Medications That Help With ED

Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults.

What Injections and Suppositories Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 25(2), 308–311. Niacin in the Central Nervous System: An Update of Biological Aspects and Clinical Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(4). Structure/function analyses of human sex hormone-binding globulin: effects of zinc on steroid-binding specificity. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 85(2-5):195-200.

Lifestyle changes

Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. International Journal of Impotence Research, 19(6), 564–567. Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2(1), 61-66. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 12(5), 344–348. Sperm quality in men is improved by supplementation with a combination of L-arginine, L-citrullin, roburins and Pycnogenol®.

• Herbal Viagra: Natural alternative with herbal extracts claiming to boost erections.
• Rhodiola Rosea: Herb thought to improve stamina and reduce fatigue affecting performance.
• Ginseng: Traditionally used to enhance libido and erectile function.
• Maca Root: Plant-based supplement purported to increase libido naturally.
• L-Arginine: Amino acid that improves nitric oxide production for better blood flow.
• Horny Goat Weed: Herbal supplement believed to treat ED and enhance libido.
• Tribulus Terrestris: Used to improve sexual function and testosterone levels.
• Muira Puama: Historically used as a libido booster and for erectile issues.
• Yohimbine: Extract used to improve blood flow and nerve function.
• Tongkat Ali: Traditional herb to boost testosterone and sexual performance.
• Ashwagandha: Adaptogen that may reduce stress and improve sexual stamina.

The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(2), 223–234. Erection trouble can happen from time to time and isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.

However, frequent difficulty achieving or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse is a condition known as erectile dysfunction (ED).

Erection Pills

You can read all about the pumps we consider best in our 2024 guide. Men who have undergone radical prostatectomy in response to prostate cancer form a common group of men in penis pump research. These men often develop erectile dysfunction, and some experience a phenomenon in which the penis retracts slightly into the body, making it appear shorter. Studies suggest that penis pumps can both restore erectile function and prevent or reverse this size loss.47 However, this is not an indication that penis pumps will increase penis size; it’s a result specific to this group of men. If you’re hoping that male enhancement products will increase the size of your penis, a penis extender would be a far better option.

The best place to get medications for ED

Admittedly, they’re a lot more tedious to use than popping a couple of pills in the morning, with regimens involving several hours of daily wearing for several months in order to see growth. Still, they can actually produce results that no male enhancement pill can claim.37 Penis extenders gradually create microtears in the penile tissue, not unlike the muscular tears you create by lifting weights. Over time, those tears heal and add tissue to the penis. But with penis extension (unlike time at the gym), gains can be permanent. You won’t see the ancillary benefits of boosted semen levels or increased energy and mental focus like you might with some male enhancement pills. If you’re experiencing it frequently, getting evaluated by a urologist is the first step to take.

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Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Intracavernosal sildenafil facilitates penile erection independent of the nitric oxide pathway. Iron and Physical Activity: Bioavailability Enhancers, Properties of Black Pepper (Bioperine®) and Potential Applications. Effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors on blood pressure. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(12).

Why gas station and over-the-counter pills are riskier

Ashwagandha as a Unique Cause of Thyrotoxicosis Presenting With Supraventricular Tachycardia. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Advances in Nutrition, 12(3), 744-765. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Physiology of Penile Erection. Association between homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid fildena super active 100 and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. They will help you find the best treatments for erectile dysfunction so you can be back in action soon. Sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.

Make sure you take the right drug for you.

Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43(3), 223–225. Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected? Penile traction therapy and Peyronie’s disease: a state of art review of the current literature. Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 5(1), 59-65. The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Vitamins and supplements for ED

Modulation of American ginseng on brainstem GABAergic effects in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 62(3), 215–222. Ginsenoside Rg1 improves male copulatory behavior via nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(2 Pt 1), 743–750. Effects of Panax ginseng on glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression and spermatogenesis in rats. Circulatory problems that interrupt blood flow to the penis, such as: Heart diseaseHigh blood pressureClogged blood vessels from high cholesterol Heart diseaseHigh blood pressureClogged blood vessels from high cholesterol Neurological complications from damage to the penis’s nerves due to: DiabetesStrokeSpinal cord injuriesSurgeries Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis Medication side effects from drugs prescribed for: Chronic painBlood pressure managementDepression Psychological factors like depression or anxiety over performance Hormonal imbalance or low testosterone (low T) In addition, lifestyle factors can contribute to ED, including: ED can be more prevalent as men age. Declining sexual function, however, doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. It is important to remember that effective treatments are available. Treatments aim at enabling men to achieve and maintain sufficient erections, and the types of treatment vary based on the root cause of ED. Simple changes, including better diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, can significantly improve blood flow to the penis and ED symptoms. Similarly, adjustments in medications (in partnership with a doctor), smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol can be helpful in ED management. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are well-known drugs that can help men achieve an erection.

Watch what you eat when you take your pill.

Medicinal plants as a potential source of Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: A review. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(4 Pt 1), 1518. A Double-Blind Crossover Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Preliminary Report. The Journal of Urology, 168(5), 2070-2073. The effectiveness of zinc supplementation in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Effective treatments, trusted by over 500,000 men

Antidepressant-Like Behavioral, Anatomical, and Biochemical Effects of Petroleum Ether Extract from Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Mice Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress. Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study. Translational Andrology and Urology, 7(2), 266-273. Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction. FDA warns consumers to avoid certain male enhancement and weight loss products sold through Amazon, eBay and other retailers due to hidden, potentially dangerous drug ingredients. These medications can be prescribed by your doctor or urologist and include: PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis, improving erectile function.

• Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, crucial for erections.
• Nitric oxide (NO) is released from nerves, signaling smooth muscles to relax for blood inflow.
• Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is the second messenger that causes muscle relaxation.
• PDE5 inhibitors block the enzyme, allowing cGMP to accumulate and sustain erection.
• Corpus cavernosum are the two spongy chambers in the penis that fill with blood.
• Dorsal artery and deep cavernosal arteries supply blood to the erectile tissue.
• Veno-occlusive mechanism traps blood in the penis to maintain rigidity.
• Detumescence occurs when PDE5 breaks down cGMP, muscles contract, and blood drains.

Penile self-injection therapy is a treatment option for ED that involves the direct injection of medication into the penile tissue. This method causes an erection by dilating the blood vessels within the penis, increasing blood flow.

What Are Alternative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

MacKay D., Verma S., & Srivastava S. (2022) Effect of a Polyherbal Dietary Supplement on Semen Characteristics: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Improving BPH symptoms and sexual dysfunctions with a saw palmetto preparation? A Clinical Study Report VigRx Plus in Male Sexual Health. Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Sperm Parameters with a Focus on DNA Fragmentation: A Literature Synthesis.

How quickly do ED pills work?

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 36(5), 849–859. The effect of Emblica officinalis diet on lifespan, sexual behavior, and fitness characters in Drosophila melanogaster. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. They are not dependent on nerve stimulation.

• Age is a major risk factor due to increased vascular issues and declining testosterone.
• Diabetes mellitus damages nerves and blood vessels, a leading organic cause of ED.
• Hypertension and atherosclerosis narrow penile arteries, restricting blood flow.
• Metabolic syndrome (obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance) strongly correlates with ED.
• Radical prostatectomy or other pelvic surgeries can damage nerves controlling erections.
• Spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson's) disrupt nerve signals.
• Hormonal disorders: Low testosterone, high prolactin, or thyroid problems.
• Certain prescription medications: Antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics.

The medicines used in injection therapy include: To ensure the safety and effectiveness of this treatment, urologists provide training on how to use the medication correctly and proper injection techniques. Vacuum-assisted erection devices provide a non-invasive mechanical approach to ED. The process involves enclosing the penis within a vacuum-sealed cylinder.

Stendra (avanafil)

Still, if the other results are what you’re after, these might be a great choice. Check out our guide to the best penis extender for more information. Relationship between age and erectile dysfunction diagnosis or treatment using real-world observational data in the United States. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 70(12), 1012. American Journal of Men's Health, 13(2).

Sildenafil: the science

Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes. Safety and Tolerability of Panax ginseng Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial in Healthy Korean Volunteers. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(11), 1061-1069. A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262. This device then uses negative pressure to draw blood into the penile tissue, enhancing blood flow in a way that mimics the body’s natural response to sexual arousal.

• Tadalafil Daily: Low-dose daily pills for consistent firmness without planning.
• Levitra Soft: Chewable form for faster absorption and easier intake.
• Cialis Daily: Once-a-day pill for ongoing erectile support.
• SPEDRA: Rapid-acting tablet with flexible dosing options.
• Zhewitra: Extended-release Sildenafil alternative.
• Tadacip: Low-dose Tadalafil for daily use.
• Tadlafil: Generic Tadalafil with long-lasting effects.
• Edegra: Sildenafil-based quick-onset medication.
• Alprostadil Cream: Topical treatment for immediate local efficacy.
• Muse (Alprostadil suppository): Inserted into the penis for rapid results.
• Staxyn: Orally disintegrating form of Vardenafil for convenience.