ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT FACTS
About erectile dysfunction treatments
We offer Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and Tadalafil (generic Cialis) on our Subscribe and Save service.
These medicines include exactly the same active ingredients, and work in exactly the same way as the branded versions. They just don’t have the fancy packaging and are at a better value price, meaning we can pass the savings onto you with our Subscribe and Save service.
Choose Sildenafil or Tadalafil for treatment that you take when you need it, or Tadalafil Daily tablets to help make sure you’re ready any time for those spontaneous moments.
How do erectile dysfunction treatments work?
ED treatments typically work by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis. This will increase blood flow, helping you to get an erection. With all the treatments, you’ll need to be sexually aroused for them to work.
How do I take the treatments?
Exact times vary between medicines but if you’re prescribed treatment you would need to take one tablet roughly an hour before you plan to have sex. Some medicines are more effective on an empty stomach and may take longer to work if you take them with a meal.
With Tadalafil Daily, simply take one tablet at the same time each day.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects can include facial flushing, headaches, lightheadedness, a stuffy nose, indigestion, and a pounding heartbeat (palpitations). Some men can experience blurred vision or see blue halos around bright lights.
For full information of a medicine’s side effects and how to take it, it’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.
How effective are erectile dysfunction treatments?
The tablets are generally effective in about 70% of men if taken correctly.
Your medicine might not work the first time. You may need to try it on four separate occasions to see if it has an effect on you. If your treatment doesn’t work, don’t give up, and ask us about different doses and different ED medicines.
How long do erectile dysfunction treatments work for?
Sildenafil and Tadalafil can last from 4 to 36 hours. Tadalafil Daily is a low dose tablet that, taken correctly at the same time each day, can help you to achieve erections at any time.
Important safety information
It’s important that you tell us which other medicines you’re taking — whether they’re prescription or medicines you’ve bought without a prescription. We need to know so that we can prescribe you ED treatment if appropriate. If you’re taking certain medicines or living with certain medical conditions, this service might not be suitable for you.
Never take more than one tablet within 24 hours and do not combine it with other ED medications.
What are my options if I don’t want medication?
If anxiety or relationship issues are behind your ED, seeing a therapist can help. You could do this on your own, or as a couple. It can be a difficult subject to talk about, but opening up to your partner or therapist can help you manage your stress or worries and improve your erectile performance.
Vacuum pumps and constriction rings can also be an effective way to help with getting and maintaining erections.
Other healthcare providers may offer different medicines or surgical treatments.
Keeping you safe
If you do not feel safe, are experiencing abuse or control, or have experienced this in the past, please find support below or send us a message:
- Ask for ANI at your local Boots pharmacy
- Contact Men’s Advice Line mensadviceline.org.uk on 0808 8010 327
- Look at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
- Emergency situation dial 999, speak, cough or tap, then speak or press 55 when through to the police
Page last reviewed by: Dr. Christina Hennessey 21/06/2021