ED Treatment

How can erectile dysfunction be treated?

You’ll find that there are various medications and treatment options for ED, including Viagra, Sildenafil, Spedra, Tadalafil and Cialis. Medication of this kind has been found to be effective in around 80 per cent of men, increasing blood flow to the penis and enabling you to achieve an erection (when in a state of arousal).

All prescription drug treatments are generally safe for the majority of men, although you may experience some side-effects. It is also worth discussing your options with one of our certified pharmacists, so you know you’re selecting the most appropriate product for you and your specific circumstances.

However, it may also be necessary to consider other forms of treatment alongside medication, such as counselling or therapy, if the root cause of the problem is psychological, rather than physical.

ED can also be symptomatic of other health conditions that affect both your heart and your blood vessels, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. As such, it can be advisable to have a regular health check carried out to make sure that your symptoms aren’t the result of a more serious underlying health condition.

ED Medications Available at Newdays Pharmacy

Our pharmacists can advise on and supply the following ED treatments following a private consultation. The most appropriate medication will be recommended based on your health history, any current medications you are taking and your individual circumstances.

 Sildenafil (generic Viagra); Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and is the most widely used treatment for ED. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow and making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. It is taken as needed, typically 30–60 minutes before sexual activity, and the effects last for around 4 hours.

Tadalafil (generic Cialis); Tadalafil works in the same way as sildenafil but has a significantly longer duration of action, up to 36 hours, which allows for more spontaneity. It can also be taken as a low daily dose for men who prefer ongoing treatment rather than on-demand use. It is taken 30 minutes before sexual activity or as a once-daily tablet.

Viagra (branded Sildenafil); Branded Viagra contains the same active ingredient as generic sildenafil but is the original licensed product from the original manufacturer. It is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths and is taken on demand approximately 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.

Spedra (Avanafil); Spedra is a newer ED medication that acts more quickly than sildenafil or tadalafil. It should be taken 15-30 minutes before sexual activity, however some men have reported effects as little as 15 minutes. It has a duration of around 6 hours and may be better tolerated by some individuals. It is taken on demand before sexual activity.

Cialis (branded Tadalafil); Branded Cialis is available in both on-demand and daily dosing formats. The on-demand 10mg or 20mg tablets are taken as needed, while the 2.5mg or 5mg daily dose option is suitable for men who prefer a continuous low-level treatment. It is the most widely prescribed daily ED treatment in the UK.

A private consultation with one of our pharmacists is required before any ED medication can be supplied. This ensures that the recommended treatment is clinically appropriate for you and does not interact with any existing medications or health conditions.

When Should You Seek Further Medical Advice?

While ED is very common and in many cases can be effectively managed with medication, there are some circumstances where it is important to speak to your GP:

• If ED has developed suddenly rather than gradually, as this can indicate an underlying health issue
• If you are experiencing other symptoms alongside ED, such as pain, changes in urination or low libido
• If ED may be related to a psychological cause such as depression, anxiety or relationship difficulties, in this case, counselling or therapy may be recommended alongside or instead of medication
• If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, have had a recent heart attack or stroke, or are taking nitrate-based medications, these are contraindications for ED treatments
• If medication has not been effective after several attempts, your pharmacist can discuss alternative options or refer you to your GP for further investigation