How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
You do not have to suffer in silence. The vast majority of men with ED return to satisfying sexual activity with erectile dysfunction pills.
As a regulated UK pharmacy, we offer clinically approved erectile dysfunction medication within the UK, with next day and weekend delivery options.
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the incapacity to achieve or sustain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
This is a very common condition that can distress men of all ages and sexual orientation. In the U.K, ED is thought to affect 1 in 10 men and more than 50% of men over 40 years of age will experience some form of ED.
A number of men will have difficulties maintaining an erection for a satisfactory period of time whilst others may be completely unable to get an erection at all.
At one time, it was thought that ED only affected older men but it is much more common among younger men than previously believed.
To have an erection you need to have an unrestricted blood flow to your penis and to feel sexually aroused.
To obtain an erection the brain responds to arousal by sending signals to the nerves which are in the penis. The nerves then increase the penis's blood flow, upon which the penis hardens and enlarges.
ED can be seen as the result of an interruption - either medicinal, physical or psychological - of the natural process which causes an erection when sexual excitement is felt.
Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Permanent?
ED doesn't have to be permanent. The most important thing is to identify the cause and then get the right treatment.
ED can be experienced intermittently and can be related to the efficiency of blood flow which typically improves with treatment. ED can sometimes come back without warning, after its symptoms appear to have gone.
How to Discreetly Order ED Treatment Online
1. Select your treatment
Patients begin by choosing the treatment they need from the available options. We are a regulated UK pharmacy, offering ED tablets in the UK.
2. Complete an online consultation
Our online consultation collects important medical information, including symptoms, medical history, and current medications. This allows one of our clinicians to assess whether treatment is appropriate and safe to prescribe.
3. Clinical review and approval
All consultations are reviewed by a qualified prescriber before any medication is supplied in line with UK clinical standards and guidance.
4. Discreet delivery to your door
Once approved, treatment is dispensed and delivered directly to your address. Packaging is designed to be discreet to protect patient privacy throughout the delivery process.
Comparing Erectile Dysfunction Pills
They have different durations of action. This doesn’t mean that you will have an erection for that length of time but that you will be able to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated for that window of time.
Cialis and Tadalafil have a much longer duration of action, 36 hours, and that is why it’s referred to as the week-end pill as you can take it on a Friday night and it’s still in your system on Sunday morning.
They also have different onsets of action, with Viagra, Sildenafil and Cialis being active within 30-60 mins but the newest medication to be introduced, Spedra, as its name would suggest, can be active in as little as 15 mins, and therefore is the quickest to have an effect.
Cialis and Tadalfil are the only ones not affected by food.
The most important thing to remember is that if one ED medication doesn’t work for you then it’s worthwhile trying another. Ultimately, an individual's diet and their daily habits can be a factor in which tablet suits them best. It can be wise to try different treatments until an effective treatment is determined, or the most effective is identified. Each treatment should be tried at least four times before it can be deemed effective or otherwise.
Best ED tablets for you? Compare our treatments
What's the best pill for erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Tadalafil, a generic form of Cialis, is seen by some as the best pill for ED. Not only does it offer a 36 hour time frame for effectiveness, but it is also typically cheaper to buy than branded products. Ultimately, however, the best pill can vary according to the individual. Tadalafil or Cialis are the only ones not affected by food.
Which is the strongest erectile dysfunction (ED) pill?
Cialis is considered to be the strongest ED pill available in terms of time. It is recognised as being effective over a 36 hour time frame.
What is the cheapest erectile dysfunction (ED) pill?
The cheapest ED medication is usually generic Viagra, called Sildenafil.
The price of sildenafil offered by each pharmacy varies as each supplier decides on their own prices. Some pharmacies mark the product price up more than others.
At Webmed Pharmacy we choose to keep the prices as low as possible while still offering the best service with guaranteed next working day tracked delivery as standard.
We aim to offer our customers the best value with a discreet, fast delivery service so that that they return to us time and time again.
Which erectile dysfunction (ED) pills work with diabetes?
There are a number of oral medications available for ED sufferers with diabetes. These include Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Tadalafil and Spedra. The most suitable of these treatments will vary according to the individual.
Which erectile dysfunction (ED) pill is the best for people suffering from high blood pressure?
If you are suffering from high blood pressure then it is very important that you visit your GP for treatment. If the condition or subsequent treatment causes ED, then there are a number treatments available.
These include oral medications such as Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Tadalafil and Spedra. The most effective treatment will vary from person to person.
What Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
The most common causes of ED are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, medications for depression, heart disease, prostate problems, and anxiety.
It is always best to check with your GP, to rule out the possibility, that your ED may be related to a medical condition that may need another course of treatment.
Your lifestyle can also be a factor that causes ED as it’s more commonly caused in men who drink excessively, are overweight, and those who smoke or use illegal drugs.
In younger men, one of the most frequent cause of ED is anxiety due to worrying about causing a pregnancy, nervousness about having sex or about using a condom.
Physical causes of ED can also include;
Hormonal conditions such as diabetes, hypogonadism and an under or overactive thyroid, which can affect hormone levels adversely;
Anatomical conditions such as Peyronie's disease (due to scar tissue inside the penis);
Vascular conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease;
Neurogenic conditions (affecting the nervous system) such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Psychological causes of ED can also include;
Emotional problems rooted in past sexual abuse;
Lack of sexual knowledge or even unease with a new relationship;
Mental conditions from anxiety to clinical depression.
Medicinal causes of ED can also include;
The effect of certain medicines such as antidepressants, diuretics, beta blockers, corticosteriods and cytotoxics.
Surgical causes of ED can also include;
Scarring from surgery can also cause ED, especially surgery involving the prostate.
Does Impotence Have a Physical or Psychological Cause?
It is accepted that ED symptoms which present themselves suddenly and without warning typically indicate psychological causes, whereas symptoms which develop more slowly normally suggest a physical cause, such as narrowing of the blood vessels.
Looking at the symptoms of ED closely can help to both identify and understand the nature of the ED condition in an individual.
A man who cannot achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection at all typically has ED which is caused by a physical condition or a side effect of a medication(s).
While men who can only achieve an erection through masturbation, but not through sexual intercourse, are more likely to suffer from ED which is rooted in psychological problems.
In some cases, when ED presents itself, it’s an early indication of a more serious underlying medical condition.
Because of the serious nature of the conditions which are capable of causing ED, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your GP should you experience erectile dysfunction symptoms.
How to Test for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Though ED can be detected from a self-diagnosis, it is important that any new or different symptoms be discussed with a doctor when they arise.
Even if you are reluctant to discuss the ED problem itself with a health professional, it is important that you book a check-up in order that any underlying health conditions which may be related to ED are detected and addressed.
In diagnosing ED, a doctor will typically ask a series of questions, which may include sexual history. With Webmed, this will take the form of a secure online consultation form. While some of these questions may be embarrassing to answer it’s important to answer them as honestly for an accurate diagnosis.
When Do I Take My ED Pills?
ED medication is typically taken in advance of sexual activity. Medications normally take from 15 to 60 minutes to take effect.
Alternatively, those who wish to engage in more regular sexual activity (twice or more a week) can take daily tablets such as Cialis Daily or Tadalafil Daily.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Aftercare
What do I do if the erectile dysfunction (ED) tablet doesn't work?
It is recommended that each form of ED medication is taken at least eight times before it is deemed to be effective or otherwise.
The effectiveness of any medication will vary according to the individual, so it is advised that you try the range of ED medicines available in order to find the most suitable one for you.
What should I do if my erection does not subside?
Erections which last for over a four-hour period - known as a priapism - risk causing long term damage to the penis and require urgent medical attention. This is a very rare side effect.
How to support your partner with erectile dysfunction
ED is often seen has having two sufferers. ED sufferers should try and talk about the condition with their partner.
By keeping communication channels open, the condition can be solved as a united front rather than either of you feeling shame and isolation.
Partners of ED sufferers can also play an important role in leading them towards the treatment which they need - be it medicinal, physical or psychological. The partner can be a stable presence throughout the treatment programme itself.
Following the treatment process you and your partner can continue to support each other, particularly in cases where sexual anxiety continues - this can play a crucial role in recovery over the long term.
Can you get addicted to or become dependent on erectile dysfunction (ED) pills?
ED treatments are not considered to be addictive, although they can result in psychological dependence where men with performance anxiety come to rely on them.
Does medication for an enlarged prostate affect erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Some medications given for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, can cause ED. Decreased ejaculation can also be experienced. The medications given for BPH are called alpha blockers and include Tamsulosin, Doxazosin (Cardura), Alfuzosin, Prazosin and Terazosin (Hytrin).
How often can you take erectile dysfunction (ED) pills?
All ED medication should not be taken more than once in 24 hours.
Tadalafil on-demand should only be taken every 36 hours.
What are the side effects of erectile dysfunction (ED) medication?
Side effects that may be experienced:
It’s a very rare side effect, but if you have a prolonged erection for more than 4 hours then you need to contact your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Nitrates interact very adversely with all phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors like Spedra, Viagra, Cialis and sildenafil. They can cause a FATAL lowering of blood pressure and should NEVER be used together.
Nitrates include medications like GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate or nicorandil for angina. Also, the recreational drugs called "poppers" should be avoided.
We include a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) with each medication that has a full list of potential side effects.
Additional or Alternative Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Therapy
Therapy types for men with ED due to psychological issues include; couples sex therapy which works to build intimacy; cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which addresses issues such as low confidence and negative thinking; and psychosexual counselling which offers the opportunity to discuss issues related to sex.
Weight loss
Weight loss programmes, for those who are overweight or obese, can be key to addressing the physical causes of ED. Sexual function can be improved significantly by following a weight loss programme consistently.
Lifestyle changes
Making positive alterations to lifestyle can also put men on the path to improving their ED condition.
These steps can include healthy changes which can lead to improved erections and lessen the need for medication.
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the ways to improve ED symptoms, avoiding fried foods and sugary snacks, in favour of fresh foods with a higher nutritional value.
Exercise more
Exercising can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are specific exercises which are recognised as being conducive to improved sexual health, such as pelvic floor exercises and other routines based on the core muscle group.
Stop smoking
As the chemicals in cigarette smoke are recognised as being harmful to the blood vessels, stopping smoking can improve blood flow to the penis.
Those who quit smoking can also benefit from stopping their intake of the nicotine, contained within cigarettes and e-cigarettes, as nicotine also causes your blood vessels to contact which reduces blood flow to the penis.
Vacuum pumps
Vacuum pumps are a physical, non-medical ED treatment which serve to improve the quality of erections by improving blood flow and providing a firmer erection.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment FAQs
What is the best brand of sildenafil?
If purchased from a UK registered and regulated pharmacy, all brands of sildenafil will be genuine medication and have the same desired effect. The active ingredient in all the brands is exactly the same but the other ingredients or ‘excipients’ that make up the bulk of the tablet may vary. Our Teva brand of Sildenafil is lactose free which is very important for those who have an intolerance or are allergic to lactose. The patient information leaflet supplied with each brand of Sildenafil gives a full list of all the ingredients of each tablet.
Are sex counselling and surgery needed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED)?
ED does not typically require counselling and surgery, although forms of psychological treatment such as counselling can help address the problem if the ED is caused by anxiety or depression. Surgery can help in cases where physical defects can be corrected.
Further Information on Medication for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
A range of prescription and non-prescription medicines are available to treat ED. These include the following:
Viagra is available in tablet form, commonly in doses of 25mg, 50mg or 100mg. Tablets of 50mg are considered the usual starting dose, which can then be decreased to tablets of 25mg if you suffer any side-effects. Tablets of 50mg are typically tested for effectiveness, and if you have not experienced the desired effects after four separate tries, dosage can be upped to 100mg. In cases where adverse side effects have been seen, increasing dosage to 100mg may not be advised.
Viagra is typically taken around an hour before sexual intercourse. You should not exceed a dosage of one viagra tablet in a 24 hour timeframe. In the UK, Viagra is also sold as generic Viagra called Sildenafil, which carries the same instructions as the tablets sold as Viagra.
Sildenafil works exactly the same as Viagra, but is much cheaper.
Cialis on demand comes in 10mg and 20mg tablets, with the recommended starting dose of 10mg. This can be adjusted according to the effect on the individual. Before maximum strength is advised, Cialis should have been tested on four separate occasions for its effectiveness, and no serious adverse side effects should be noted. Before Cialis 20mg is confirmed as ineffective, it should be tried on eight occasions. Cialis can be taken as long as 24 hours in advance of sexual intercourse, or as little as 30 minutes before it.
The main differences of Cialis to other ED medication are that it lasts for 36 hours as opposed to 4 -6 hours and is not affected by food.
If you have sex twice or more a week, then you should consider taking Cialis Daily, which comes in lower dosages of 2.5mg and 5mg. This means you don’t have to plan ahead and you will be able to respond to sexual stimulation anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
Cialis came off patent in November 2017 allowing other pharmaceutical manufacturers to make a generic version using the same active ingredient called Tadalafil. As with all genuine generic medication, Tadalafil works exactly the same as the branded product but is much cheaper.
There is a Tadalafil On-Demand and Tadalafil Daily.
Spedra is recognised as being the fastest acting oral medication for ED. Doses are 50mg, 100mg or 200mg tablets. The 100mg strength is the recommended starting does which should be tried four times before an increase to the 200mg dose is advised. The maximum dose should be tested on eight occasions before it is confirmed as being ineffective for an individual. Spedra can be taken as little as 15 minutes before sexual intercourse.