Table 1 Compare Best ED Treatments
| Type(s) of treatment | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Supplements | Prescription, Supplements |
| Consultation cost | Free | Free | Free | Consultation not applicable | Free |
| Delivery time | 2-5+ days | 2 days or less | 2 days or less | 2-5+ days | 2-5+ days |
| Telehealth treatments | Additional services | No other services offered | Additional services | No other services offered | No other services offered |
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
More than 30 million men in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), a physical condition that often goes untreated due to stigma and privacy concerns. Online health providers specializing in ED treatment address these issues by providing a private, convenient way to access care, offering FDA-approved medications which have been shown in clinical studies to enhance the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Sexual health is important at every stage of life, and is key for our overall health and well-being. A recent study found that older adults remain sexually active well past age 60. But because of the physical and psychological side-effects of ED, sexual health can suffer, and become a barrier to other kinds of intimacy for some people.
Our Reviews Team’s survey of 300 online ED patients showed that 77% of respondents felt ED negatively impacted their mental health, while 54% wanted treatment but did not feel comfortable bringing it up to their regular doctor in person. Of those who did start online ED treatment, 80% had improved self-esteem, and 82% had improved mental health as a result.
LeMeita Smith, LPC, NCC, director of clinical services at United Health Services in Binghampton, New York, told us, “The connection between your psychological and physical well-being is profound, and resolving ED can substantially enhance your overall quality of life. It’s completely natural to feel some reluctance or embarrassment, but health care professionals are here to aid, not to criticize.”
Telehealth providers are designed to serve people hesitant to seek in-person care for ED. By providing a platform for discreet, accessible treatment, these companies address barriers that hold people back, making it easier to seek the care they need from the privacy of home.
Special considerations of erectile dysfunction medication for older adults
Certain medications may be ineffective or dangerous based on your health history and current medications.
Some of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults—including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes—can damage penile blood vessels and nerves, leading to new or worsening ED that doesn’t respond to medication. If you are not eligible for ED medications due to a physical condition, you may want to talk to your doctor about several other ED treatments that are available, including penile injections, vacuum erection devices (penis pump), and penile prosthesis.
ED can also appear as one of the first symptoms of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety, and other chronic health concerns. If you haven’t had a physical exam within the last year, don’t try to get ED medication online. Visit your doctor in person so underlying conditions are diagnosed and treated alongside the ED.
Unregulated supplements pose harm
We understand discussing ED openly with your medical provider can be difficult, and you may have thought about taking supplements or pills found in gas stations instead. We caution you not to do so. Unregulated supplements may contain hidden ingredients that can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. If you have taken these unregulated pills for sexual enhancement and have experienced adverse effects—chest pain, severe headaches, or prolonged erections—contact your doctor right away.
What causes ED?
“When dealing with erectile dysfunction or any other sexual dysfunctions as a couple, effective communication becomes paramount,” said Rhiannon John, a sexologist at Bedbible in Perth, Australia. “Health concerns such as ED can significantly impact the dynamic of a relationship, affecting both partners emotionally and physically. Therefore, it’s crucial to communicate any changes or concerns with your partner openly. This communication allows both individuals to address each other’s needs and concerns effectively, fostering understanding, support, and intimacy within the relationship.”
ED could be caused by a lack of blood flow and easily treated with medication, or it can be a symptom of a more serious condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or psychological issues. It’s important to be seen by a doctor who can determine any underlying cause and recommend treatment.
Sources
- American Urological Association, Urology Care Foundation. What is Erectile Dysfunction? June 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)
- Smith l., et al. Sexual Activity is Associated with Greater Enjoyment of Life in Older Adults. Sexual Medicine. Dec. 13, 2018. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/smoa/article/7/1/11/6815746
- Steckenrider J. Sexual Activity of Older Adults: Let’s Talk About It. The Lancet. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00003-X/fulltext
- Allen M. S., et al. The Psychology of Erectile Dysfunction. Current Directions in Psychological Science. Sept. 8, 2023. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09637214231192269
- NCOA Adviser [ED] Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024.
- Defeudis G, et al. Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes: A Melting Pot of Circumstances and Treatments. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. Sept. 13, 2021. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dmrr.3494
- McMahon C.N., et al. Treating Erectile Dysfunction When PDE5 Inhibitors Fail. British Medical Journal (BMJ). March 11, 2006. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1397768/
- Federal Trade Commission. FTC Enforcement Action to Bar GoodRx from Sharing Consumers’ Sensitive Health Info for Advertising. Feb. 1, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/02/ftc-enforcement-action-bar-goodrx-sharing-consumers-sensitive-health-info-advertising
- University of Virginia School of Medicine. Penile Prosthesis. Department of Urology. Found on the internet at https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/mens-health-practice/penile-urethral-reconstruction-at-uva/penile-prosthesis/
- Capogrosso P, et al. Erectile Dysfunction in Young Patients is a Proxy of Overall Men’s Health Status. Current Opinion in Urology. March 2016. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/co-urology/abstract/2016/03000/erectile_dysfunction_in_young_patients_is_a_proxy.5.aspx
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction. July 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes
- Burnett AL, et al. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline. The Journal of Urology. 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)-guideline