Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Erectile dysfunction is common and very treatable. Many men with ED experience significant improvement with the appropriate treatment. As a regulated UK pharmacy, we offer clinically approved erectile dysfunction medication within the UK, with next day and weekend delivery options.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the ongoing inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for intimacy. This is a very common condition that can affect men of all ages and backgrounds. In the UK, ED is thought to affect 1 in 10 men, and more than half of men over 40 will experience some form of ED.

An erection depends on good blood flow to the area and on feeling aroused. ED can be the result of an interruption to this natural process, whether that interruption is physical, medicinal or psychological.

ED does not have to be permanent. The most important thing is to identify the cause and then get the right treatment. ED is often associated with blood flow, though causes may vary, which may improve with treatment. It can sometimes return without warning after symptoms appear to have gone.

ED tablets differ mainly in how quickly they work, how long they last, and whether food affects them. Some tablets work for around 4 to 6 hours. One long-acting option works for up to 36 hours, which is why it is sometimes called the weekend tablet. Most tablets become active within 30 to 60 minutes, while the fastest-acting option can work in as little as 15 minutes.

If one ED tablet does not work for you, it is worthwhile trying another. Each should be tried at least four times before it is judged effective or otherwise.

Some people prefer the long-acting tablet due to its extended duration and flexibility. It offers a 36-hour window and, in its generic form, is typically cheaper than branded products. It is also not affected by food. Ultimately, the best tablet varies from person to person.

The long-acting tablet lasts longest, remaining effective over a 36-hour window.

Generic short-acting tablets are often the most affordable option, though prices vary between pharmacies depending on dispensing or delivery services.

Several oral ED tablets are suitable for people with diabetes. The most suitable option varies by individual, although there is some evidence that one particular tablet may be the best choice for people with diabetes.

If you have high blood pressure, it is important to see your GP for treatment. If the condition or its treatment causes ED, several oral tablets are available, and the most effective option varies from person to person.

The most common causes of ED are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, medications for depression, heart disease, prostate problems and anxiety. Lifestyle can also be a factor, as ED is more common in men who drink excessively, are overweight, or who smoke or use illegal drugs. In younger men, one of the most frequent causes is anxiety.

Physical causes of ED include hormonal conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, anatomical conditions such as Peyronie's disease, vascular conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and neurogenic conditions affecting the nervous system such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Psychological causes of ED include emotional problems rooted in past trauma, a lack of knowledge or unease within a new relationship, and mental health conditions from anxiety to clinical depression.

Certain medicines can contribute to ED, including antidepressants, diuretics, beta blockers, corticosteroids and cytotoxics.

Scarring from surgery can cause ED, especially surgery involving the prostate.

ED symptoms that appear suddenly and without warning typically indicate a psychological cause, whereas symptoms that develop more slowly usually suggest a physical cause. A man who cannot achieve or maintain an erection at all typically has ED caused by a physical condition. A man who can achieve an erection in some situations but not others is more likely to have psychological ED.

To assess ED, a doctor will usually ask a series of questions about your symptoms and history. With WebMed, this takes the form of a secure online consultation. Some questions may feel personal, but it is important to answer them honestly for an accurate assessment.

ED medication is usually taken in advance of intimacy and normally takes 15 to 60 minutes to work. Those who would prefer to be ready more regularly (twice or more a week) can take a daily low-dose tablet instead.

Each type of ED medication should be tried at least eight times before it is judged effective or otherwise. Effectiveness varies by individual, so it is worth trying the range of options available to find the most suitable one for you.

An erection that lasts more than four hours, known as priapism, risks long-term damage and requires urgent medical attention. This is a very rare side effect.

ED is often described as affecting two people, so it helps to talk about it together. Keeping communication open means the condition can be tackled as a united front rather than facing it alone. Partners can play an important role in encouraging someone towards the right treatment.

ED treatments are not considered addictive, although some men with performance anxiety may come to rely on them psychologically.

Some medicines for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, can cause ED. These medicines are a class known as alpha blockers.

Most ED tablets should not be taken more than once in 24 hours. The long-acting on-demand tablet should only be taken every 36 hours.

Side effects that may be experienced include runny or blocked nose, dizziness, headache, facial flushing, indigestion, and blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In the very rare event of an erection lasting more than four hours, contact your doctor immediately.

Nitrates interact very dangerously with all ED tablets and can cause a fatal drop in blood pressure, so they must never be used together. Nitrates include medicines such as GTN spray, isosorbide mononitrate and nicorandil, which are used for angina. The recreational drugs known as poppers must also be avoided.

For ED with a psychological cause, options include couples therapy to build intimacy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address issues such as low confidence and negative thinking, and psychosexual counselling.

For those who are overweight or obese, a consistent weight loss programme can be key to addressing the physical causes of ED, and function can improve significantly as a result.

Positive lifestyle changes can help improve ED and may reduce the need for medication. Maintaining a healthy diet is one way to improve symptoms, favouring fresh, nutritious foods over fried foods and sugary snacks.

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and some routines are recognised as helpful for ED, such as pelvic floor exercises and other routines based on the core muscle group.

The chemicals in cigarette smoke are known to harm the blood vessels, so stopping smoking can improve blood flow to the area. Quitting also removes nicotine, found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow.

Vacuum pumps are a physical, non-medical ED treatment that improve the quality of an erection by increasing blood flow.

If purchased from a UK registered and regulated pharmacy, all brands contain genuine medication with the same active ingredient and the same intended effect. The other ingredients, or excipients, that make up the bulk of the tablet may vary. Some brands are lactose free, which matters for people with an intolerance or allergy.

ED does not typically require counselling or surgery, although psychological treatment such as counselling can help when ED is caused by anxiety or depression. Surgery can help in cases where a physical defect can be corrected.

Short-acting tablets commonly come in doses of 25mg, 50mg or 100mg, with 50mg the usual starting dose. They are usually taken around an hour before intimacy, and no more than one tablet should be taken in 24 hours. A generic version works in exactly the same way as the branded product but is much cheaper.

The long-acting on-demand tablet comes in 10mg and 20mg doses. It lasts up to 36 hours rather than 4 to 6, and is not affected by food. If you would prefer not to plan ahead, a daily low-dose version is available so you can respond spontaneously at any time.

One oral option is considered among the most suitable for people with diabetes. It typically comes in 10mg and 20mg tablets, adjusted according to effect, and its effects are known to last longer than those of the standard short-acting tablet.

The fastest-acting oral option comes in 50mg, 100mg or 200mg doses. It can be taken as little as 15 minutes before intimacy.