Erectile Dysfunction and Over-the-Counter Treatment

Occasional difficulty maintaining an erection is normal, yet frequent occurrence that impacts your sex life can be a sign of erectile dysfunction (ED). A common problem affecting half of all men between 40 and 70 years old at some point in their lives.

ED can have a range of causes, physical, psychological, and chemical, which can all contribute.

In some cases, ED may be a sign of underlying medical conditions and, if suffering, you should always seek medical advice to ensure that you remain healthy. However, for many ED can be a symptom caused by stresses and anxiety. Some of which erectile dysfunction can actually accentuate.

Medication for Erectile Dysfunction

To treat ED, addressing the underlying cause is key. This can be tricky when psychological factors are involved, however. Medications available include PED5 inhibitors (Viagra/Cialis) and synthetic PGE1 (Vitaros Gel), both which work by increasing blood flow to the penis to help achieve an erection. Or evaporative gels (Eroxon), which work by cooling and warming the penis to stimulate nerve endings.

Can I Buy this Medication Over the Counter?

Due to the nature of ED treatment, most are not currently unavailable over the counter to purchase at your leisure. Medications such as Vitaros, vardenafil, and generic forms of tadalafil require a prescription. However, medications such as sildenafil and tadalafil under the marketed brand Viagra Connect and Cialis Together are available for purchase without a prescription.

Any purchase of ED medication does require a conversation with a medical professional. Whether a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant; safety of the patient is vital. These medications are not safe for every person especially for people suffering from heart conditions, liver failure, or kidney failure, and it’s important to gather all information needed to ensure the purchase is safe. 

Medications sold over the counter rely on honesty from the patient self-declaring any and all medical conditions and medications. These treatments allow quicker access to treatment without waiting for a GP appointment but carry the risk of misuse without guidance and follow-up.

How to get Maximum Effect from your Erectile Dysfunction treatment

To get the most from ED treatment, it is important to read though the directions and dosage. Oral medications should be taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. And no more than one dose in a 24hr period. Topical treatments can work must faster (within half an hour), but always check the label and patient information leaflet for details.

It’s important to note that no erectile dysfunction treatment will work without sexual stimulation. And, it’s essential to have regular health check-ups to ensure to ensure safety while taking this medication.

The Bottom Line

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition with various causes. While over-the-counter medications are available, they should only be used with medical guidance to ensure safety. Regular health check-ups and honest communication with healthcare providers are integral when seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction.