We offer a range of personalized treatments to help you achieve the sexual function you want: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medicines for ED.
| Treatment Option | Description | Effectiveness | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Erection Devices | External pump creates vacuum to induce erection | Moderate | No drugs required, reversible | Discomfort, mechanical failure |
| Penile Implants | Surgical insertion of device | High | Permanent solution | Surgery risks, costs |
| Psychosexual Therapy | Counseling for psychological issues | Varies | Addresses underlying causes | Time-consuming, requires cooperation |
| Lifestyle Changes | Exercise, diet, quitting smoking | Moderate | Improves overall health | Requires consistency |
These medications include sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), and tadalafil (Cialis®).
Is it safe to take these drugs recreationally?
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Table 6. Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors for Erectile Dysfunction
Learn about our support services and find information to help you before, during, and after your visit. Learn more about our visiting hours and policies and how we maintain a safe environment for all. NYU Langone was one of the original investigative sites for the development and testing of Viagra®, which is perhaps the best-known medication among several that have revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Typically, medication is the first treatment recommended to those with erectile dysfunction. Many men experience relief of symptoms after using medication.
Pain Management
Our doctors use the results of diagnostic tests to determine which medication is best suited for you. The first treatment usually offered to men with erectile dysfunction is a prescription medication, such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®). Generally taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, these medications work by improving blood flow to the penis during arousal. Erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra® should not be used by men who take nitrate medications to treat the symptoms of heart disease. Erectile dysfunction medications can cause a drop in blood pressure. The drugs work by blocking a chemical that stops erections.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra Gold | 50 mg | 12 Pills | 47.30€ 45.05€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100 mg | 110 + 9 Sachets | 334.87€ 318.92€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 205.81€ 196.01€ | |
| Super Kamagra | 160 mg | 32 + 4 Pills | 218.25€ 207.86€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 20mg | 30 Pills | 104.57€ 99.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 20 Pills | 40.52€ 38.59€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 20 Pills | 62.99€ 59.99€ | |
| Kamagra Effervescent Tablets | 100 mg | 84 + 7 Pills | 202.91€ 193.25€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 177.58€ 169.12€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 20 Pills | 86.09€ 81.99€ | |
| Super Kamagra | 160 mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 342.71€ 326.39€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 10mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 246.74€ 234.99€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 446.52€ 425.26€ | |
| Levitra Original | 20mg | 8 Pills | 65.05€ 61.95€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 311.78€ 296.93€ |
Medication doesn’t always work the first time you try it.
What Are the Best Medications for Erectile Dysfunction?
When fildena purple pill combined with nitrates, which dilate or open up the arteries to the heart to increase blood flow, there is the potential for a severe drop in blood pressure. Some 35 percent of men do not respond to oral medications for erectile dysfunction. A smaller percentage of men may experience uncomfortable side effects, such as flushing or feeling suddenly warm, changes in vision, upset stomach, or heartburn. If, after several months, you have not seen an improvement in these side effects, your doctor may offer other medical treatment options. Intraurethral medication is often used as an alternative in men who don’t respond well to oral medications for erectile dysfunction.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
This is a suppository inserted through the opening in the penis. Using a narrow, prefilled plastic applicator, the man inserts the medicine directly into the urethra 5 to 10 minutes prior to sexual intercourse. The medication causes the muscles of the penis to relax and the arteries to widen, enabling adequate blood flow for an erection. Some men experience side effects from intraurethral medications, such as dizziness, a burning sensation in the urethra, or an aching feeling in the penis, legs, and pelvis. These generally go away when the medication leaves the body.
4. Penile injections
Because some men experience dizziness and, rarely, fainting, within an hour of using these medications, your doctor may recommend that you refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery. Penile self-injections were the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These are prescribed for men who don’t respond well to oral medications. An NYU Langone urologist performs the first injection in the doctor’s office, in order to determine the dose of medication needed. You typically will need to try one of these pills at least four times before deciding if it works for you.
Take back control
Your doctor then instructs you on how to safely inject the medication, which is supplied in vials with syringes, for use at home. Typically, a man injects the medication into the shaft of the penis 10 to 20 minutes before sexual activity to achieve an erection. Side effects can include an aching sensation in the penis, which generally goes away in a few hours. In some men, medical treatments for erectile dysfunction may occasionally cause a prolonged erection. If an erection lasts for more than four hours, you should seek care at an emergency room, where doctors can administer a medication to reverse this effect. Helps increase blood flow to the penis Helps increase blood flow to the penis Not recommended for men with a history of chest pain (angina) or other heart conditions
- Counseling may help if emotional or psychological factors cause ED.
- Psychotherapy can address performance anxiety.
- Relationship counseling improves communication.
- Stress, depression, and anxiety can affect erections.
- Mental health support can enhance treatment outcomes.
- Combining therapy with medication often yields better results.
Not recommended for men with a history of chest pain (angina) or other heart conditions Rarely, can lead to prolonged erections (priapism) Rarely, can lead to prolonged erections (priapism) Side
- Sildenafil (Viagra): A popular PDE5 inhibitor to treat erectile dysfunction.
- Tadalafil (Cialis): Offers longer-lasting effects for up to 36 hours.
- Vardenafil (Levitra): Acts quickly and lasts several hours.
- Stendra (Avanafil): Provides rapid onset of action within 15 minutes.
- Alprostadil (injection): Penetrates directly into the penis to induce an erection.
- Erectile dysfunction patches: Topical patches delivering medication for quicker absorption.
effects such as indigestion, headache, nasal congestion, or facial flushing Side effects such as indigestion, headache, nasal congestion, or facial flushing Takes about 1–4 hours to work, which can make sexual spontaneity challenging Takes about 1–4 hours to work, which can make sexual spontaneity challenging A VED, sometimes called a penis pump, is a device you place over your penis.
| Drug Type | Mechanism of Action | Target Enzyme/Pathway | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDE5 Inhibitors | Inhibit phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme | PDE5 enzyme | Relaxation of penile arteries |
| Testosterone Replacement | Increase testosterone levels | Hormonal pathway | Hormonal deficiency cases |
| Vasodilators | Directly relax smooth muscle | Nitric oxide pathway | Severe cases of ED |
| Melanocortin Agonists | Stimulate melanocortin receptors | Central nervous system | Experimental, limited availability |
The device has a battery-operated or manual pump.
What is the treatment for ED?
Various things can contribute to ED — including lifestyle habits, stress, health conditions, and certain medications and surgeries. Some causes of ED are within your ability to change or get treated, which might in turn get rid of your ED. Other causes of ED can't be cured. Even so, various treatments might help you get and keep an erection that's firm enough for sex. Although the term “ED” is often associated with a complete inability to get an erection sufficient for sex, the reality of erectile dysfunction is that it can vary hugely in severity.
Lifestyle changes
Can get a normal erection, but find it difficult to maintain it during sex Can get a normal erection, but find it difficult to maintain it during sex Find it difficult to get an erection every time you want to have sex Find it difficult to get an erection every time you want to have sex Can’t get an erection at all, even when you’re sexually stimulated Can’t get an erection at all, even when you’re sexually stimulated A Hims medical provider will help determine which treatment is most appropriate for you. All of the active ingredients in our treatments are approved by the FDA based on extensive, high-quality clinical trials. These trials have uniformly demonstrated that ED medications are safe and effective for the vast majority of men. Learn more in our guide to the safest drug for erectile dysfunction.Our guide on how to know if you have ED goes more into detail about common signs that you’re affected by erectile dysfunction. Most ED medications take 15 min to 1 hour to “kick in” and start producing a noticeable effect on your ability to develop and maintain an erection, so make sure you’re timing your specific dosage accordingly.
The Best Practice: Treat Erectile Dysfunction with a Urologist
While you may experience side effects from your medication, most are mild and temporary. Your body may just need some time to get used to the effects of ED medication, so give it a few tries before making any adjustments. Please wait while loading the accessibility menu. Care & ServicesWe offer the highest quality of care and expertise in all specialty care areas.Explore Our ServicesSpecialty CareImaging ServicesOur radiology experts offer imaging services from CT and MRI scans to ultrasound and X-ray throughout the New York City area. Learn about our imaging services and how to schedule an appointment. When you activate the pump, the VED draws blood into your penis so you get an erection.
Patient Handouts
Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities. We can help you find a doctor. Call 646-929-7800 or browse our specialists. Although ED is common, you don’t have to live with it. Our urological specialists understand your hesitation and frustration. You place a ring around the base of your penis to keep the erection.
| Medication | Recommended Dose | Timing of Intake | Food Interaction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | 50 mg initially | 1 hour before | High-fat meals may delay absorption | Take on empty stomach for fastest effect |
| Cialis | 10 mg as needed | 30 min before | Can be taken with or without food | Long duration allows flexibility |
| Levitra | 10 mg 30 minutes before | 30 min before | Avoid high-fat meals | Can be taken with water |
| Stendra | 100 mg | 15 min before | Less affected by food | Fastest onset among ED meds |
Penis may feel cold to your partner Penis may feel cold to your partner Unnatural erections, including a “hinging” or unstable erection Unnatural erections, including a “hinging” or unstable erection Injections such as Trimix can help your ED.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
Early small studies hint that there could be some benefit to this treatment, but more research is needed. The benefits do not outweigh the risks. There is only a small amount of evidence that it works in the short term and little evidence that normal erectile function returns after treatment. Both of these supposed therapies are considered investigational. Some insurance policies cover ED treatment if it's medically necessary.
How do I know if erectile dysfunction medication is right for me?
The right treatment for your erectile dysfunction depends on what's causing it. Talk with your doctor to find out. Your treatment options may include medications, shots, suppositories, medical devices, or surgery. You can also think about trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture and talk therapy. Talk with your doctor before you try any supplement that claims to help with ED.
Printable Information
Although baking soda is useful in the kitchen, there's no clear proof that it can help in the bedroom against ED. Talk with your doctor about proven treatments for ED. Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of the hair loss treatment with finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), a pill you take by mouth. A compounded version of finasteride that goes on skin and is not FDA-approved has also been linked with ED. It depends on the cause of your ED.