Questions men ask about ED
Every question below is answered by a section of one of our guides. Pick a question to go straight to its answer.
Understanding ED
Section hubErectile dysfunction: what it is, what causes it, and what helps
- What is erectile dysfunction?
- What does erectile dysfunction mean in everyday terms?
- How common is erectile dysfunction?
- What causes erectile dysfunction?
- How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
- What treatments exist for erectile dysfunction?
- What are the safety warnings with ED medicines?
- Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?
- Does erectile dysfunction affect fertility?
- What else does ED affect?
- When should you talk to a clinician about ED?
How erections work: blood flow, nerves and nitric oxide, in plain language
- What happens in the body during an erection?
- What part do nerves play?
- Why do blood vessels matter so much?
- What are nitric oxide and cGMP?
- Why do ED medicines still need sexual stimulation?
- What is venous leak?
- What makes an erection go away?
- How do stress and anxiety fit into the chain?
- Where can the chain break down?
ED Medications
Section hubAvanafil (Stendra): the fourth ED pill, and how it compares
- What is avanafil?
- How does avanafil work?
- How is avanafil different from sildenafil and tadalafil?
- Avanafil vs Viagra: is it the same drug?
- What did the trials measure about how fast avanafil works?
- How well did avanafil work in its main trials?
- Avanafil vs sildenafil and tadalafil: which works better?
- Does food affect avanafil?
- What are the side effects of avanafil?
- What are avanafil’s interactions?
- Who should not take avanafil, or should be extra careful?
- Is there a generic avanafil, and what does it cost?
- When should you talk to a clinician about avanafil?
Chewable, dissolving and liquid ED products: which are FDA-approved
- Is there an FDA-approved dissolving ED tablet?
- Is there a sildenafil that dissolves on the tongue?
- Is there an FDA-approved chewable ED medication?
- Is there a liquid ED medication?
- Are troches, mints and gummies FDA-approved?
- What does compounded mean?
- Why does approval status matter?
- How can I check whether a product is FDA-approved?
Daily vs on-demand tadalafil: which approach fits your life?
- What is the difference between daily and on-demand tadalafil?
- How does daily tadalafil work?
- What will happen if I take tadalafil daily?
- Does daily tadalafil cause a constant erection?
- What is on-demand tadalafil, and how long does it last?
- Does daily tadalafil also treat an enlarged prostate (BPH)?
- Is daily or on-demand tadalafil more effective?
- Does daily tadalafil change drug interactions?
- Is daily tadalafil suitable with kidney or liver disease?
- Does daily or on-demand tadalafil cost more?
- What safety rules apply to both approaches?
- Which tadalafil approach is right for you?
Does Viagra (sildenafil) expire, and does an old pill still work?
- Does Viagra (sildenafil) expire?
- Why does sildenafil have an expiration date if the tablet looks fine?
- What is the shelf life of Viagra?
- How should you store sildenafil?
- What if sildenafil got too hot, such as in a car?
- Does expired Viagra still work, and how much weaker is it?
- Is expired sildenafil dangerous?
- Can you use old Viagra pills from an old prescription?
- Can an old tablet explain sildenafil not working?
- Does tadalafil expire too?
- Does vardenafil (Levitra) expire too?
- What should you do with expired sildenafil?
ED Medication Side Effects: The Common, the Rare, and the Emergencies
- What are the most common side effects of ED medications?
- Why do ED medicines cause headaches and flushing?
- How do the four ED pills compare on side effects?
- Which side effects are serious and need urgent care?
- What should you do if you get chest pain after taking an ED pill?
- Why must ED medication never be combined with nitrates?
- Is there an ED medicine without side effects?
- How can you lower your risk of side effects?
- When should you contact a clinician about side effects?
Generic Cialis: what generic tadalafil is, and how it differs from compounded
- What is the generic name for Cialis?
- Is generic tadalafil the same as Cialis?
- What does FDA approval of a generic mean?
- How can you tell if a tadalafil generic is rated against Cialis?
- Why can generic Cialis look different?
- Is Adcirca the same drug as Cialis?
- Is compounded tadalafil the same thing as generic Cialis?
- Why is generic Cialis cheaper?
- How is a real generic different from a “tadalafil” product sold without a prescription?
- How does tadalafil compare with sildenafil, and with daily use?
How ED medications actually work, and what they can and cannot do
- How do ED medications actually work?
- Why do you still need arousal for them to work?
- Do ED pills increase sex drive?
- How fast do they act, and how long do they stay in the body?
- Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil: how do they compare?
- Is one ED pill stronger than the others?
- Why do ED pills cause headaches, flushing or a stuffy nose?
- Do food and alcohol change how ED medications work?
- Why might an ED pill seem not to work?
- How are ED pills different from injections and other treatments?
- Are generic and compounded ED pills the same as the brand?
- Why are nitrates so dangerous with ED medications?
How long does sildenafil last, and when will it kick in?
- How long does sildenafil last?
- How long does sildenafil take to start working?
- Does sildenafil work without arousal?
- How long does sildenafil stay in your system?
- Who clears sildenafil more slowly?
- What makes sildenafil wear off faster or start later?
- Does a stronger tablet last longer?
- When does a long-lasting erection become an emergency?
- How does sildenafil’s duration compare to tadalafil?
- Why is “how long does it last” not the most important question?
How long does tadalafil last? Half-life and the label's timing window
- How long does tadalafil last?
- How long does tadalafil take to start working?
- Why does tadalafil last longer than sildenafil?
- Does tadalafil work without arousal?
- How long does tadalafil stay in your system?
- Does food change how tadalafil works?
- Do alcohol or grapefruit change it?
- How does daily tadalafil change the timing?
- Does a longer window mean more side effects?
Is sildenafil the same as Viagra? What the brand name, the generic, and a compounded version actually are
- Is sildenafil the same as Viagra?
- What is the generic name for Viagra, and what other names does sildenafil go by?
- What is sildenafil?
- What does “sildenafil citrate” on the label mean?
- What does the research show?
- Is generic Viagra FDA-approved and equivalent to Viagra?
- Is generic sildenafil as strong as Viagra?
- Is there a generic Viagra, and who makes it?
- When did generic Viagra come out?
- How can you check a pill is real generic Viagra?
- Is Revatio the same drug as Viagra?
- Is compounded sildenafil the same as Viagra?
- Do sildenafil and Viagra have the same side effects?
- Is sildenafil the same as Cialis?
- What does sildenafil cost?
- What do people get wrong about “same as Viagra”?
- How do you get sildenafil the legitimate way?
PT-141 for men: what the evidence shows, and what it doesn't
- What is PT-141, and is it FDA-approved for men?
- How does PT-141 work, and why is it different from Viagra?
- Is PT-141 a stronger Viagra?
- What does the evidence for PT-141 in men actually show?
- Does PT-141 increase desire or erections?
- How long does PT-141 last?
- Can PT-141 be combined with sildenafil?
- What are the side effects of PT-141?
- Is PT-141 safe for men with high blood pressure or heart disease?
- Does PT-141 interact with other medicines?
- Is compounded PT-141 the same as Vyleesi?
- How does PT-141 compare with standard ED treatment?
- Should you consider PT-141 for ED?
Sildenafil and alcohol: what the label says
- Can you drink alcohol with sildenafil?
- What does the label say about alcohol and blood pressure?
- How much alcohol did the label study test?
- Who should be more careful about mixing alcohol and sildenafil?
- Can alcohol make sildenafil seem not to work?
- Is alcohol itself linked to ED?
- Is the alcohol advice the same for tadalafil?
- When should you talk to a clinician about alcohol and ED medicine?
Sildenafil and food: high-fat meals, grapefruit and what the label says
- Can you take sildenafil with food?
- Does food change how sildenafil works?
- What does the label say about high-fat meals?
- Why is grapefruit mentioned with sildenafil?
- What did the grapefruit study find?
- Are there foods to avoid with sildenafil?
- Can a big meal make sildenafil seem not to work?
- Is tadalafil different with food?
- When should you talk to a clinician about food and sildenafil?
Sildenafil interactions: which combinations actually matter, and why
- Why are nitrates and sildenafil never combined?
- Can you take sildenafil with nitroglycerin?
- How long after sildenafil is the nitrate risk gone?
- Can you take sildenafil with alpha blockers?
- Does sildenafil lower blood pressure?
- Which drugs raise or lower sildenafil levels?
- Can you take sildenafil with aspirin, ibuprofen or blood thinners?
- Can you take sildenafil with antidepressants or ADHD medicines?
- Does kidney or liver disease change how sildenafil is handled?
- Can you drink alcohol or grapefruit juice with sildenafil?
- Which common medicines do not interact with Viagra?
- Do generic sildenafil and Viagra have the same interactions?
- Is sildenafil safe?
- What should you tell a prescriber before starting sildenafil?
Sildenafil side effects: what the trials counted, and why men stop
- What are the most common side effects of Viagra (sildenafil)?
- Do side effects get more common at higher strengths?
- Does sildenafil cause headaches?
- Does sildenafil cause heartburn or diarrhea?
- Why does sildenafil change your vision?
- How long do sildenafil side effects last?
- What are the rare but serious side effects of sildenafil?
- Does sildenafil cause melanoma or hearing loss?
- Do generic sildenafil and Viagra have the same side effects?
- Why does sildenafil cause side effects at all?
- How do sildenafil side effects compare with tadalafil?
- Why do men stop taking sildenafil?
Sildenafil: what it is, how it works and what the label says
- What is sildenafil citrate?
- What is sildenafil used for?
- What does sildenafil do, and what does it not do?
- How well does sildenafil work?
- What forms does sildenafil come in?
- Is sildenafil safe to take long term?
- What are the precautions for sildenafil?
- What are the downsides of sildenafil?
- Who should talk to a clinician before taking sildenafil?
Tadalafil interactions: nitrates, blood pressure medicines, alcohol and grapefruit
- What should not be taken with tadalafil?
- Why can’t tadalafil be taken with nitrates like nitroglycerin?
- How long after tadalafil can nitrates be given?
- Does Cialis lower blood pressure?
- Can tadalafil be taken with blood pressure medicines like lisinopril?
- Can tadalafil be taken with alpha blockers like tamsulosin?
- Can you drink alcohol with tadalafil?
- Can you have grapefruit with tadalafil?
- Can you take ibuprofen with tadalafil?
- Which drugs raise or lower tadalafil levels?
- Does daily tadalafil change the interaction picture?
- Can a “natural” product contain hidden tadalafil?
- When should you talk to a clinician about interactions?
Tadalafil side effects: what the label lists, including back pain
- What are the most common side effects of tadalafil?
- Why does tadalafil cause side effects at all?
- Why can tadalafil cause back pain and muscle aches?
- Does tadalafil cause headaches?
- Does tadalafil cause heartburn or indigestion?
- Do side effects differ with daily tadalafil?
- Does tadalafil affect your vision?
- Which tadalafil side effects need urgent care?
- How do tadalafil side effects compare with sildenafil?
- When should you talk to a clinician about side effects?
Tadalafil vs sildenafil: which ED medication fits your situation?
- What is the main difference between tadalafil and sildenafil?
- How fast does each one work, and how long does it last?
- Does tadalafil cause a 36-hour erection?
- Is tadalafil stronger than sildenafil?
- Should you use daily tadalafil or take a pill on demand?
- Does food change how tadalafil or sildenafil works?
- Can you take tadalafil and sildenafil together?
- Who should not take either one, and what is the nitrate rule?
- Is generic Cialis or generic Viagra the same as the brand?
- How much do generic tadalafil and sildenafil cost?
- Which one is right for you?
Tadalafil: what it is, what it is approved for and how it works
- What is tadalafil?
- What is Cialis?
- What is tadalafil used for: ED, BPH or both?
- How does tadalafil work?
- How does Cialis work differently from other ED pills?
- How well does tadalafil work?
- What is the downside of tadalafil?
- Who should not take tadalafil?
- Does tadalafil expire?
- Is tadalafil sold without a prescription?
- When should you talk to a clinician about tadalafil?
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn): what it is, side effects and how it differs
- What is vardenafil?
- How does vardenafil work?
- What is the dissolving form of vardenafil?
- What side effects does the label list?
- What serious warnings does the vardenafil label carry?
- Why does the vardenafil label carry a QT warning?
- What medicines interact with vardenafil?
- How well did vardenafil work in its trials?
- How does vardenafil compare with the other ED pills?
- Who should not take vardenafil, or should be extra careful?
- When should you talk to a clinician about vardenafil?
Vardenafil vs sildenafil: how the two short-acting ED pills really compare
- Vardenafil vs Viagra: what is the difference?
- Is vardenafil the same as Levitra?
- Is vardenafil a generic Viagra?
- How does sildenafil work?
- What does sildenafil do?
- Which works faster, and which lasts longer?
- How do sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil compare?
- Does food change how vardenafil or sildenafil works?
- Can you take vardenafil and sildenafil together?
- Is vardenafil stronger or better than sildenafil?
- Why do men switch from sildenafil to vardenafil?
- What do real-world use patterns show?
- How do the costs compare?
What is the safest ED medicine? What the labels say by health condition
- Is any ED medicine the safest?
- Who should not take PDE5 inhibitors?
- What do the labels say for men with heart disease?
- What about blood pressure medicines and alpha-blockers?
- What do the labels say for kidney disease?
- What do the labels say for liver disease?
- Are ED medicines safe for older men?
- Which other conditions and medicines change the choice?
- Why is the choice a prescriber’s?
Causes and Conditions
Section hubDiabetes and ED: why they overlap and what managing diabetes changes
- Does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?
- Why does diabetes affect erections?
- How often do diabetes and ED overlap?
- Does type 1 differ from type 2?
- Can ED be an early sign of diabetes?
- What makes ED more likely in men with diabetes?
- Is ED caused by diabetes reversible?
- Do ED medicines work for men with diabetes?
- What else should men with diabetes know about sex and ED?
ED after prostate surgery, radiation and other pelvic surgery: what the guideline and the NIH say
- Can prostate or pelvic surgery cause ED?
- Why does prostate surgery affect erections?
- Do radiation and hormone therapy for prostate cancer cause ED?
- Can erections recover after prostate surgery?
- Can ED be reversed after prostate surgery?
- Can surgery for an enlarged prostate cause ED?
- Can a prostate biopsy cause ED?
- Does taking an ED pill early after surgery protect erections?
- What did the penile rehabilitation trials find?
- Do ED medicines work after prostate cancer treatment?
- What other ED treatments are options after prostate cancer treatment?
- How do the ED treatment options compare after prostate cancer treatment?
- Does Peyronie’s disease become more likely after prostate surgery?
- Is it normal to feel low or stressed about ED after cancer treatment?
- What should I ask my care team about ED after treatment?
Enlarged prostate (BPH) and ED, including tadalafil's BPH approval
- Is an enlarged prostate linked to ED?
- What does the research on urinary symptoms and erections show?
- What is BPH, and how common is it?
- Can BPH medicines affect erections or ejaculation?
- Do finasteride and dutasteride cause ED?
- Does combining BPH medicines change the picture?
- What is tadalafil approved for in BPH?
- What did the BPH trials show?
- Why does the Cialis label warn about alpha-blockers?
- Can BPH surgery or procedures affect erections?
- Should urinary symptoms be checked before treating ED?
Finasteride, dutasteride and ED: what the labels say
- Can finasteride cause ED?
- How common was ED in the finasteride trials?
- What does the label say about persistent sexual effects?
- What about dutasteride?
- Is topical or compounded finasteride safer for erections?
- Why is it hard to tell whether finasteride is the cause?
- What should you ask before stopping?
Gabapentin, pregabalin and ED: what the labels say
- Can gabapentin affect erections?
- What do the gabapentin labels list?
- What does the pregabalin (Lyrica) label list?
- What have studies found outside the label trials?
- Why is it hard to tell whether the medicine is the cause?
- What can a prescriber change?
- Why should you not stop gabapentin or pregabalin suddenly?
Heart disease and ED treatment: what the guideline and the labels actually say
- Does a heart condition rule out ED treatment?
- Why is ED linked to heart disease?
- Does ED mean I have heart disease?
- How do clinicians decide if ED treatment fits a heart patient?
- Which heart conditions need a cardiology check first?
- How do the sildenafil and tadalafil labels compare on heart conditions?
- Can I take an ED pill after a heart stent or bypass?
- Why can’t ED pills be taken with nitrates?
- Do blood pressure medicines rule out ED pills?
- Can ED pills cause a heart attack?
- Do ED pills affect heart rate or heart rhythm?
- Is sexual activity a strain on the heart?
- What should I do if I get chest pain during sex?
- What will a clinician ask about my heart before treating ED?
High blood pressure and ED: the condition, the medicines and the overlap
- Can high blood pressure cause erectile dysfunction?
- How does high blood pressure affect erections?
- How common is ED in men with high blood pressure?
- Is it the condition or the medicine?
- Should you stop a blood pressure medicine because of ED?
- Does lowering blood pressure improve erections?
- Can ED pills be taken with blood pressure medicines?
- Can low blood pressure cause erectile dysfunction?
- Can ED be an early warning sign?
High cholesterol, statins and ED: what the evidence shows
- Is high cholesterol linked to ED?
- How does cholesterol affect erections?
- Do statins cause erectile dysfunction?
- Can statins help erectile dysfunction?
- Does it matter which statin you take?
- What do the statin labels say about ED?
- Should you stop a statin because of ED?
- Can ED be an early sign of heart disease?
Hormones and ED beyond testosterone: what thyroid problems and other hormone issues have to do with erections
- Can hormones other than testosterone cause ED?
- Can thyroid problems affect erections?
- How common is ED in men with an overactive or underactive thyroid?
- What are the signs of a thyroid problem?
- Does an ED workup include thyroid tests?
- What do thyroid blood tests measure?
- Can high prolactin cause ED?
- Can cortisol problems (Cushing’s syndrome) affect erections?
- Can anabolic steroids affect erections?
- Can hormone medicines cause ED?
- Is low sex drive a sign of a hormone problem?
- Why is testosterone tested in the morning?
- Does treating a hormone problem help ED?
- Does having a thyroid problem mean it caused my ED?
- What should I ask a clinician about hormones and ED?
Kidney disease, COPD, excess weight and ED: what the research shows, and what it does not
- Which chronic health conditions are linked to ED?
- Which other conditions does the NIH link to ED?
- Is chronic kidney disease linked to ED?
- Is ED more common on dialysis?
- Does kidney disease change how ED medicines are handled?
- Does liver disease change how ED medicines are handled?
- Does COPD affect erections?
- Is obesity linked to ED?
- Can weight loss and activity change erectile function?
- Does having a chronic condition mean it caused my ED?
- What will a clinician look at if you have a chronic condition and ED?
Medicines that can affect erections, and why you should not stop them on your own
- Which medicines can affect erections?
- Which medicines are most likely to cause erectile dysfunction?
- Does a medicine on the list mean it is causing my ED?
- Should you stop a medicine if you think it is affecting your erections?
- Can antidepressants affect erections?
- Can blood pressure medicines and water pills affect erections?
- Can cancer treatment or hormone medicines affect erections?
- Can antihistamines, painkillers or ulcer medicines affect erections?
- Can opioid painkillers or kratom affect erections?
- Can benzodiazepines and other sedatives affect erections?
- Do metformin or blood thinners cause ED?
- What about ADHD medicines, gabapentin, statins and steroids?
- What happens in a medication review for ED?
Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, diabetes and ED: how nerve conditions fit in
- Can nerve conditions cause ED?
- What part do nerves play in an erection?
- Is multiple sclerosis linked to ED?
- How common is ED in men with multiple sclerosis?
- How does a spinal cord injury affect erections?
- How does diabetes affect the nerves involved in erections?
- Can pelvic surgery affect erections?
- Does having a nerve condition mean it caused my ED?
- Are ED medicines used by men with nerve conditions?
- Can ED caused by nerve damage be treated?
- Can Parkinson’s disease affect erections?
- Can medicines for nerve pain affect erections?
- Does cycling damage the nerves involved in erections?
- How do clinicians check whether nerves are involved?
- What will a clinician ask about if you have a nerve condition and ED?
Sleep apnea, poor sleep and ED: what the studies show
- Can sleep apnea cause erectile dysfunction?
- What is sleep apnea?
- How common is ED in men with sleep apnea?
- How does sleep apnea cause erectile dysfunction?
- Is the link proven, or just an association?
- Does treating sleep apnea with CPAP help ED?
- Can ED pills be used if you have sleep apnea?
- Can poor sleep without sleep apnea affect erections?
- Do sleep-related erections tell you anything?
What causes erectile dysfunction? Physical, medical and mental causes
- What are the common causes of ED?
- What is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction?
- How do heart and blood vessel problems lead to ED?
- How does diabetes cause ED?
- Which other health conditions can lead to ED?
- Can medicines cause ED?
- Can the cause of ED be mental?
- Can lifestyle habits cause ED?
- Can there be more than one cause of ED?
- Is ED just a normal part of getting older?
- How does a clinician find the cause?
What your erectile dysfunction is trying to tell you about your health
- Why is ED an early warning sign, not just a bedroom problem?
- How common is ED, and is it just part of getting older?
- What does ED predict about your heart and stroke risk?
- Is erectile dysfunction an early sign of diabetes?
- Could low testosterone be part of the picture?
- Can treating the underlying condition improve ED?
Which blood pressure medicines are linked to ED? Lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan and others
- Which blood pressure medicines are linked to ED?
- Does lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction?
- Does amlodipine cause erectile dysfunction?
- Does losartan cause erectile dysfunction?
- What about beta-blockers?
- What about water pills?
- Could high blood pressure be the cause, not the pill?
- Is there a blood pressure medicine with less effect on erections?
- Why not stop a blood pressure medicine on your own?
- Can you take an ED medicine with blood pressure medicines?
Treatments Beyond Pills
Section hubCan ED be reversed? Causes that can improve when treated
- Can erectile dysfunction be cured?
- Is erectile dysfunction permanent?
- Which causes of ED can improve when treated?
- What can lifestyle changes do for ED?
- Can ED linked to diabetes improve?
- Can changing a medicine improve ED?
- Can ED caused by stress or anxiety improve?
- Does treating low testosterone help ED?
- Can ED improve after prostate surgery?
- Do ED pills or other treatments fix the problem?
- What about shockwave, stem cell or PRP treatments?
ED creams and gels: what is approved, and what is not
- What is the best cream for erectile dysfunction?
- Is there an FDA-authorized topical ED gel?
- How strong is the evidence for Eroxon?
- What is alprostadil cream, and where is it approved?
- Is alprostadil cream approved in the US?
- What does the alprostadil cream label warn about?
- Is sildenafil cream approved?
- What about creams sold as supplements or natural products?
- Why is nitroglycerin gel a problem with ED pills?
ED injections and urethral suppositories: alprostadil, Trimix and MUSE
- What are ED injections and urethral suppositories?
- How do ED injections work?
- Which ED injections are FDA-approved?
- Is Trimix FDA-approved?
- What is the in-office test?
- What is MUSE?
- How well do injections and MUSE work?
- What is the priapism risk?
- What other side effects do the labels list?
- Who should not use these treatments?
ED treatment options beyond pills: devices, injections, implants and surgery
- What are the treatment options for erectile dysfunction besides pills?
- How do the ED treatment options compare?
- Do you have to try pills before other ED treatments?
- How do ED pills fit into the picture?
- How does a vacuum erection device work?
- How are ED injections different from ED pills?
- What is a urethral suppository for ED?
- What is a penile implant and what types are there?
- Is surgery on the penile arteries or veins a treatment for ED?
- Are there creams or gels for ED?
- Which ED treatments are still experimental?
- Where do counseling, lifestyle changes and testosterone fit?
- What is the best treatment for erectile dysfunction?
- How do you choose between ED treatment options?
Penile implant cost and insurance coverage
- How much does a penile implant cost?
- What drives the cost of penile implant surgery?
- Does Medicare cover penile implants?
- Does private insurance cover penile implants?
- Does Medicaid cover penile implants?
- How does implant cost compare with other ED treatments?
- What should you ask the surgeon’s office before surgery?
Penile implant surgery and recovery: what to expect
- What is penile implant surgery?
- How is penile implant surgery done?
- How painful is a penile implant?
- What does recovery after penile implant surgery involve?
- What changes after a penile implant, and what does not?
- What are the complications of a penile implant?
- How long does a penile implant last, and how often is revision needed?
- What do men report about satisfaction with a penile implant?
- What is the downside of a penile implant?
Penile implants: types, how they work, and who considers them
- What is a penile implant?
- What types of penile implant are there?
- How does a penile implant work?
- How is a penile implant sized?
- Who considers a penile implant?
- How does an implant compare with injections or a vacuum pump?
- What are the main risks of a penile implant?
- What satisfaction data exists for penile implants?
Shockwave, PRP and stem cells for ED: what the guideline actually says
- Are shockwave, PRP and stem cells proven treatments for ED?
- What do “investigational” and “experimental” mean here?
- How does shockwave therapy work for ED?
- What does the research on shockwave therapy for ED show?
- How long do shockwave therapy results last?
- What are the side effects of shockwave therapy for ED?
- Do other guidelines see shockwave therapy differently?
- Do at-home or “radial” shockwave devices work for ED?
- What does the research on PRP injections for ED show?
- What does the research on stem cell therapy for ED show?
- What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction?
- What is apomorphine for ED?
- Is Botox a treatment for ED?
- What ED treatments does the AUA guideline lay out?
- What should you ask if a clinic offers shockwave, PRP or stem cells?
Vacuum erection devices and constriction rings: how they work and what to look for
- What is a constriction ring, and can it be used on its own?
- How does the FDA regulate vacuum erection devices?
- Do vacuum erection devices work?
- What side effects does NIDDK list?
- Who should be careful with a vacuum device, such as men on blood thinners?
- What features matter, such as a vacuum limiter?
- What is the best vacuum pump for erectile dysfunction?
- How do you choose a device without a ranking?
- Penile implant vs pump: what is the difference?
- How does a vacuum device compare with injections?
- Can a vacuum device help after prostate cancer treatment?
- When should you talk to a clinician about a vacuum device?
Age and Life Stage
Section hubED in your 20s: common causes and when to get checked
- Can a man in his 20s have ED?
- How common is ED in young men?
- What is the main cause of ED in young men?
- Is ED in your 20s usually psychological?
- How do anxiety and performance pressure cause ED?
- Do depression and its medicines play a part?
- What physical causes show up in your 20s?
- Can ED in your 20s be an early health signal?
- What about porn and masturbation?
- Is ED in your 20s treatable?
Erectile dysfunction in your 30s and 40s: the real causes and what to do
- Is it normal to have ED in your 30s and 40s?
- What actually causes ED in younger men?
- Can stress, anxiety, and performance pressure cause ED?
- Can pornography cause erectile dysfunction?
- Does masturbation cause ED?
- Could low testosterone be part of it?
- Can ED in your 30s or 40s be reversed?
- What should you do about ED in your 30s or 40s?
Is ED normal at your age? What the studies show by decade
- How common is ED at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70?
- Is ED normal at 30 or 35?
- Is ED at 40 or 45 common?
- Is ED normal at 50 or 55?
- Is ED normal at 60, 65 or 70?
- Is ED just part of getting older?
- Why does the risk of ED rise with age?
- Is ED in younger men different?
- Why do ED numbers by age differ so much between studies?
Lifestyle and Natural Approaches
Section hubExercise and ED: aerobic activity and pelvic floor training, what trials show
- Can exercise improve erectile function?
- Why would exercise affect erections?
- What kinds of activity did trials test?
- How big was the improvement in the trials?
- Do pelvic floor exercises help ED?
- Do pelvic floor exercises help after prostate surgery?
- Can diet and exercise reverse ED?
- Does exercise work alongside ED medicine?
- Is exercise safe if I have heart disease or other conditions?
L-arginine and L-citrulline for ED: what the trials found
- What are L-arginine and L-citrulline?
- How are they supposed to work?
- What did trials find for L-arginine?
- What did trials find for L-citrulline?
- How do they compare with ED medicines?
- Are there safety concerns with blood pressure medicines?
- Are they approved to treat ED?
- When should I talk to a clinician?
Natural remedies for ED vs medication: what actually works
- Do natural remedies for ED actually work?
- Which lifestyle changes actually improve erectile function?
- Can ED be reversed naturally?
- What does the evidence say about ED supplements like L-arginine and ginseng?
- Which ginseng is best for ED?
- Does CBD help ED?
- How are ED supplements regulated compared with ED medicines?
- Why are over-the-counter “herbal” ED pills dangerous?
- How do prescription ED medications compare?
- Natural remedies vs medication: how do they compare?
- When should you see a clinician instead of self-treating?
Recreational drugs, alcohol and other lifestyle factors in ED
- Do lifestyle habits affect erectile dysfunction?
- Do recreational drugs affect erections?
- Is cannabis linked to erectile dysfunction?
- Can alcohol affect erections?
- Can you drink alcohol with ED medication?
- Why can’t poppers be used with ED pills?
- Does smoking affect erectile dysfunction?
- Do exercise, weight and diet matter for ED?
- Does what you eat affect ED?
- Can losing weight improve ED?
- Does cycling cause ED?
- Can changing habits improve ED?
- What should you tell a clinician about your habits?
Smoking and ED: what the research shows about cigarettes, vaping and quitting
- Can smoking cause erectile dysfunction?
- How could smoking affect erections?
- How strong is the link between smoking and ED?
- Does the amount you smoke matter?
- Is vaping linked to ED?
- What about secondhand smoke?
- Can quitting smoking help ED?
- How long after quitting smoking can ED improve?
- Is smoking cannabis the same question?
- Does smoking mean it caused my ED?
- Where can you get help to quit?
Mind and Relationships
Section hubWorking through performance anxiety: what counseling and studies support
- What is sexual performance anxiety?
- What helps with performance anxiety?
- How does CBT approach performance anxiety?
- What happens in sex therapy for performance anxiety?
- Does mindfulness help with performance anxiety?
- What do trials of counseling for ED show?
- Can an ED pill help break the anxiety cycle?
- Is there a medication for performance anxiety? What is propranolol approved for?
Safety
Section hubAre Generic ED Medications Safe? How to Tell a Real Generic From a Fake
- Are generic ED medications safe and legitimate?
- Is generic Viagra safe?
- Is generic Cialis legal and legitimate?
- What does “generic” actually mean for sildenafil and tadalafil?
- How do we know a generic works the same as the brand?
- Why does a generic pill look different from the brand?
- Is compounded sildenafil or tadalafil the same as a generic?
- Is a generic the same as a counterfeit or “gas-station” pill?
- How can you tell a legitimate generic from a fake?
- How do generic Viagra and Cialis scams work?
- What does the patient leaflet that comes with an ED medicine tell you?
- Can a pharmacist answer questions about an ED medicine?
- What should you do if you think an ED medicine is fake?
- Is generic Viagra sold over the counter?
Can you buy Viagra over the counter? Prescription status explained
- Can you buy Viagra over the counter in the US?
- Is sildenafil sold without a prescription in the US?
- What is the UK pharmacy product, Viagra Connect?
- What are the ED pills sold in gas stations and convenience stores?
- Is there any FDA-authorized nonprescription ED product?
- Is there any over-the-counter ED medication in the US?
- How do you get sildenafil legally in the US?
Can you combine ED medicines? What the labels and the AUA say
- Can you take sildenafil and tadalafil together?
- What do the labels say about combining ED treatments?
- Why do the labels advise against combining ED medicines?
- Has any study tested sildenafil and tadalafil together?
- Are sildenafil and tadalafil combination tablets FDA-approved?
- Can a supplement contain both sildenafil and tadalafil?
- Where does testosterone therapy fit?
- What about PT-141?
- What if one ED medicine is not working?
- When should you talk to a clinician about combining treatments?
ED pills and nitrates: why the combination is dangerous
- What are nitrates?
- Why can’t nitrates be combined with ED pills?
- What do the four labels say?
- Can you take sildenafil and nitroglycerin together?
- Can you take Cialis and nitroglycerin together?
- What about poppers?
- What if chest pain starts after taking an ED pill?
- How can a supplement hide sildenafil?
Hidden drugs in 'natural' ED pills: what the FDA warning list shows
- What has FDA found in male enhancement products?
- What are rhino pills?
- Why is hidden sildenafil or tadalafil dangerous with nitrates?
- How can a “natural” product contain a prescription drug?
- Why are positive reviews not proof?
- If a product is not on FDA’s list, is it safe?
- How do you report a problem?
Is sexual activity safe with heart disease? What cardiologists check
- What does the American Heart Association say about sexual activity and heart disease?
- How hard does sexual activity work the heart?
- Is sexual activity safe after a heart attack?
- Is sexual activity safe after a heart stent or bypass surgery?
- Is sexual activity safe with heart failure, valve disease or an arrhythmia?
- Can someone with a heart condition take an ED pill?
- Should I stop heart medicines that seem to affect erections?
- Does regular exercise or cardiac rehab lower the risk?
- What if chest pain starts during sex?
- What does a cardiologist check before saying sexual activity is OK?
Penile fracture: the emergency signs
- What is a penile fracture?
- What are the signs of a penile fracture?
- Why is a penile fracture an emergency?
- What happens at the hospital?
- Can a penile fracture affect erections later?
- Does the injury affect confidence and sex life too?
- What if I waited before getting care?
- Can a Peyronie’s disease treatment cause a penile fracture?
Taking ED pills without ED: what the labels and studies say
- Do ED pills change erections in men without ED?
- Why would an ED pill do little for a man without ED?
- How common is recreational use of ED pills?
- What are the risks with poppers?
- What are the risks with stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine?
- What about alcohol?
- Can relying on a pill feed anxiety?
- Do ED pills protect against sexually transmitted infections?
- Where do pills taken without a prescription come from?
Getting Care
Section hubDoes insurance or Medicare cover ED treatment?
- Does Medicare cover ED medication?
- Does Medicare Part D cover ED pills at all?
- Does Medicare cover pumps or implants?
- Is tadalafil for BPH treated differently?
- Does Medicaid cover ED medication?
- How do private plans handle ED medicines?
- Does the VA cover ED medication?
- How do you check your own plan?
How is ED diagnosed? The history, exam, blood tests and specialist tests explained
- How do doctors diagnose erectile dysfunction?
- What questions does a doctor ask about ED?
- Why are desire, erection and climax asked about separately?
- How do mental health and relationships fit into the evaluation?
- What does the physical exam for ED check?
- Why does the clinician check blood pressure, weight and the prostate?
- What blood tests are done for erectile dysfunction?
- Can you have ED with normal blood tests?
- What does a penile ultrasound show?
- What is a nighttime erection test?
- What is the in-office injection test for ED?
- Does every man with ED need every test?
- What does each part of the evaluation add?
- Which doctor diagnoses ED?
How to bring up ED with a doctor: what to say, what to bring, what they may ask
- How do you start the conversation about ED with a doctor?
- Why does it feel so hard to bring up, and is that common?
- What should you bring to an appointment about ED?
- What will the clinician ask about ED?
- What happens after the questions?
- When will a doctor suggest a specialist for ED?
- What questions should you ask the doctor about ED?
- Should you bring your partner to the appointment?
How to Get ED Treatment Online Safely (and Avoid the Fakes)
- Is it safe to buy Cialis online?
- Is it legal to get ED medication online?
- How do you tell a legitimate ED telehealth service from a risky one?
- What should a proper online ED medical intake actually ask?
- Why is the nitrate and heart screen so important before ED medication?
- How do you check that an online pharmacy is licensed?
- How do you spot an online Cialis or Viagra scam?
- Can you buy ED pills online without a prescription?
- Are rhino pills and male enhancement supplements safe?
- What are the risks of buying Cialis or Viagra from an unsafe site?
- Are compounded ED products sold online FDA-approved?
- What should you check when the medicine arrives?
- How is a real ED prescription dispensed and priced?
- What does getting ED treatment online safely look like step by step?
- When should you skip the online route and see a clinician in person?
Is there a test for ED? Questionnaires, blood tests, ultrasound and at-home kits explained
- Is there a test for ED?
- What are the names of the tests for erectile dysfunction?
- What are the IIEF-5 and SHIM questionnaires?
- What does the full IIEF measure?
- What is the Erection Hardness Score?
- Can you take an erectile dysfunction test online?
- Is there an erectile dysfunction test at home?
- Which blood tests are used for ED?
- What is penile ultrasound?
- When should you talk to a clinician about testing?
What online ED treatment actually costs in 2026
- How much does online ED treatment cost in 2026?
- What do pharmacies pay for ED pills?
- Why are generic sildenafil and tadalafil so cheap?
- Why does brand Viagra cost so much more than generic?
- What do vardenafil and avanafil cost?
- What makes one online program cost more than another?
- Can you get ED meds without a subscription?
- Does insurance or Medicare cover online ED treatment?
- Can you use an HSA or FSA for ED medication?
- Is the cheapest option always safe?
- What do ED treatments beyond pills cost?
- How do you spend less without cutting the wrong corner?
Myths and Evidence
Section hubDoes masturbation or frequent sex cause ED? What the evidence shows
- What is the claim?
- What does the research show about masturbation and ED?
- Can too much sex cause erectile dysfunction?
- Can the way you masturbate affect sex with a partner?
- Can sexual activity injure the penis?
- How is a normal recovery period different from ED?
- What actually causes ED?
- When is it worth getting checked?
How do you read ED evidence? Guideline grades, placebo and relative risk explained
- What do Grade A, B and C mean in the AUA ED guideline?
- Is a Strong Recommendation the same as strong evidence?
- What are Clinical Principles and Expert Opinion?
- Why is the evidence for ED pills rated Grade B, not Grade A?
- How do ED trials measure whether a treatment worked?
- How big does an improvement on the IIEF have to be to matter?
- What does the placebo column in a side-effect table tell you?
- Do men taking a placebo report better erections too?
- What is the difference between relative risk and absolute risk?
- What does a relative risk of 1.0 mean?
- What is the difference between a randomized trial and an observational study?
- Does an association mean one thing causes the other?
- How current is the evidence behind the AUA ED guideline?
- How can you use this when you talk to a clinician?