Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common and can affect men of any age, but several effective treatments can help. Most ED medications are tablets that improve blood flow to the penis, but there are also effective creams, injections, and devices. The right treatment depends on how quickly you want it to work, how long you need the effect to last, how often you have sex, and your medical history.

QuickMeds offers several erectile dysfunction treatments, including Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), vardenafil and avanafil. Most ED medicines are prescription-only, so a prescriber will check which options are suitable for you before treatment is supplied

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

Can I cut ED treatment tablets in half?

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Do not cut an erectile dysfunction tablet in half unless your prescriber or pharmacist has confirmed that your specific tablet can be split safely. If your current dose does not suit you and you want to move to a lower strength tablet, speak to us rather than adjusting it yourself.

What should I do if the Erectile Dysfunction medications I took don't work?

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When you initially start taking the medication, your doctor will prescribe the medium dosage. It is important to trial the drug at least four times before deciding it doesn’t work for you. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest a higher dose or an alternative medication. If the initial dose was more effective than anticipated, you can try a lower dosage.

It is important to remember that eating a heavy meal or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can impair the drug's effectiveness. Always seek the advice of your doctor before taking prescription medication and read the safety information and instructions provided with it.

What are the side effects of ED tablets?

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The most common side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, a blocked or runny nose and dizziness. Tadalafil can also cause back or muscle pain. They are usually mild and wear off as the medicine does. Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or an erection lasting more than four hours. ED tablets must never be taken with nitrates (often prescribed for angina) or “poppers”. The full list of side effects for each medicine is on its product page and in its patient information leaflet.

Is Erectile Dysfunction linked to premature ejaculation?

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Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are separate conditions, though some men experience both. ED is difficulty getting or keeping an erection, while premature ejaculation is ejaculating sooner than wanted. Premature ejaculation has different treatments from erectile dysfunction, so it helps to mention both to a prescriber if they affect you.

Is it safe to buy ED medication online?

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Yes, it is safe when you buy erectile dysfunction medication online from a pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) that requires a consultation and prescriber review. Avoid websites that sell prescription ED tablets with no questions asked, as these may supply fake or unsafe products.

Quick Meds is registered with the GPhC (you can find our regulatory information below) and is also an NHS registered pharmacy providing services to NHS patients.

Where can I buy erectile dysfunction medication online in the UK?

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You can request ED medication online from Quick Meds, a GPhC-registered pharmacy. After a short online consultation and a phone call with one of our prescribers, we check that a treatment is suitable, and eligible patients have it delivered discreetly. Buying from a GPhC-registered pharmacy is important, as it means the medicine is genuine and prescribed safely.

What are the alternatives to ED tablets?

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If tablets are not suitable or do not work, other options include Eroxon gel, which is applied to the tip of the penis, works within about 10 minutes and does not need a prescription; alprostadil cream (Vitaros), applied to the opening at the tip of the penis; and alprostadil injections (Viridal Duo). Vacuum pumps and, where stress or relationship factors play a part, psychosexual therapy can also help. A prescriber can advise which option suits you.

Can Erectile Dysfunction be cured?

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Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be cured if the underlying cause can be treated, such as a lifestyle factor or an underlying condition. In other cases, ED is ongoing and managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes rather than cured outright. Stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, staying active and keeping a healthy weight all lower your risk.

Is erectile dysfunction normal at my age?

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ED becomes more common with age, especially after 40, and about half of men aged 40 to 70 have some degree of it. It is not an inevitable part of getting older, though, and it can affect men of any age. In younger men it is more often linked to stress, anxiety or lifestyle; in older men, to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Because ED can be an early sign of heart disease, it is worth getting checked at any age.

Is erectile dysfunction the same as impotence?

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Yes, impotence is an older word for erectile dysfunction (ED). Both describe difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction is the term more commonly used by healthcare professionals today and covers erection problems that happen occasionally as well as those that happen regularly.

Will I have to take ED medication for the rest of my life?

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If the cause of your erectile dysfunction can be treated or improves with lifestyle changes, you may not need ED medication long term. In other cases, ongoing treatment is the most effective way to manage it. A prescriber will review your treatment over time.

Will I become addicted to ED medication?

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No, ED medications, including tablets like sildenafil and alprostadil creams or injections, are not addictive. Needing a medication to get an erection is not a sign of dependence; it simply means the medicine is helping with a physical process. You take it only when you need it, or as a low daily dose if that option suits you.

What should I do if my erection lasts more than four hours?

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An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency. Seek urgent medical help straight away, as prompt treatment protects against lasting damage. This is rare, but it is important to act quickly if it happens.

Which erectile dysfunction medication is best?

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There is no single ED medication that is best for everyone. The right treatment depends on how often you have sex, whether you prefer daily or on-demand treatment, your medical history and any other medicines you take. Creams and injections are also available if ED tablets are not suitable. If you're unsure of which treatment is best for you, get in touch with our team and a prescriber will help you choose a suitable ED treatment during your consultation.

How long should I wait between ED treatment doses?

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How long you should wait between ED treatment doses depends on the medicine you take, so follow the dosing instructions supplied with your treatment. As a general rule, on-demand tablets are taken no more than once in 24 hours. Daily tadalafil is taken once a day at around the same time. Check with a pharmacist if you are unsure.

How long do ED tablets take to work and how long do they last?

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Most erectile dysfunction tablets start working within 30 to 60 minutes, although avanafil can work in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Sildenafil and vardenafil work for around 4 to 5 hours, avanafil for up to about 6 hours, and tadalafil for up to 36 hours. You won’t have an erection throughout this time: you still need sexual stimulation to get one.

Can I buy ED tablets over the counter, or without seeing a doctor?

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Yes, you can buy ED tablets over the counter. Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50mg) is available alongside Cialis Together (tadalafil 10mg) following a short consultation with us.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

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ED can have physical or psychological causes, and often a mix of both. Physical causes include conditions that affect blood flow, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Others are low testosterone, some medicines (including some blood pressure tablets and antidepressants), smoking, heavy drinking and being overweight. Psychological causes include stress, anxiety, depression and relationship problems. Our prescribers check for these during your consultation.

How much does ED treatment cost?

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It depends on the medicine, strength and pack size. At Quick Meds, tadalafil starts at 4 tablets for £8.95, sildenafil from £1.25 a tablet, and daily tadalafil from £0.62 a tablet. Tracked delivery is from £5.99. There’s no subscription: you only order when you need to.

Can I drink alcohol while taking ED tablets?

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A small amount of alcohol is usually fine, but heavy drinking makes erection problems worse and can increase side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure. Keep alcohol to a minimum around the time you take your tablet and follow the advice in your patient information leaflet.