Erectile dysfunction
Prescription treatment for ED, including sildenafil and tadalafil.
Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider. A prescription is not guaranteed — the provider decides what, if anything, is appropriate and safe for you.
About erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction means difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex, often enough to be a problem. It is common and usually treatable. It can also be an early sign of something else — cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, low testosterone, sleep apnea, depression, or a medication side effect — which is why a proper medical review matters more than just getting a pill.
Treatment options
Plain-language summaries. Your provider decides what is appropriate for you.
Sildenafil
Generic Viagra. Taken about 30-60 minutes before sex; typically works for around 4-6 hours. A heavy or fatty meal can slow absorption.
Tadalafil
Generic Cialis. Longer acting — up to about 36 hours — and can be taken either as needed or as a low daily dose.
Vardenafil
Another option when sildenafil or tadalafil is not tolerated.
Underlying-cause care
Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, testosterone, sleep, alcohol, and medication review — treating the cause often improves function.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the basics
State, service interest, and contact details.
- 2
Clinical visit
A licensed provider reviews your cardiovascular history and current medications — this is the step that keeps PDE5 treatment safe.
- 3
If appropriate, treatment ships
Dispensed discreetly by a licensed US pharmacy.
- 4
Adjust
Dose or medication can be changed based on response and side effects.
Realistic timeline
What people typically experience. Individual results vary and are never guaranteed.
- First doseMany people respond to the first dose, but it can take several attempts to find the right medication, dose, and timing.
- Weeks 2-4Providers usually reassess after a handful of attempts before changing dose.
- OngoingIf treatment does not work, that itself is medically useful information and warrants further evaluation.
Safety, side effects & interactions
You deserve this information before you decide, not after.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion or reflux
- Back or muscle aches (more often with tadalafil)
- Temporary changes in colour vision (more often with sildenafil)
Serious risks
- Priapism — an erection lasting more than 4 hours is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency department.
- Sudden hearing loss or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes — stop and seek care immediately.
- Symptomatic drops in blood pressure, fainting.
Interactions
- Nitrates — including nitroglycerin, isosorbide, and recreational poppers/amyl nitrite — can cause a dangerous, potentially fatal drop in blood pressure with PDE5 inhibitors. Never combine them.
- Alpha-blockers used for blood pressure or prostate symptoms require careful timing and dosing.
- Riociguat is contraindicated.
- Some antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and antibiotics raise PDE5 drug levels.
Who this is — and isn't — for
May be a fit if
- Adults 18+ with symptoms of erectile dysfunction
- Stable cardiovascular health as assessed by a provider
Not appropriate if
- Anyone taking nitrates in any form
- Recent heart attack, stroke, or unstable angina
- Severe uncontrolled low or high blood pressure
- Certain inherited retinal conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa
- Chest pain during sex or exertion — that needs urgent in-person evaluation, not an ED prescription
Pricing
Starting at, subject to provider evaluation. Price depends on medication and quantity prescribed.
See all pricingCommon questions
Is a prescription guaranteed?
No. Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider. If your cardiovascular history or current medications make PDE5 inhibitors unsafe, the provider will not prescribe them.
Do these medications cause an automatic erection?
No. They improve blood flow in response to arousal — sexual stimulation is still required.
Sildenafil or tadalafil?
Sildenafil is shorter acting and taken before sex; tadalafil lasts much longer and can be dosed daily. Your provider will discuss which fits your situation.
Could ED mean something more serious?
Sometimes. ED can precede cardiovascular disease by several years, and it is also linked to diabetes and low testosterone. Providers may recommend labs or an in-person check.
Ready to see if this is right for you?
Start with a few basics — state, service, and how to reach you. The medical questionnaire is completed with a licensed provider.
Start your visitThis page is general health education, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. If this is an emergency, call 911.