ED Medications: Types, Cost, and More Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD MigraineMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Rheumatoid ArthritisType 2 DiabetesSponsored TopicsArticlesAcid RefluxADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's & DementiaBipolar DisorderCancerCrohn's DiseaseChronic PainCold & FluCOPDDepressionFibromyalgiaHeart DiseaseHigh CholesterolHIVHypertensionIPFOsteoarthritisPsoriasisSkin Disorders and CareSTDsDiscoverWellness TopicsNutritionFitnessSkin CareSexual HealthWomen's HealthMental HealthSleepOriginal SeriesFresh Food FastDiagnosis DiariesYou’re Not AlonePresent TenseVideo SeriesYouth in FocusHealthy HarvestNo More SilenceFuture of HealthPlanHealth ChallengesMindful EatingSugar SavvyMove Your BodyGut HealthMood FoodsAlign Your SpineFind CarePrimary CareMental HealthOB-GYNDermatologistsNeurologistsCardiologistsOrthopedistsLifestyle QuizzesWeight ManagementAm I Depressed? A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaShopProducts by ConditionInsomniaStress ReliefBack PainNeck PainSleep ApneaHot SleepersAllergiesPain ReliefProduct ReviewsVitamins & SupplementsSleepMental HealthNutritionAt-Home TestingCBDMen’s HealthWomen’s HealthHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectShopSubscribe

7 Types of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS — By Kristeen Cherney and Tracee M. Herbaugh and The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on September 29, 2022Share on PinterestDontstop/Getty ImagesWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. There’s certainly no shortage of medications, supplements, and herbal remedies that claim to boost testosterone levels and sex drive. Especially if you have been recently experiencing performance issues in the bedroom, you might even be considering some of these alternatives. But there’s a lot more to sexual health than just stamina or performance. If someone experiences difficulty having an erection, many of these products (despite their spectacular claims) are rarely effective, particularly when a more direct and scientifically researched treatment is needed to treat issues like erectile dysfunction.

Language matters

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. For the purposes of this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. Learn more about sex and gender.

What is erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when someone cannot achieve a firm erection or loses their erection before or during sexual activity. Losing an erection can happen sometimes and shouldn’t be a major cause for concern every once in a while. But if it starts occurring several times a week and over a period of four or more weeks, it may be an indicator of ED. Contrary to popular belief, ED isn’t a condition that just affects older males. Young males can experience ED too — and it’s actually more common than some people might realize. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that this condition affects approximately 30 million men in the United States. Erectile dysfunction can develop as the result of several different factors, both physical and psychological, that contribute to a person’s ED symptoms. Talking with your doctor can help pinpoint what’s possibly causing your ED and you can both start to build an effective treatment plan. For many people, making changes to their daily routine can help reduce ED symptoms. This could include diet modification, talk therapy, or erectile dysfunction medications.

What can cause erectile dysfunction

Not everyone with ED needs to take medications. You should be aware of the cause of your ED before starting a medication. If you think you have ED, see your primary care doctor. They’ll do a physical exam and request certain lab tests, as well as a complete medical and psychosocial history. They may also refer you to a mental health professional who can help you manage performance anxiety or relationship issues related to your ED.

ED caused by underlying conditions

Your ED may be caused by untreated diabetes, high blood pressure, or another issue. Treating that condition first may improve your ED symptoms.

ED caused by medications

Other medications you’re taking may cause ED. These may include drugs used to treat:high blood pressureheart diseasedepressionseizurescancer Your doctor can also review any medications you’re currently taking and make some changes that could improve your ED.

Other causes of ED

There are other things that can contribute to ED. Adopting habits that promote overall health and well-being may help improve your symptoms. Try limiting or avoiding smoking if you smoke, maintaining a moderate weight, getting regular exercise as often as possible, and limiting alcohol intake.

Top 7 types of erectile dysfunction medication

alprostadilavanafilsildenafiltadalafiltestosteronevardenafilvitamins and supplements

How do erectile dysfunction medications work

ED commonly occurs when blood flow to the penis is restricted or inhibited. When aroused, if blood is unable to flow to and from the penis effectively, it can’t stiffen into an erection or be kept for the entire length of a sexual encounter. ED medications work by reversing or limiting the impact of whatever’s inhibiting that blood flow. One of the most common ED medications is known as a PDE5 inhibitor. PDE5 stands for phosphodiesterase type 5 and it’s an enzyme that builds up over time and prevents regular blood flow to and from the penis. Taking a PDE5 inhibitor temporarily limits the effect of PDE5 and allows a person to more easily have an erection. Less common treatments focus on improving heart health and blood pressure as a way to minimize ED symptoms. Your doctor may want to explore other treatment options, especially if traditional PDE5 inhibitors aren’t working for you, because ED can be an early indicator for more severe health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. If you’re looking for options to treat your ED, we have gathered this list of the most common ED medications and how effective they are at treating ED.

Comparing popular ED medications

1 Alprostadil

Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) comes as an injectable solution and as a penile suppository. You’ll inject the solution directly into your penis 5 to 20 minutes before having sex. You can use it as needed up to three times per week. You should let at least 24 hours lapse between injections. With MUSE (or Medicated Urethral System for Erections), the suppository should be administered 5 to 10 minutes before sex. It should not be used more than twice in a 24-hour period.

Price for alprostadil

Currently, there’s no generic version of alprostadil available on the market, just the three brand name options. This means that the price for alprostadil will be higher when compared with generic alternatives to other ED medications. According to GoodRX, the average retail price for two cartridges of 10mcg is around $180.

Pros

studies have proven its effectivenessFDA-approved as an injectable treatment for EDuse as needed and works within minutesalternative for people who didn’t respond well to oral pills

Cons

using it as an injectable may make some users uncomfortablewhile available as an effective topical cream in some countries, it’s not FDA-approved in the US.

Common side effects of alprostadil

pain in the penis and testiclesburning in the urethra

2 Avanafil

Avanafil (Stendra) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You should take it about 15 minutes before having sex. Do not take it more than once per day. You should not use any PDE5 inhibitors if you’re also taking nitrates to treat heart disease. Examples of nitrates include isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat). Taking nitrates with avanafil can cause severely low blood pressure and even death.

Price for avanafil

Avanafil is currently only available as the brand name drug, Stendra. Like with most brand-name medications, the overall cost will likely be higher when compared with other generic alternatives. The price for avanafil can vary widely based on the pharmacy filling the prescription. Retail prices generally range from $320 to $405 for six 200mg tablets, according to GoodRX.

Pros

classified as a PDE5 inhibitor, one of the most common ED treatmentsFDA-approved medicationeffective in 15 to 30 minutesminimal side effects

Cons

might be too expensive for some budgetscan have very severe interactions with nitrates

Common side effects of avanafil

headacheflushing, or the reddening and warming of your facestuffy or runny noseback painsore throat

3 Sildenafil

Introduced in 1998 as the first PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil (Viagra) is probably the most widely known ED treatment. Viagra is only available as an oral tablet and there are also several generic versions of the drug available at a lower price. It should only be taken once per day, as needed. It can take about 30 minutes to start working and should be taken about an hour or so before sex to lower the chances of ED.

Price for sildenafil

Sildenafil can be a very budget-friendly erectile dysfunction medication and thanks to several online prescriber services like Roman and Hims, the price is very affordable even without insurance. Generic sildenafil can cost as little as $2 per pill from some providers.

Pros

as the first PDE5 inhibitor, several studies have proven its effectiveness, even from as far back as 2002FDA-approved medicationonly needs to be taken as neededvery affordable price for generic sildenafil

Cons

may have more minor side effects, like upset stomach or vision changes, compared to newer medicationsstill requires a prescription, despite how long it has been on the market

Common side effects of sildenafil

headacheflushingstuffy or runny noseback painupset stomachmuscle achesvision changes, like blurry vision and changes in how certain colors look

4 Tadalafil

Tadalafil (Cialis) is an oral drug that increases blood flow throughout your body. You can take this PDE5 inhibitor at a higher dose about 30 minutes before sex — no more than once per day — or at a lower dose every day so you’re always ready for sex and don’t need to plan ahead. It may work for up to 36 hours.

Price for tadalafil

Tadalafil is available as brand name Cialis or as generic tadalafil. Depending on your needs, you may consider taking a higher dose that’ll be taken as needed but at a higher price per pill. Or, consider taking a lower dose every day, which costs less per pill, but the overall cost can add up quickly when buying a full month’s supply of pills. As of September 2022, Generic daily 5mg tadalafil can cost around $8 per dose and higher doses of generic tadalafil — 10mg and 20mg — can start around $44 per pill.

Pros

can be taken as needed at a higher dose or daily at a lower doseFDA-approved medicationvery affordable price for generic tadalafilcan be effective for up to 36 hours at a higher dosage

Cons

daily brand name Cialis can be too expensive for some budgetssome users experience discomfort from specific side effects and explore other options requires a prescription, regardless of dosage

Common side effects of tadalafil

headacheflushingstuffy or runny noseback painupset stomachpain in the limbs

5 Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in the male body. It plays many roles in overall health. Testosterone levels naturally drop with age. This change can lead to ED and other issues, like: fatiguelow sex drivereduced sperm countweight gain Doctors sometimes prescribe testosterone to treat ED. In fact, PDE5 inhibitors are most effective when used alongside testosterone therapy in people with a testosterone deficiency. But the drug does come with risks. Testosterone can increase your chance of a heart attack or stroke. Because of these risks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that only people who have low testosterone due to certain health issues should use testosterone. Your doctor will watch you closely if they prescribe testosterone. They’ll test the levels of testosterone in your body before and during your treatment with this drug. If your testosterone levels are too high, your doctor will stop your treatment or lower your dosage.

Price for testosterone

Testosterone therapy and testosterone treatment options can come in many forms, including: gelscreamscapsulesimplants As a result, it’s difficult to establish a price range that’s all-inclusive and doesn’t vary widely across all the different types. If you or your doctor are considering testosterone as a treatment for ED, it’s worth also discussing with them the overall cost to you and which treatments best fit into your budget.

Pros

can have additional health benefits beyond ED treatmentseveral different delivery methods to match your daily routineeffective ED treatment when used alongside PDE5 inhibitors

Cons

may require frequent testing of testosterone levelssome types, like gels and creams, can be very potent and require very careful applicationside effects can be very extreme compared to other ED treatments

Possible side effects of testosterone

acnemale breastsprostate growthfluid retention that causes swellingmoodinesssleep apnea, or interrupted breathing during your sleepTestosterone for ED comes in many forms. The table below lists the forms of testosterone and their brand-name versions. Some forms may also be available as generic drugs.Testosterone formBrand namestransdermal creamFirst Testosterone Cream 2%transdermal gelAndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, and Vogelxotransdermal patchAndrodermtransdermal solutionNone (only available as generic)topical gelAndroGel and Natestonasal gelNatestooral capsuleTestredoral tabletAndroid 25mucoadhesive film that dissolves under your gumsStriantpellet implantTestopelsolution for intramuscular injectionDepo-Testosterone and Aveed

6 Vardenafil

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) is an oral drug and PDE5 inhibitor. It’s also available only with a prescription. You should take it as needed about 60 minutes before sex but for some people, it can start working in about 30 minutes. You can take this drug up to once per day and it’s effective for about 5 to 7 hours.

Price for vardenafil

Depending on the pharmacy and even the state you’ll be buying it from, can cause the price for vardenafil to really vary. But generally speaking, the price can range from around $78 to $150 for ten 20mg tablets according to GoodRX.

Pros

very popular because it’s one of the fastest-acting PDE5 inhibitorsFDA-approved medicationstrong side effects are uncommon (the most common side effect is headache)available in generic form at a lower price than brand-name Levitra and Staxyn

Cons

potentially severe side effects if taken with nitrates, alpha-blockers, or certain other heart and blood pressure medications

Common side effects of vardenafil

headacheflushingstuffy or runny noseback painupset stomachdizziness

7 Vitamins and supplements for ED

There are many vitamins and supplements on the market that claim to help ED. Some promise better sexual function as well as increased energy and vitality. But these supplements usually do not work. They may also be unsafe. Some supplements that are marketed as “natural” may even contain drugs. ED supplements can still interact with other medications you’re taking. They may also cause side effects. Talk with your doctor before trying any vitamins or supplements for ED.

How to get medications for erectile dysfunction

The best place to get medications for ED is from your doctor or a licensed medical professional. Although some online pharmacies may sell or deliver ED medications, these are often unregulated and may contain ineffective or harmful ingredients.

How much do erectile dysfunction medications cost

ED medications vary in price. You can sign up for a subscription service, like Hims or Roman, and save money by purchasing multiple-month shipments. If you’re getting these medications at a pharmacy with insurance, the cost will vary, too. Some coupons can be found online if you search for the medication you’re trying to get. Without insurance or participating in one of these subscription services, the prices of ED medications — especially the name-brand versions — are quite expensive. The average cost per pill of Viagra, for example, is $70. But sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, costs as low as $9 per pill. Many services sell these therapies, so a bit of research should help you keep some money in your wallet.

Frequently asked questions about ED medications

How well do ED pills work

The ED pills mentioned above have differences, including price points. Sildenafil has been on the market the longest, and its side effects are well known. It’s often the first erectile dysfunction medication that doctors turn to. While medication for ED works often, sometimes addressing the underlying causes can be helpful too. Some ED drugs can have unpleasant side effects, like headaches, that cause discomfort. It’s worth noting that some ED medications have different onset times in different people. The time these medications are effective also varies in individuals.

How quickly do ED pills work

Most ED medications take about 15-45 minutes on average to work. Sildenafil takes between 30 minutes and an hour to work, and it works for between 1 and 4 hours. Cialis can take up to 2 hours and last for 36 hours. There’s also a Cialis regimen that’s taken daily.

What are the side effects of ED pills

Side effects of ED pills can range from headaches to nausea and diarrhea. Other mild side effects include warmness in the chest, neck or face, and a stuffy nose. Some of the more serious side effects include back pain, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, and the inability to see the differences between green and blue. If you have underlying health conditions, you’ll want to abstain from ED meds or consult your physician for guidance. Some of these conditions include liver disease, kidney disease, and low or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Nitrate drugs and ED medications should not be used at the same time because this combination could have serious health implications.

How do I choose the best medication for me

These drugs are similar in their efficacy, so personal preference is important. Consider cost, ease of use, how long the drug lasts, and if you want a medication for one-time use or ongoing therapy. There are generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil available, and you can get these medications via subscription services like Hims or Roman.

When to see a doctor

If you have signs of ED, keep in mind that the condition is often caused by another medication you’re taking or a health condition. Getting treatment for the underlying health issue or having your doctor adjust your drug regimen may be all that’s needed to ease your symptoms. If you do need ED medications, there are many options. They come in different forms and work in unique ways. They also can cause side effects that are specific to the medication. Together, you and your doctor can find the best ED medication for you.

Takeaway

ED is a common condition that can affect a person’s self-esteem and relationships. ED can be caused by underlying health issues or occur as a normal part of the aging process. Fortunately, there are many approved treatments to treat it. There are a wide variety of ED meds, so choosing one based on cost and ease of use is usually the best place to start. As always, if you have any health conditions or are on medications, be sure to speak with a physician first. These medications can have rare but sometimes serious, life threatening side effects. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Adcirca - tadalafil tablet. (2020).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ff61b237-be8e-461b-8114-78c52a8ad0aeAnaissie J, et al. (2016). Clinical use of alprostadil topical cream in patients with erectile dysfunction: A review.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4977016/Burnett AL, et al. (2018). Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.
auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004Carson CC, et al. (2002). The efficacy of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in clinical populations: An update.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12414330/Cialis - tadalafil tablet, film coated. (2018).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bcd8f8ab-81a2-4891-83db-24a0b0e25895Erectile dysfunction. (n.d.).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunctionErectile dysfunction/sexual enhancement. (2017).
nccih.nih.gov/health/sex/erectiledysfunction.htmFDA drug safety communication: FDA cautions about using testosterone products for low testosterone due to aging; requires labeling change to inform of possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke with use. (2018).
fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm436259.htmHuang SA, et al. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of erectile dysfunction.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492Jain A, et al. (2022). Alprostadil.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542217/Levitra - vardenafil hydrochloride tablet, film coated. (2018).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a01def95-c0ef-43b9-bd9e-5565b2385ad3Low testosterone (hypogonadism). (2020).
hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/mens-health/low-testosteroneMuse - alprostadil suppository. (2018).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4c55f3f9-c4cf-11df-851a-0800200c9a66Papaverine hydrochloride - papaverine hydrochloride injection, solution. (2019).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9e5e2ce4-7a57-4c61-a826-64c8d11d038eSildenafil (including Viagra). (2019). https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
Staxyn - vardenafil hydrochloride tablet, orally disintegrating tablets. (2017).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0e5139d8-bf61-4f21-a36b-81b96b9b07d1Stendra - avanafil tablet. (2021).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a8726f90-9329-46ca-9379-2b50c78fe0e2Viagra - sildenafil citrate tablet, film coated. (2021).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0b0be196-0c62-461c-94f4-9a35339b4501What is erectile dysfunction (2018).
urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunctionOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 30, 2022 Medically Reviewed By Matt Coward, MD, FACS Nov 15, 2021 Medically Reviewed By Alan Carter, PharmD VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS — By Kristeen Cherney and Tracee M. Herbaugh and The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on September 29, 2022

Read this next

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Pills: Do They Work?Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of a health condition, so it’s vital to get treatment. Get the facts on erectile dysfunction pills, including PDE5…READ MORE7 Common Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medication While erectile dysfunction medications can be a boost in the bedroom, there are some common side effects to learn about before asking for a…READ MORE‘Herbal Viagra’ and Herbs to Treat Erectile Dysfunction: Do They Work? The use of herbs for erectile dysfunction goes back over 2,000 years. Now science is catching up. Read on to see which herbs have potential benefits…READ MOREThe 4 Best Places to Buy Cialis OnlineMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. Cialis or generic tadalafil is available from online services, along with other options for people looking to buy ED medication online. READ MOREHims vs. Roman: What to Know About These Men’s Health ServicesMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT We look at Hims and Roman, two of the biggest names in telehealth services for men. Here is what to know.READ MOREEverything You Need to Know About Viagra: Prescriptions, Where to Find It Online, and MoreMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. Viagra requires a prescription. Thanks to telehealth services, it's possible to get one without going to a doctor in person.READ MOREEverything You Need to Know About Roman for ED MedsMedically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH Let’s review Roman ED treatments and online services.READ MOREWhat You Need to Know About Penis Enlargement Pills Products advertised as penis enlargement supplements just aren’t effective, and some can even put your health at risk. Here’s what you need to know. READ MOREHow Much Does Viagra Cost? Here are the Prices and Purchasing OptionsMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. Prices for Viagra can vary from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 or more for a month's supply. Here's how to shop Viagra smartly. READ MORE