Erectile dysfunction
Get the expert help you need.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when you’re unable to get and keep an erection that’s strong enough for sex. Most men experience it, and often it’s just a one-time thing. But when it keeps happening, it’s something you may need treatment for.
And that’s where we come in. Talk to us to get expert advice. We’ll show you what medications are safe, so you can pick the option that suits you best.
Sometimes known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is when a man has persistent problems getting and sustaining an erection. Sometimes, this may be:
How long it needs to be happening for it to be medically defined as ED is a subject pretty open to discussion. There’s actually a scale called The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) which gives men an ED ‘score’ based on their erection habits over the previous month.
Normally, a clinician will be able to tell if you need treatment by asking you a few questions about your symptoms and general health.
About 50% of men over 40 (so it’s quite common). But you can get erectile dysfunction at any age.
You’ve probably seen the TV commercials for ED medication. Older men strolling with their partners across a sunset beach. These ads target men in this age group, and it figures. Because as men get older, they’re more likely to develop health problems like high blood pressure or poor circulation. And these conditions can make it harder to get an erection.
But ED affects young men too. As well as the physical side of it, there’s the psychological side. In a new relationship, you may feel pressure to satisfy your partner for example, and this can lead to ED. Or you may be stressed at work, which may also trigger it.
So in fact, the answer to the question “Who gets ED?” is anyone (and in some way or another, at some time, probably everyone).
It depends who you ask. Some health bodies have suggested that about 50% of men over 40 will develop erectile dysfunction. And a study of the condition in men under 40 estimates that a quarter in this group will get it at some point.
Unfortunately, the nature of ED means that many men won’t seek help for it. So it could well be more common than we think. But experts reckon that most men will get some form of ED at least once, even if it’s only short-term.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Lots of things can lead to ED. It can be down to physical problems (being overweight or having high blood pressure), psychological problems (anxiety or depression) or a combination of the two. Even tiredness can trigger ED.
ED can also be triggered by an underlying health condition, like diabetes, or it can be an early sign of heart disease. So if you keep getting erection problems, you should see a clinician, as these conditions need to be treated too.
In the body, ED is caused by loss of circulation to the penis, where the arteries at the base of the penis contract and don’t let blood through. An enzyme called PDE5 plays a part in this, and makes the arteries tighter.
Treatment for ED works by countering the effects of PDE5, so blood can flow into the penis, and help it to become erect when you’re aroused.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
One Patient Out of Four with Newly Diagnosed Erectile Dysfunction Is a Young Man—Worrisome Picture from the Everyday Clinical Practice. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10(7), pp.1833–1841.
A review of the use of tadalafil in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with and without erectile dysfunction. NCBI, Ther Adv Urol. 2014 Aug; 6(4): 135–147.
The one you've heard of. Works in 30-60 minutes and lasts for up to 5 hours.
Comes as an on-demand pill that lasts for 36 hours, or as a daily dose that's active all the time.
Like Viagra, but cheaper and works in the same way. Non-branded version of the original ED drug.
Like Cialis, but without the branding (so it's cheaper). 'Weekend' and daily options available.
Lower dose pill. Better option if you're older or have a pre-existing condition like diabetes.
Non-branded version of Levitra. Works in the same way, but cheaper.
Tablet that works from just 15 minutes. Works in the same way as Viagra and lasts for 5 hours.
An orodispersible ED medication you don't have to swallow. The tablet melts in your mouth.
Registered with NPI (No. 1700446366)
Meet LaurenmarieRegistered with NPI (No. 1710957600)
Meet BruceRegistered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielAlways read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
All the info related to Erectile Dysfunction you could ever need.
Take a look at our health guides.
In the US, you can get ED medication privately, online or in person with a prescription. On this page, we’ll discuss the various ways you can get ED drugs and treatment.
Read moreIf you’re having sex, chances are you’re thinking about birth control. But besides condoms, most of what’s out there is made for women. What’s a man who wants control over his reproductive health to do? Male birth control hasn’t historically gotten the scientific attention or cultural buy-in of the pill, but progress is happening. Birth control for men — including, yes, a male birth control pill — is on the horizon. It’s just not here quite yet.
Read moreThere are a few herbal remedies or natural supplements being talked about as ‘natural Viagra’. These solutions, sometimes referred to as ‘herbal Viagra’, can include things like Korean red ginseng, horny goat weed, yohimbe and maca. For years, some have claimed that herbal remedies can help to keep men hard in the bedroom, and increase sex drive.
Read moreWe're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
You can continue as a guest, or sign in with your Treated account if you have one.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
We’ve sent you an email asking you to confirm your email address.