Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means regularly having trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. An occasional problem does not always mean you have ED. Seek care if it keeps happening, causes distress, or starts suddenly. ED can sometimes be a sign of another health condition.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have physical, emotional, or medication-related causes. Common factors include poor blood flow, diabetes, nerve damage, hormone problems, stress, and anxiety. More than one factor may be involved. A licensed physician can review your symptoms and health history before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.

An erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation starts with your symptoms, health history, and medication list. A licensed physician in your state decides whether online care is appropriate. You may need a video visit, blood pressure reading, lab tests, or an in-person exam before a treatment decision can be made.

Sildenafil and tadalafil treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by helping blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. They do not create sexual desire or cause an automatic erection. Results vary. A licensed physician in your state decides whether either medicine is appropriate based on your health and other medications.

For erectile dysfunction (ED), sildenafil is generally taken as needed, while tadalafil may be prescribed as needed or once daily. Tadalafil has a longer window of activity. Results vary. The choice depends on your health, other medicines, preferences, and the instructions for the exact product prescribed to you.

Do not use sildenafil or tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED) with nitrates, recreational “poppers,” or riociguat. These combinations can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Other heart conditions and medicines may also affect safety. A licensed physician in your state must review your health before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines such as sildenafil and tadalafil can cause headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, or dizziness. Tadalafil may also cause back or muscle pain. Seek emergency care for an erection lasting more than four hours, chest pain, or sudden loss of vision or hearing.

If your erectile dysfunction (ED) medicine does not help, contact your prescriber rather than taking more. Timing, food, sexual stimulation, stress, and underlying health problems can affect response. Results vary. A licensed physician can review how you are using it and decide whether testing or a treatment change is appropriate.

Compounded medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing. A licensed physician in your state decides whether a compounded option is appropriate for your individual needs.

You can request erectile dysfunction (ED) care through a Verra Health online or video visit. A licensed physician in your state reviews the visit and decides whether treatment is appropriate. Verra is available in all 50 states and DC. Some states or medications require a video visit.