Results may vary between individuals, but a 2021 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that 50 mg and 100 mg sildenafil pills were most effective when compared to a placebo. However, there is not yet enough data to compare between the different PDE5 inhibitor pills.
ED pills are typically taken around 1 hour before sex. However, instructions may vary between medications.
Some require the pills to be taken with food and others on an empty stomach.
A person should always follow the instructions before taking any prescription medication.
A person can purchase ED medications at a pharmacy, provided they have a valid prescription from a doctor or healthcare professional.
Alternatively, a person can purchase them online, usually following the completion of an online questionnaire reviewed by a doctor or healthcare team. These online healthcare companies include Lemonaid, Roman, and Hims.
A person should check reviews of the company before they purchase a product and consult their doctor or a pharmacist if they have any concerns
While ED medications are often effective, some individuals may prefer to try other methods of ED treatment,
- Diet, exercise, and healthy habits: This involves staying active, following a nutritious diet, and avoiding smoking.
- Psychotherapy: Dealing with underlying emotional or psychological issues may help ease ED.
- Vacuum devices: These devices use suction to bring blood into the penis to achieve an erection.
- ED rings: These devices use constriction to maintain an erection. A person puts this device around the base of their penis. An example of this is Eddy by Giddy. The product comes in different sizes, and the website provides full instructions. Learn more about Eddy here.
- Surgery: When all other treatments are ineffective, a doctor may recommend a surgical implant to help a person achieve or maintain their erections