ED treatment: real options, how they work, and what’s safe

Erectile dysfunction affects a lot more men than you might think — about one in five over 40 have it. If it’s happening to you, the good news is there are proven treatments that work. This page breaks down pill options, medical devices, lifestyle fixes, and how to buy meds online without getting burned.

Most men start with PDE5 inhibitors: Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil). They relax blood vessels so you can get and keep an erection when sexually stimulated. The main differences are how fast they start and how long they last. Viagra and Levitra act in 30–60 minutes and last a few hours. Cialis can work for up to 36 hours and is also available as a daily low-dose option. Stendra often works faster and may suit men who want a quick onset with fewer food interactions.

Not every man can or should take PDE5 drugs. Other medical options include penile injections that directly relax blood vessels, vacuum erection devices that draw blood into the penis, and surgical implants for severe cases. These are effective but involve procedures and follow-up care — discuss benefits and risks with a urologist.

Don’t overlook lifestyle and mental health. Smoking, heavy drinking, obesity, poor sleep and lack of exercise all reduce sexual function. Improving fitness, losing weight, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol often helps. Therapy for anxiety or relationship issues can make a huge difference, and pelvic floor exercises (yes, they work) are a low-risk way to boost performance.

How to choose the right treatment

Start with a frank talk with a doctor. ED can signal heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, so basic tests are useful. Always tell your clinician about all medicines you take — PDE5 inhibitors must never be combined with nitrates. If a first-line pill doesn’t help, your doctor may adjust dose, try a different PDE5 drug, or move to injections, devices or specialist testing like hormone panels or vascular studies.

Buying ED meds online safely

Telemedicine and online pharmacies make getting treatment easier, but safety matters. Use services that require a prescription or offer a real online consult. Check pharmacy credentials, look for clear contact details, user reviews and secure payment. Avoid sites that sell prescription meds without any prescription — they may send counterfeit products. If a price looks unreal, it probably is.

Be cautious with supplements marketed for ED. Ingredients, doses and quality vary widely and claims often outpace the science. Some supplements like L-arginine or ginseng show modest benefit, but talk to your doctor before mixing them with prescription meds. If you’re unsure, ask for a pharmacist review and keep a record of what you buy.

ED is common and treatable. Take small steps: see your doctor, try simple lifestyle changes, and choose treatments that match your health and goals. If you want help finding reputable online options or comparing drugs, look for reviews and verified pharmacies before you order. Start today.