If lifestyle changes or counselling don’t help with your symptoms, there are medications that can treat erectile dysfunction. Your doctor can explain the types of medicines and help you understand their benefits, risks, and possible side effects.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are medications that help improve blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection. They help relax blood vessels so more blood can flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused. These medicines don’t cause an automatic erection, you still need to feel sexually stimulated for them to work.

All types of PDE5 inhibitors can work well, but the best one for you depends on your situation. They come in pills or tablets with different strengths, so the dose can be adjusted for you.

If you are taking a PDE5 inhibitor, make sure to let your doctor or healthcare provider know. If you need emergency care for a heart problem, they will need to know when you took your last tablet.

The 4 approved types of PDE5Is are:

Sildenafil (better known as Viagra®)
Sildenafil helps more blood flow to the penis. You may start feeling its effects 30-60 minutes after taking it, and it can last for up to 12 hours. However, if you eat a heavy meal right before taking sildenafil, it might not work as well.
Avanafil (also known as Spedra®)
Avanafil can start working in just 15-30 minutes after taking it. Eating food before taking the pill may slow down its effects.
Vardenafil (also known as Levitra®)
Vardenafil comes as a pill or a dissolvable tablet (it melts in your mouth, usually without needing water). You’ll likely start feeling its effects about 30 minutes after taking it. Just like with sildenafil, eating a heavy meal before taking vardenafil can affect how well it works.
Tadalafil (also known as Cialis®)
Tadalafil can start working in about 30 minutes after taking it. It works best after about 2 hours, and the effects can last up to 36 hours. Food has no effect on how well tadalafil works.

Because PDE5 inhibitors are effective in treating erectile dysfunction, many fake pills are being sold. These unlicensed drugs haven’t been tested for safety and can harm your health, or even be dangerous. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before buying or using any medication for erectile dysfunction.

Alprostadil

Another type of medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction is Alprostadil. This medicine comes in two forms:

A small pellet called MUSE, which is a small, solid piece of medicine that you insert into the tip of the penis.
- MUSE usually works in about 5-10 minutes, with the erection lasting around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
A cream called VITAROS, which is rubbed onto the tip of the penis.
- VITAROS cream takes 5 to 30 minutes to work, and the erection typically lasts 1 to 2 hours. Side effects are rare, and it doesn’t affect other medications like blood pressure pills or blood thinners such as heparin or warfarin.

This medicine helps by widening the blood vessels in the penis, so more blood can flow to the penis helping you to get an erection.

You will be advised to use a condom to stop this medicine from being passed to your partner.

Frequently asked question about medications for erectile dysfunction

Q: Will my partner know I’m taking medication for erectile dysfunction?
A: You may feel embarrassed or worried about telling your partner that you have erection problems. While medications can help manage the issue discreetly, they often take time to work, which may make spontaneous intimacy challenging. If your partner starts foreplay, you might have to pause to use your medication, which can feel awkward. At first, this might not be a big deal, but being open with your partner can help you feel less stressed and enjoy sex more.

Self-injecting medicines

Although the thought of putting a needle into your penis may make you wince, the needle is very small, and many men find the benefits of the treatment outweigh the brief discomfort.

These injections have a high success rate, with 85% of men getting and keeping an erection in 10-15 minutes, even without sexual stimulation.

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