penis abnormalities, such as Peyronie’s disease blood cell problems, such as sickle cell anemia eye conditions like non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy allergic reactions to any PDE-5 inhibitors Vardenafil (Levitra) is another PDE-5 inhibitor that helps increase blood flow into your penis so that you can get an erection and keep it longer. It’s also sometimes prescribed to treat pulmonary hypertension. A 10-mg dose of vardenafil starts working after about 60 minutes. It also tends to last a little longer than sildenafil—up to 7 hours per dose. Ginseng: A 2021 study showed that combining ginseng and vitamin E could help treat ED, but another review from the same yearfound only a very small effect. More recently, a 2024 trial found that ginseng combined with Tribulus terrestris and L-arginine improved sexual function in men with ED, particularly in non-diabetics. Keep in mind that just because supplements may be available over the counter doesn’t mean they’re safe to take.

8. MED3000 (Eroxon)

A compounded version of finasteride that goes on skin and is not FDA-approved has also been linked with ED. It depends on the cause of your ED. Various things can contribute to ED — including lifestyle habits, stress, health conditions, and certain medications and surgeries. Some causes of ED are within your ability to change or get treated, which might in turn get rid of your ED. Other causes of ED can't be cured.

Getting Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Even so, various treatments might help you get and keep an erection that's firm enough for sex. All FDA-approved erectile dysfunction (ED) pills (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) are generally safe and effective when taken as prescribed. Sildenafil (Viagra) may start working within 30 to 60 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours; tadalafil (Cialis) may start working in about 30 minutes and remain effective for up to 36 hours. The most effective ED medication varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors. No one pill is considered the most effective in all use cases. Additionally, some supplements can negatively interact with prescription medications. It’s important to talk with a doctor before adding any supplements to your routine.

• Psychological ED: Pills can break cycle of anxiety, but therapy is cornerstone for purely psychological causes.
• Relationship Factors: Addressing relationship issues with a partner can significantly improve sexual function.
• Patience and Realistic Expectations: First dose may not work perfectly; sexual stimulation is always required.
• Regular Re-evaluation: ED treatment needs may change over time; discuss with doctor periodically.
• Holistic Approach: Best results often combine medication, lifestyle changes, and psychological health.

Most of the FDA-approved PDE-5 inhibitors are effective if you take them at the right doses and at the right time. But Viagra is sometimes considered the most effective ED treatment because it’s been used for many years and has a lot of research supporting its effectiveness. Cialis and Viagra are usually considered equally effective. But Cialis tends to work for a longer period than Viagra, lasting up to 36 hours.

• New developments in ED treatment include injectable medications and devices.
• Alprostadil (injection or suppository) can be used if pills are ineffective.
• Vacuum erection devices are an alternative for certain patients.
• Penile implants are a surgical option for severe ED.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is experimental but shows promise.
• Emerging research explores stem cell therapy for ED.
• Lifestyle and medical therapy combined often yield the best results.
• Genetic factors may influence response to ED medication.
• Support from urologists ensures tailored, safe management.
• Regular checkups help prevent side effects or complications.
• New medications are under investigation for quicker onset.
• Telemedicine options make consultation easier for some men.

ED pills are generally considered safe, though mild side effects can occur. More serious side effects may occur if you take the pills with other medications that can interact with the ingredients or have certain underlying health conditions. PDE-5 inhibitors have been prescribed for ED since Viagra was first FDA-approved in 1998. Vardenafil (Levitra) is typically considered to have the fewest possible side effects compared with other FDA-approved PDE-5 inhibitors.

Do ED Supplements Work?

Be careful taking Levitra if you’re drinking alcohol or grapefruit juice, which can increase your risk of side effects like experiencing dizziness, losing consciousness, or having too much Levitra in your bloodstream. Avoid taking Levitra if you have any of the following conditions: Tadalafil (Cialis) is also a PDE-5 inhibitor. In addition to improving blood flow, PDE-5 inhibitors help improve the way that your body uses nitric oxide (NO) to relax blood vessels involved in that blood flow. Tadalafil can also treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, by relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate. A 10-mg dose of tadalafil takes about 30 minutes to start working, and it can keep working for up to 36 hours.

Key Takeaways

As with other PDE-5 inhibitors, be careful taking Cialis if you’re: taking alpha-blockers for high blood pressure taking medications that can interact with tadalafil, including antibiotics or antifungal medications There is no generic version, so it’s a little more expensive. A typical dose of avanafil is about 50–100 mg, and it takes about 45 minutes to start working. Avanafil also carries similar risks of side effects and interactions as other PDE-5 inhibitors. “Many people often assume medications like Sildenafil or Tadalafil cause an immediate, automatic erection. However, they still require sexual stimulation to work. Taking certain other medications or having certain health conditions can make a difference in how likely you are to experience side effects from ED pills. Some treatments for ED can help permanently cure the condition, especially if the cause is related to your mental health or to an underlying condition like diabetes or heart disease that can be treated. Taking ED pills regularly before having sex can also reduce or eliminate ED. Most of the FDA-approved ED pills are effective for most people who take them. However, depending on dosage, other medications you’re taking, and conditions that may increase your risk of side effects, you might experience different levels of effectiveness. Talk with a doctor before you decide to take PDE-5 inhibitors for ED. Erectile dysfunction is treatable and there are numerous treatment options, including pills, injectables, surgical procedures, and alternative treatments. Each man and his needs will determine the best ED medicine. What is the best medicine for erectile dysfunction?

What Are Alternative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

These companies collect and make discounts available for a wide variety of medications, including ED pills. You can often save hundreds of dollars on regular prescriptions of PDE-5 inhibitors using these coupons. Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline. To choose the services on this page, we considered all the ED treatment services that passed our vetting process. The first step in evaluating any medical condition is a thorough history and physical exam. Uncovering the underlying cause of ED sets up the potential for curing it instead of treating the symptoms. Some causes of ED are fully reversible, such as medication side-effects, lifestyle habits, and some psychological and emotional factors.

• Always consult a healthcare professional before starting ED medication.
• Check for interactions with other medications or health conditions.
• Be aware of possible side effects: headaches, flushing, nasal congestion.
• ED pills do not increase sexual desire, only help with erection during arousal.
• Use as prescribed; overdose can cause serious health issues.
• Some ED medications are not suitable for heart patients.
• Alcohol can interact negatively with ED pills, reducing effectiveness.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle for better results: exercise, diet, adequate sleep.
• Remember that psychological factors also influence erectile function.
• ED medications may lose effectiveness over time; consult doctor if needed.
• Cost varies; generic options are often more affordable than brand-name drugs.
• Ensure purchase from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit medications.

Some are treatable, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diseases due to excessively high or low levels of hormones such as testosterone.