ED medication: What works, what's safe, and how to buy

ED medication can feel confusing—there are pills, injections, creams, and online clinics. Here I explain the main options, how they work, common side effects, when to see a doctor, and smart ways to buy meds without getting scammed.

Main types and how they work

PDE5 inhibitors are the most common pills: sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). They relax blood vessels in the penis to help you get an erection with sexual stimulation. Tadalafil lasts longer (up to 36 hours), sildenafil and vardenafil act for about 4–6 hours, and avanafil often works faster. Other options include injections (alprostadil), urethral suppositories, and vacuum pumps — these are useful when pills don’t work.

There’s also therapy and lifestyle fixes. Losing weight, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, and treating sleep apnea improve results with or without pills. Psychological causes respond to counseling, often combined with medication.

Side effects, interactions, and safety tips

Common side effects are headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and upset stomach. More serious risks include sudden vision or hearing loss and a painful erection lasting over 4 hours — seek emergency care if those happen. Never mix PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates (used for chest pain) — that combo can crash your blood pressure.

Tell your doctor about heart disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, and medications like alpha-blockers or certain HIV or antifungal drugs. Dose adjustments matter. For example, start lower if you’re on older age or have kidney issues.

Thinking of natural or over-the-counter fixes? Supplements like L-arginine or ginseng sometimes help but are less predictable and can interact with other meds. Use them carefully and mention them to your clinician.

Buying online? Stick to licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Avoid sites offering “no prescription” deals — they often sell counterfeit or unsafe products. Use telemedicine services that match you with a clinician for a real prescription. Save receipts and check for clear contact info, verified reviews, and secure checkout.

Quick checklist before you buy: 1) Get a proper medical review; 2) Avoid nitrates; 3) Start with a low dose; 4) Check pharmacy credentials; 5) Read the label and expiry date.

When you see a clinician, be direct. Say how often ED happens, when it started, and any morning erections. Bring a list of all meds and your heart history. Doctors may check blood pressure, blood sugar, or testosterone. That short check often points to the right treatment.

Cost matters. Generic tadalafil and sildenafil are much cheaper than brand names. Use digital coupons or ask local pharmacies for price-matching. But don’t skip safety for a lower price—cheap, unverified pills risk health and waste money.

If pills don’t work after correct use and dose, ask your doctor about injections, vacuum devices, or referral to a urologist. Erectile dysfunction is common and treatable — getting the right care usually makes a big difference.

Need help? Read our guides on buying ED meds and telemedicine services.