Are erectile dysfunction treatments available through the NHS?

Treatment for erectile dysfunction is available on the NHS with a prescription from your doctor. To be eligible for a prescription, you’ll need to meet certain NHS criteria and, your GP will decide if the treatment is suitable for you to take.

If you are prescribed any erectile dysfunction medication by your GP you will have to pay for your NHS prescription, unless you are exempt.

The active ingredients in erectile dysfunction medication are tadalafil and sildenafil. Both tadalafil and sildenafil are unbranded versions of ED medication, however, they are both included in branded medication as well. Sildenafil is available under the brand name Viagra and tadalafil is available under the brand name Cialis

What are the criteria for tadalafil (Cialis) on the NHS?

If you have multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury, tadalafil is available on the NHS to treat ED.¹ It is not available to treat benign prostate enlargement.¹

If you do not meet the NHS criteria for tadalafil, you can get a private prescription from your doctor. This means you'll need to pay the full cost of the medicine.

What are the criteria for sildenafil (Viagra Connect) on the NHS?

You can get sildenafil on the NHS if you have erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension.² Branded versions of sildenafil such as Viagra Connect are not available on the NHS, except in special circumstances.²