Oral Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

But for the drugs to work, you need to be sexually aroused.

What Tests Will a Urologist Do if I Have ED?

According to a 2021 systematic review of eight studies, yohimbine (a component in yohimbe) alone had no significant effects on sexual function but may be beneficial when combined with other supplements. However, it may cause side effects such as irregular heartbeat, blood pressure problems, heart attacks, anxiety, stomach problems, and seizures. In 2023, the FDA approved the OTC sale of Eroxon, a topical gel for the treatment of ED. The product is applied to the penis to assist with erectile function. With a SingleCare discount card, a 4-pack of Eroxon gel may cost only $30.

Introducing the First FDA-Cleared Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

It is important to always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional before using any of these prescription best sex pills for women or OTC medications. Depending on your medical history, they will recommend the best and safest option for you. Recreational use of erectile dysfunction medications in undergraduate men in the United States: Characteristics and associated risk factors, National Library of Medicine (2010) Is recreational use of sildenafil a new trend?, Ann Med Surg (2022) The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction, The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2019) L-arginine and erectile dysfunction, Journal of Psychosexual Health (2019) Dehydroepiandrosterone and erectile function: A review, World Journal of Men’s Health (2018) Dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A natural treatment for erectile dysfunction, Mayo Clinic (2024) Ginseng for erectile dysfunction, Cochrane Library (2021) Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of Epimedium species, PubMed Central (2012) A systematic review of clinical trials on Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and sexual dysfunction, Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine (2021) Yohimbe, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Turkish Journal of Urology (2021) FDA approves new over-the-counter gel for erectile dysfunction, Harvard Health (2023) Jason B. Carter, board-certified urologist and Medical Advisor at Aeroflow Urology Philip Werthman, MD, board-certified urologist and director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles, CA Medically accurate: SingleCare’s Medical Review Board analyzes all of our content to confirm it’s in line with current medical advice. Evidence-based: Our content is sourced from reputable U.S.-based healthcare professionals and peer-reviewed research.

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Trustworthy: All of SingleCare’s content goes through a multi-phase review process by our writers, editors, and Medical Board in order to provide clear and credible information. If you take a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction (ED), you'll want to do everything you can to make sure it's doing its job. Take a few minutes to learn how to get the most out of your medication. It will pay off later in the bedroom. Sometimes eating a big meal right after you take an ED drug may not always be the best idea. Take some time to get into the mood.

Use all of your senses to get turned on. Pay attention to this: Don't take ED drugs if you also take heart medicines called nitrates.

1. L-Arginine

Finding and reversing problems like hypertension or low testosterone, which can manifest as erectile dysfunction, has the potential to be highly beneficial. L-arginine is an amino acid produced by the body and also present in dietary proteins. L-arginine is referred to as a physiological substrate for nitric oxide (NO)—a compound known to relax smooth muscles and widen blood vessels in the penis. A study found that people on 1,500 to 5,000 mg of L-arginine supplement experienced improvement in erectile dysfunction compared to the placebo group. L-arginine supplements stand out because of their natural occurrence, bioavailability when taken orally, and tolerability when used for a long time.

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However, they may cause side effects, including decreased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. Also, people with renal problems may experience increased blood urea nitrogen levels, and the supplement may trigger abdominal cramps and bloating in people with cystic fibrosis. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a prohormone produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and brain. In target tissues, DHEA is converted into sex hormones such as androstenedione and testosterone. A 2018 review article published in the World Journal of Men’s Health noted that decreased secretion of DHEA may be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction.

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But, it also suggested that there is no solid evidence to support that DHEA helps with erections or that it is safe to use, especially over a long time. Using DHEA over a long period or at high doses may be associated with cancer, and short-term use at low doses may lead to side effects such as acne, insomnia, mood changes, headache, and stomach upset. Ginseng is a popular herb used for various purposes in East Asian countries. Its active ingredient, ginsenosides, may help produce nitric oxide. In a systematic review evaluating the effects of ginseng on men with mild to moderate difficulty with erections, people taking ginseng reported improvement in their ability to have sexual intercourse, although they did not experience sexual satisfaction. The combination can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure.

To make sure you stay safe, talk to your doctor about all of the medications you take.

7. Propionyl L-Carnitine

But don't do this on your own. Talk to your doctor to see if an increase in medication is right for you. You can't take an ED drug and expect to get an erection right away. The medications boost the effects of a chemical your body makes called nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles in your penis. That improves your blood flow and helps you get an erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue for people with diabetes, but several treatments can help. ED pills include Viagra, Cialis, vardenafil, and Stendra. ED involves difficulty developing and maintaining an erection for sexual activity. The cause may be psychological or physical. Keep reading to learn more about how ED pills work and which options are most suitable for people with diabetes.

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The systematic review also reported “trivial effect on erectile function” compared to a placebo and with little to no side effects. Carnitine is an amino acid produced by the liver, brain, and kidneys, and also obtained from animal protein. “Propionyl-L-carnitine is a derivative of L-carnitine that has been studied for its potential vascular and metabolic benefits. Research suggests it may improve blood flow and enhance nitric oxide activity, which is important for erections,” Dr. Carter says.

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“Some studies have shown that, when used in combination with PDE5 inhibitors, it may enhance their effectiveness, especially in men with diabetes or following prostate cancer surgery. While it is not a stand-alone treatment, it can be a helpful adjunct therapy in select patients, particularly those with vascular-related erectile dysfunction,” Dr Carter explains. A natural compound called icariin (ICA), found in horny goat weed may boost nitric oxide production, as documented in animal studies. Honey goat weed may be safe when used for a short period. Using it in high doses or over a long period may lead to side effects such as severe breathing problems.

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Additionally, due to blood pressure-lowering effects, it should not be taken with supplements that produce the same response, such as casein peptides, L-arginine, and niacin. Ginkgo Biloba, popularly known as ginkgo, is a plant rich in antioxidants. According to a systematic review, ginkgo may potentially support sexual processes by increasing blood flow to the genitals, producing nitric oxide, relaxing smooth muscles, and triggering the erectile effects of prostaglandin. However, the review concluded that “ginkgo biloba has limited positive effects on sexual function” with the quality of evidence judged as being low due to the poor nature of studies, small sample size, and other limitations. Yohimbe has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. Best for daily use: Cialis Skip to review Best for a coated tablet: Vardenafil Skip to review Best for fast action: Stendra Skip to review Best for a chewable alternative: BlueChew Skip to review Best injectable alternative: TriMix injection Skip to review During sexual arousal in males, the brain signals for more blood to flow into the penis, causing an erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a physical or psychological factor impedes this process.

About Erectile Dysfunction

If you swallow sildenafil with a high-fat meal, such as a steak dinner, it may take longer for it to work. You can take other ED drugs with or without food, such as: While ED drugs work in similar ways, they're each made up of different chemicals. This can affect how they work, how much time they take to kick in, and the different side effects that you may have. Talk to your doctor about any health problems you have and other medications that you take. It will help your doctor find the ED drug that should work best for you.

Is it safe to buy erectile dysfunction pills online?

For most ED drugs, you need to wait a while before you can expect them to start working. Viagra and Levitra take about 30 minutes to work, and the effects last for about 4 hours after you take the pill. You should take Cialis at least 2 hours before you plan to have sex. The effects may last for up to 36 hours after you take it. If the amount of medicine you use now doesn't help you get an erection, you may need to take a bigger dose. For people with diabetes, ED can occur due to persistently high blood sugar levels, causing damage to the nerves and blood vessels.

• Not all OTC ED pills are safe; some contain unapproved chemicals.
• Store OTC products in a cool, dry place away from children.
• Combining OTC ED pills with alcohol may reduce effectiveness or cause side effects.
• Supplements labeled "natural" still carry potential risks.
• OTC remedies may work better for psychological ED than physical causes.
• Always read the full disclaimer and warnings on OTC products.
• Some OTC pills include antioxidants or vitamins claimed to improve libido.
• Confirm if the supplement has been tested for safety and purity.
• OTC ED pills are generally less potent than prescription options like Viagra.
• Maintain realistic expectations about the performance of OTC erectile dysfunction pills.

Damage to certain nerves can reduce sensations in the genitals, while damage to blood vessels in the penis can reduce blood flow to this area.

Either type of damage can cause ED. Pills for ED typically contain phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

• Document your symptoms, including frequency, triggers, and severity.
• A symptom diary helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
• Note any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
• Be honest about recreational drug use, as it can impact ED.
• Prepare questions for your doctor to make the most of your visit.
• A urologist is a specialist in male reproductive and urinary health.

In males, a person with diabetes may experience high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves or blood vessels, causing ED.