Erectile dysfunction treatments
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common and refers to the persistent or recurrent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. For many men, ED can be managed once possible causes and risk factors have been assessed.
Through DoktorABC UK, you can complete an online medical assessment on a secure platform, connecting you with independent, UK-registered prescribers who can determine whether prescription treatment is appropriate.
Key service points
- Online medical questionnaire and clinical assessment
- Prescription treatment if clinically appropriate
- Discreet service
Access treatment following an online medical consultation
Start your online consultation and complete the preliminary online questionnaire.
A UK-registered prescriber will review your information and determine whether treatment may be appropriate. If suitable, a prescription can be issued following clinical assessment.
Important information
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered prescribers. DoktorABC UK does not provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition, estimated to affect around one in five men. It is defined as the ongoing or recurring inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity.
Ed can affect men of different ages and has a range of physical and psychological causes. In many cases, it is treatable.
When should ED be treated?
If you have experienced erectile dysfunction repeatedly, and it is causing you distress, it is worth seeking an assessment.. ED can vary in nature. For some men, the erection is not firm enough, For others it does not last long enough for sexual activity.
Through DoktorABC UK, you can access online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber and receive a confidential assessment.
How can erectile dysfunction be treated?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when insufficient blood flows into the penis or blood flows out too quickly during arousal. This is often related to the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5).
PDE-5 inhibitors are the most widely used prescription medication for ED. They work by blocking this enzyme which allows more blood to flow to the penis and help maintain an erection.
They are taken orally and are only effective when sexual stimulation is present. They do not increase sexual desire or trigger an erection on their own.
These medicines are clinically established and may be considered following an individual medical assessment.
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction do exist, though these are not currently offered through DoktorABC UK.
PDE-5 inhibitor medication
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are authorised for prescription use in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction.
All PDE-5 inhibitor treatments are prescription only. The most appropriate option for you will be determined by your UK-registered prescriber following your online assessment.
Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors
Prescription PDE-5 inhibitors are often used to treat erectile dysfunction, for example with the active ingredients sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil or avanafil. A UK-registered prescriber decides which medicine is appropriate.
Can side effects occur?
Like all prescription medicines, PDE-5 inhibitors can cause side effects.
The most common side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion and nasal congestion. Your UK-registered prescriber will discuss these with you during your consultation.
Reporting side effects (UK)
If you experience a suspected side effect, you can report it to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme.
When to avoid taking PDE-5 inhibitors
PDE-5 inhibitors are not suitable for everyone.. You should not take them if you suffer from serious cardiovascular or liver disease, or if you have suffered a heart attack or stroke within the past six months, or if you suffer from certain eye conditions.
Taking PDE-5 inhibitors alongside medicines that release nitric oxide, known as nitrates or NO donors is highly dangerous. If combined, it can cause a severe, potentially life threatening drop in blood pressure. If you take any medicines of this kind, you must inform your UK-registered prescriber during your assessment.
More broadly, some medications can interact with PDE-5 inhibitors affecting each other's efficacy. Always give your UK-registered prescriber a complete picture of your current medicines and medical history during your assessment.
Other approaches to managing ED
Lifestyle and physical health
Lifestyle factors can play a meaningful role when dealing with ED. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking, all help support a healthy circulation and nerve function, both of which are important for erectile health. Your UK-registered prescriber may also recommend pelvic floor exercises as part of a broader plan.
Psychological support
Where psychological factors contribute to ED, talking therapies have been seen to be a valuable part of treatment. Counselling or psychological support may be worth considering if issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, or relationship difficulties are a factor.
Complementary or herbal remedies
Herbal remedies, such as Ginkgo and Ginseng are sometimes discussed in reference to sexual health. However, there is limited robust clinical evidence to support their efficacy. They are not prescribed through DoktorABC UK.
Other treatment options
Intracavernosal injection therapy
Here, medicine is injected directly into the erectile tissue of the penis.This method can only be prescribed by a urologist following thorough diagnosis. It is suitable for patients for whom PDE-5 inhibitors are not an option..
Vacuum pump
Those who cannot or prefer not to take medication, mechanical devices can help manage erectile dysfunction. One commonly used device is the vacuum pump. The device creates a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the erectile tissue, helping to produce and erection.
Constriction ring
A constriction ring is often used in conjunction with the vacuum pump.. This plastic ring is placed around the base of the penis to reduce the blood flow out of the erectile tissue and help maintain the erection during sexual activity.
Surgical options
If other conventional methods are not suitable, surgical options such as penile implants can be considered. Here, a device is placed inside the erectile tissue and can be a long-term option.
Why DoktorABC UK?
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered healthcare professionals. Patients can access a clinical assessment through a secure online process.
A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers – a prescription is issued only if appropriate.
DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the independent prescribing healthcare professional following an individual assessment.
Our service is discreet and clinically supervised.
Medical disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions must always be made by a qualified healthcare professional following an individual assessment.
The medical content on this page has been reviewed by qualified healthcare professionals. Information is drawn from reliable, trustworthy and verified sources, studies, research and expert opinion. Medical content is reviewed regularly to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
