Ways to treat erectile dysfunction

The most commonly known treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) is medication, such as Viagra or sildenafil. You can usually get this by speaking to a pharmacist or talking to your GP.

Taking tablets to treat ED might not be the best option for you. There are other treatments available that can help improve the symptoms of ED. Other types of treatment include:

• Vacuum pump
• Injections
• Pellets
• Cream.

Talk to your GP about the different options available. They might refer you to a nurse who specialises in helping people with ED.

What if the treatment I try doesn’t work for me?

You might need to try a few different treatments, or a combination of treatments, before you find something that works well for you. Everybody is different, and what’s right for one person, might not be right for another.

If you’re feeling stressed, tired or have depression or anxiety, this may affect your libido (desire for sex), which can cause ED.¹ It may help to talk to a health professional about how you’re feeling. Your GP may be able to refer you to a psychologist or counsellor, or you can refer yourself through the NHS. Psychologists and counsellors are health professionals who are trained to listen.

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you might be prescribed antidepressant medication, which could help improve your mood and improve your libido (desire for sex).

If you have a partner, you may also find it helpful to talk to them about how you’re feeling. They might be dealing with some of their own feelings too and talking together about them could be helpful.

Read more about how partners can be supported.