Erectile dysfunction
Symptoms
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activity
- Reduced sexual desire
- Anxiety or stress related to sexual performance
Who this service is for
- Men aged 18 and over
- Those experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining erections
- Men who have had a recent health check with their GP
This service is not suitable for
- Those with severe heart conditions or recent heart attack/stroke
- Men taking nitrates for chest pain
- Those with very low blood pressure
- Men advised by a doctor not to have sex
When to seek urgent care
Contact your GP or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain during sexual activity
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing
- Prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours
- Symptoms of a heart attack
Treatment information
Treatment for ED usually starts with PDE5 inhibitor tablets, a well-established group of prescription medicines that improve blood flow in response to sexual arousal. They are not suitable for everyone, so your prescriber will confirm whether treatment is appropriate, which option fits your health and lifestyle, and whether a blood pressure or heart check is needed first. Where the cause is likely psychological or lifestyle-related, we will say so and point you to the right support.
Prescription treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment. If treatment is not clinically appropriate, you will not be charged for medication.
Treatment options
- PDE5 inhibitor tablets: the standard first-line medicines for ED. They help blood flow to the penis in response to sexual arousal; they do not cause an erection on their own.
- Taken when needed or as a low daily dose, depending on what suits you and your prescriber's advice.
- Prescribed only after your assessment. Not suitable for everyone, in particular men taking nitrate medicines for angina or with certain heart conditions.
Reviewed by
Anand Sharma
MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber
Superintendent Pharmacist (designate)
Important information
This is a private healthcare service. Prescription medications are only supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber. Treatment is not guaranteed and will only be provided where clinically appropriate. Alternative options may be discussed.