Treatments for erectile dysfunction

Key Points:

1. Treating erectile dysfunction (ED) can involve a combination of prescription medications, changing some lifestyle habits and addressing underlying health issues.
2. Popular erectile dysfunction prescription medications include Avanafil, Tadalafil (Cialis) and Sildenafil (Viagra). You do need a prescription for Cialis, Viagra and other medications.
3. Getting ED medicines online is easier than you’d assume. Telehealth services like Dr. B can help you get an ED prescription online with a virtual health consultation.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to consistently achieve or maintain an erection. This can affect your relationship, mood and self-confidence. As many as 30 million people in the United States deal with ED. So if you’re one of them, you’re far from alone!

Luckily, several effective ED treatments can help you get back to satisfying sex. Before we share where to buy Viagra and other ED meds online, let’s explore your options. (Or your partner’s.)

If you’re ready to get pills for erectile dysfunction online? Start a $15 consultation with Dr. B.

Is erectile dysfunction curable?

This depends on a variety of factors.

For some people, lifestyle factors like stress, alcohol use or relationship difficulties can make it hard to get… hard. For others, a mental health condition like depression, a hormonal imbalance or high cholesterol makes getting an erection difficult.

If you have and address one of these issues, there’s a good chance your symptoms will improve, too.

But sometimes, the cause isn’t related to a specific lifestyle or medical factor. Life-saving medications, nerve problems or chronic kidney disease can all cause erectile dysfunction. In such cases, it may be necessary to get ED treatment online.

How do common ED medications work?

The most common erectile dysfunction medications belong to a classification of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. The PDE5 enzyme breaks down the molecule cyclic GMP, which relaxes the muscles inside blood vessels and increases blood flow. PDE5 inhibitors bind to the enzyme to prevent such cyclic GMP breakdown.

It’s important to note that these medications can help you get and maintain an erection. But they won’t increase your level of arousal or treat psychological or physiological causes.

What are the most popular ED pills online?

You can get several erectile dysfunction medications from a licensed health provider. Sildenafil (generic Viagra) is perhaps the most widely known ED medication online. You may also see:

• Avanafil and its brand name Stendra
• Tadalafil​​​​​​​ and its brand name Cialis
• Vardenafil

It’s important to remember that popular erectile dysfunction pills online might not be the best medication for you.

• A Tadalafil (Cialis) prescription lasts longer than other PDE5 inhibitors. But it can take up to two hours to achieve the full effect. 
• Unlike Tadalafil, Vardenafil is known to interact with food. But it can take effect in as little as 15 minutes. 
• Not all treatments are covered by insurance or Medicare. So check with your insurer for specifics before you get something like a Viagra online prescription, Sildenafil online prescription or Tadalafil online prescription.

What is the safest drug for erectile dysfunction?

All of the above prescription medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for erectile dysfunction and therefore considered safe. Taken orally via tablet, providers often recommend not taking more than 1 dose a day.

These medications don’t often cause serious side effects. If you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, seek medical attention. Otherwise, most side effect symptoms are mild.

These side effects include:

• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Congestion

What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction?

Stendra is the newest widely-used ED prescription on the market. Approved by the FDA in 2012,  this second-generation ED medication is less likely to cause specific side effects.

Beyond PDE5 inhibitors, other treatments currently being studied include:

• Penile shockwave therapy
• Plasma injections
• Stem cells
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

What are some other erectile dysfunction treatments?

Over-the-counter ED pills may claim the same efficacy as a Cialis or Viagra prescription. But they’re not rigorously tested and monitored as required by the FDA. And so are not the same as a Viagra or Sildenafil prescription.

On top of taking the right medication, addressing some related lifestyle factors can improve ED symptoms.

Such lifestyle changes include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Decreasing stress
• Exercising
• Reducing alcohol and drug use
• Seeking treatment for behavioral issues like anxiety or depression

Some new research suggests that Covid-19 can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Some medications may also contribute. Drugs like antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics for high blood pressure and cancer treatments can increase the risk of ED.

Talk to your medical provider if you think a medication may be at play. They may recommend a lower dose, have you stop taking it or switch your prescription to another medication with lower risk.

When and how to treat erectile dysfunction

As with any medical issue, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as you realize there’s a problem. Since ED can be a side effect of more serious conditions, you should talk to a medical provider before seeking ED drugs online.

And if you’re ready to regain confidence and reinvigorate your relationship? Dr. B can help with a convenient + discreet virtual consultation—no video call required.

Dr. B offers several treatments like Cialis, Viagra and Sildenafil online. First, you’ll fill out an online health assessment. A licensed provider will review your treatment. If they find a prescription medication appropriate, they’ll send the prescription to the online pharmacy or local pharmacy of your choice.

Ready to get a Viagra prescription online—or one of our other medication options? Then get on the road to a healthy sex life today!

Sources:

Nunes, K. P., et al. (2012). New insights into hypertension-associated erectile dysfunction. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension.