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Can’t Get It Up? Popular Options to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (Updated 2023)

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection. How do you treat erectile dysfunction?

Since Viagra was approved in 1998, ED diagnoses has skyrocketed by 250 percent. By 2025, the worldwide prevalence of ED is expected to reach a whopping 322 million men! ED is expected to affect 10% of men per decade of life – for example, someone in their fifties will have a 50% chance of experiencing ED, and this chance will only increase as men age.

Thankfully, the advent of pills like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra have made ED manageable in about 80 percent of cases, and remains the most popular way to treat erectile dysfunction. These drugs, known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, are approved in the UK to treat ED and work by increasing blood flow to the penis. Keep reading to find out more!

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Please consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice and before taking any medication. You can contact a member of our Pharmacy Team on 0203 370 4321 or through our website for more information.

You can also find out more about ED from the NHS website and our ED Treatment page.


What are the Most Popular Options to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?


Sildenafil


Sildenafil, widely known as Viagra or the ‘Blue Pill’, is the most popular ED treatment on the market. In 2021, over 2 million prescriptions were written for Viagra or sildenafil in England and Wales alone. Since the generic version of Viagra was launched, the cost for sildenafil has dropped dramatically and it remains one of the cheapest and most accessible ED treatment on the market.

  • Time Taken to Work: Within 30 minutes
  • Duration of Action: Up to 4-5 hours post dose
  • Generic Available: Yes
  • Strengths Available: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg tablets
  • Best For: ‘When-required’ pattern of intercourse, quick onset of action, different tablet strengths allowing you to adjust dose according to sexual encounter, cheaper and cost-effective generic version available compared to brand. Cheapest amongst the ED pills.


Tadalafil (On Demand and Daily Versions)


Tadalafil, which goes by the brand name Cialis, was approved for use in the early 2000s, and has since garnered a huge following, being second only to sildenafil (Viagra) in popularity. There are two versions to tadalafil – the On Demand version and Daily version, which can be taken depending on your lifestyle.


Tadalafil On Demand

Can be taken when needed half an hour before intercourse and the effects last up to 36 hours.

  • Time Taken to Work: Within 30 minutes
  • Duration of Action: Up to 36 hours post dose
  • Generic Available: Yes
  • Strengths Available: 10mg, 20mg tablets
  • Best For: ‘When-required’ pattern of intercourse, quick onset of action, lasts longer than the other ED pills. Different tablet strengths allows you to adjust dose according to sexual encounter, cheaper generic version available.


Tadalafil Daily

Taken every day which provides an ongoing effect so you will be ready for sexual intercourse any time.

  • Time Taken to Work: Up to 5 days of continuous use to build up to full potential
  • Duration of Action: Continuous as long as taken daily, up to 36 hours after the last dose
  • Generic Available: Yes
  • Strengths Available: 2.5mg, 5mg tablets
  • Best For: ‘Spontaneous’ and/or regular pattern of intercourse. Cheaper generic version available compared to brand. Effects last as long as you continue taking the pill every day.



Vardenafil


Vardenafil, which goes by the brand name Levitra, is slightly pricier even in generic version compared to its peers. Clinical studies have shown vardenafil to be more potent on the PDE5 enzyme and is effective in 80 percent of patients when the 20mg dose is taken.

  • Time Taken to Work: Within 30-60 minutes
  • Duration of Action: Up to 4-5 hours post dose
  • Generic Available: Yes
  • Strengths Available: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg tablets
  • Best For: ‘When-required’ pattern of intercourse, different tablet strengths allowing you to adjust dose according to sexual encounter, cheaper and cost-effective generic version available compared to brand, although tend to be pricier compared to sildenafil or tadalafil.


Is it Expensive to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?


Absolutely not! The advent of generic sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil means that it is no longer as expensive to treat erectile dysfunction. Prices can start from £0.99 per pill!


The choice of ED treatment depends on your preference, your medical condition(s) and affordability. As always, you must always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication. Hopefully, this article can help you in your journey of making an informed decision when it comes to treating ED!