Are topical creams effective for erectile dysfunction? 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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. A person with erectile dysfunction (ED) cannot achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. There are several ways to help treat ED symptoms, including topical creams. Share on PinterestMany scientifically proven treatments are available for ED. Among the newest remedies are topical creams, which are now available in some countries. However, these creams are not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. Read on to learn more about topical creams for ED, whether they work, and potential risks. A quick look at the best erectile dysfunction topical cream alternativesBest online sex therapy TalkspaceBest penis pump POS-T-VAC Vacuum Erection SystemBest for Viagra Hims What is ED ED is a condition in which a person cannot achieve or maintain an erection. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that a person may experience ED due to psychological or physiological causes. In some cases, ED could stem from a combination of both. Psychological causes of ED include:anxietydepressionguiltconcerns relating to intimacysexual traumalow self-esteemstress Physiological causes of ED can include:increased agetype 2 diabetesmultiple sclerosisside effects of certain medicationshigh blood pressuresurgery for bladder cancer What are erectile dysfunction topical creams Topical creams for erectile dysfunction aim to increase blood flow to the area by widening the blood vessels within the penis. A person will apply these creams directly to the penis before sex. Topical cream effectiveness for ED The regulatory bodies of some countries have approved topical creams to treat ED. However, the FDA has not approved topical creams for ED treatment in the U.S. There is limited up-to-date research on how effective topical creams for ED are. An older 2016 review examines topical alprostadil cream, which enables the blood vessels to expand. The authors conclude that this drug may be a useful, safe alternative for people unable to take oral medication for ED. Another 2016 review of alprostadil arrived at a similar conclusion, suggesting the drug is beneficial for people with ED. Although topical alprostadil is available in some countries, the FDA does not currently approve the cream. However, the drug is available in the U.S. in other forms, including a version that people can inject into the penis and a penile suppository. ED topical cream risks and side effects According to safety information for alprostadil, some common side effects include:prolonged erection of more than 4 hours, known as priapismdizzinessrashurethral painburning, pain, and tingling in the penisnumbness in the penisinflammation of the head of the penis (balanitis)genital itching Some uncommon but serious side effects may also include:lightheadedness or dizzinessfainting, known as syncopelow blood pressure or rapid pulsenarrowing of the urethraincrease in sensitivityscrotal painlack of sensation in the penisurinary tract inflammation People should note that this cream may also have side effects for the partner or partners of the person who uses it. These may include burning or itching in the vagina or anus. How to use People apply topical ED creams onto the penis surface and surrounding areas. In some cases, a person may need to apply the cream into the urethra. Exact application instructions may vary among products. However, most creams require people to apply them at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction topical cream alternatives Although males can be uncomfortable speaking with a doctor about ED, they should work with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of their ED. Depending on what the trigger is, a doctor may suggest the following alternative treatments: Sex therapy If a person’s ED is due to guilt, negative sexual experiences, or concerns relating to intimacy, a sex therapist could help them overcome their issues. Best online sex therapy Talkspace Talkspace is an online therapy service. It offers both individual and couples therapy. Some Talkspace therapists specialize in sex problems, so a person can use its services to discuss ED. Pricing will vary depending on location and the plan a person chooses. Prices start from $69–129 per month. The potential advantages and disadvantages of this service include: Prosprovides unlimited access to communication with a therapistis entirely onlinehas options for both individual and couples counseling Consmay be costlymay have longer wait times for specialist sex therapistslive sessions are limited to 30 minutesdoes not accept all insurance plansLEARN MORE Cock ring and penis pump A penis pump, such as a vacuum erectile device or VED, works by drawing blood into the penis to help achieve an erection. Click here to learn more about ED pumps. A person can use this alongside a cock ring, which can trap the blood in the penis to maintain the erection. Click here to learn more about ED rings. Best penis pump POS-T-VAC Vacuum Erection System The POS-T-VAC is a battery-powered pump for ED. The company claims it is easy to use with just one button, and there are a variety of ring sizes to choose from. The product also comes with a 1-year warranty. The system costs around $109. A person can consider the following benefits and drawbacks: Prossimple to operatecomes with a range of ring sizes Consnot rechargeablemay cause bruisingmay not be effective if the underlying ED problem is psychologicalexpensiveSHOP NOW Viagra Viagra is a drug that helps stimulate blood flow to the penis, which can help a person achieve an erection. This is usually the first-line treatment for people with ED symptoms. Best for Viagra Hims Hims sells Viagra and generic Viagra online. When using Hims services, a person will speak with a doctor before getting a prescription for medication. Brand-name Viagra is more expensive than the generic version of the drug. With Hims, brand-name Viagra costs $70 per pill. The benefits and drawbacks to consider include: Prosmay help a person achieve and maintain an erectioncan be taken as needed rather than on a daily basiswidely used and studiedFDA approved Consmay cause side effectscan be expensive if using the brand-name versionmust be taken an hour before sexual intercoursemay interact with other medicationsSHOP NOW Penis sleeve A penis sleeve, or external penile prosthetic, is a sex toy that a person places over their penis. According to a 2017 article, penis sleeves may be a suitable strategy to manage ED without drugs or surgery. Click here to learn more about penis sleeves. Weight loss Older research suggests that obesity may cause ED. Research from 2019 reinforces this, concluding that there is a link between ED and obesity. Therefore, a person with obesity may wish to maintain a moderate weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend gradual weight loss, as rapid weight loss may be unsafe and lead to difficulty keeping the weight off. The benefits and drawbacks of losing weight for ED include: Prosmay improve metabolismmay promote a range of other health benefits, including improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy levels, mobility, mood, and confidence Consmay take timenot all diets are saferequires ongoing support from a doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist Change of medication Sometimes, certain medications may trigger a person’s ED. A person should consider discussing this with a doctor to see whether alternative medications are available. The benefits and drawbacks of switching medications to improve ED include: Prosmay help improve or resolve erectile dysfunction Consmay result in side effectsis not an immediate fix, as a person will likely taper off existing medicationsis not an option in cases where no suitable replacement exists Stopping smoking Although there is limited recent research into the link between smoking and ED, an older review from 2014 shows that there is a large amount of evidence linking smoking with ED. The authors write that smoking lowers nitric oxide levels and affects the function of vascular systems. As erections depend on vascular changes, problems with the vascular system can affect a person’s ability to get or maintain an erection. People who wish to treat their ED could try techniques to limit or stop smoking. These include:self-help guidescounselingnicotine patches, lozenges, inhalers, or gummedication There is a range of advantages and disadvantages to consider when thinking about quitting smoking, including: Prosoffers various health benefits, including reducing risks of 12 types of cancer, premature death, reproductive health problems, and heart and lung conditionsbenefits people of any agecan reduce financial burden Consmay take timemay cause certain side effectsnot all quit methods are equally effectivecan require the support of doctors and friends and family Comparison The table below compares each of the alternatives to topical treatments for ED.TalkspaceHims ViagraPOS-T-VAC Pump SystemPricefrom $69–129 per month$70 per pillaround $109Prescription needednoyesnoPotential for side effectsnoyesyes When to speak with a doctor A person should speak with a doctor about ED as soon as they experience symptoms. A doctor will be able to find out if an underlying health condition is causing ED and suggest the most appropriate treatment. A person may wish to involve their partner in discussions about ED. Research shows that 94% of males with ED felt that the support of their partner was important. Frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction topical creams Below we answer some frequently asked questions about topical creams for ED. Is there any ointment for erectile dysfunction There are no topical treatments for ED available in the U.S. This is because the FDA has not approved topical treatments for this condition. However, certain creams, such as alprostadil, have been approved in other countries. Where can I buy topical cream for erectile dysfunction Topical creams for ED are not available in the U.S. Is there a Viagra gel There is currently no gel-based Viagra available for purchase within the U.S. Summary ED is a condition in which a person cannot achieve or maintain an erection. Some evidence suggests that topical creams may be a useful treatment for ED. Although these creams are available in other parts of the world, such as Europe and Canada, the FDA does not currently approve the use of these products in the U.S. People with ED can discuss their symptoms with a doctor, who may recommend appropriate treatment strategies. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022Men's HealthErectile Dysfunction / Premature EjaculationSexual Health / STDs 17 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Anaissie, J., . (2016). Clinical use of alprostadil topical cream in patients with erectile dysfunction: A review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4977016/Caverject ® (alprostadil) for injection, for intracavernosal use. (2017). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020379s032lbl.pdfCuzin, B. (2016). Alprostadil cream in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: Clinical evidence and experience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5131739/Evans, M. F. (2005). Lose weight to lose erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479584/Explore quit methods. (n.d.). https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/how-to-quit/explore-quit-methodsHongjun, L., . (2016). The role of the sexual partner in managing erectile dysfunction. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292944012_The_role_of_the_sexual_partner_in_managing_erectile_dysfunctionKnell, G., et al. (2018). Long-term weight loss and metabolic health in adults concerned with maintaining or losing weight: Findings from NHANES. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619618303239Kovac, J. R, (2014). Effects of cigarette smoking on erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4485976/Krzastek, S. C., . (2019). Recent advances in the understanding and management of erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6348436/#__sec3titleLosing weight. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.htmlMoon, K. H., . Obesity and erectile dysfunction: From bench to clinical implication. (2019). https://synapse.koreamed.org/upload/synapsedata/pdfdata/2074wjmh/wjmh-37-138.pdfMuse® (alprostadil) urethral suppository. (2018). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=4c55f3f9-c4cf-11df-851a-0800200c9a66&type=displayNeuzillet, Y., (2013). A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial of arginine aspartate plus adenosine monophosphate for the intermittent treatment of male erectile dysfunction [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23413135/Smoking & tobacco use: Benefits of quitting. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/benefits/index.htm#health-benefits-of-quitting-smokingSymptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction. (2017). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causesVitaros 3 mg/g cream. (2017). https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13937/smpc#grefWassersug, R., . (2017). Non-pharmacological and non-surgical strategies to promote sexual recovery for men with erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5715194/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS — By Louise Morales-Brown — Updated on September 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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