Viagra, Cialis, or Something Else? The ED Treatment Guide That's Actually Honest

Half of men over 40 experience ED. Most suffer in silence for years before seeking help. If you're researching solutions at midnight, here's what your mates won't tell you but your doctor should: ED medication works for 80% of men, and getting it online is often easier, faster, and more discreet than seeing your GP.

Let's have the conversation nobody's having properly.

The Big Three Compared

Viagra (sildenafil): The original. Works in 30-60 minutes. Lasts 4-6 hours. Empty stomach needed. The "event pill."

Cialis (tadalafil): The weekend pill. Works in 30 minutes. Lasts 36 hours. Food doesn't matter. More spontaneous.

Levitra (vardenafil): The forgotten middle child. Works in 25 minutes. Lasts 5 hours. Slightly fewer side effects.

Spedra (avanafil): The new generation. Works in 15 minutes. Lasts 6 hours. Fewer side effects. Costs more.

How They Actually Work

All PDE5 inhibitors. They don't create desire—they enable performance when aroused.

Blood vessels dilate. Blood flow increases. Erection becomes possible/maintainable. Simple biochemistry, not magic.

Common misconception: they cause automatic erection. Reality: arousal still required. They remove the mechanical barrier, not psychological ones.

Real Success Rates

Clinical trials show:

• Viagra: 82% achieve satisfactory erection

• Cialis: 81% success rate

• Levitra: 80% success rate

• Spedra: 78% success rate

But "success" varies. Some men achieve normal function. Others see improvement but not perfection.

The Daily Cialis Option

Game-changer for many: Cialis 2.5mg or 5mg daily.

Benefits:

• Always ready

• No planning required

• Improved urinary symptoms (bonus for older men)

• Better spontaneity

• Psychological confidence boost

Downsides:

• Daily medication commitment

• Higher monthly cost

• Constant low-level side effects for some

Men in relationships often prefer daily. Single men often choose on-demand.

Side Effects Reality

Common (all medications):

• Headache (16%)

• Flushing (10%)

• Nasal congestion (4%)

• Back pain (Cialis specifically)

• Visual changes (Viagra specifically)

Usually mild, decrease with use. Hydration helps. Lower doses reduce effects.

Serious (rare):

• Priapism (erection >4 hours)

• Sudden vision loss

• Hearing loss

• Heart issues (if predisposed)

Online Prescribing Revolution

Why men choose online:

Privacy: No awkward GP conversation. No receptionist knowing. Discreet delivery.

Speed: Same-day approval common. Medication within 24-48 hours.

Choice: Access to all options. Generic and branded. Combination approaches.

Price: Often cheaper than private GP. Bulk buying discounts.

Support: Many offer ongoing support, dose adjustment, lifestyle advice.

Generic vs Branded

Sildenafil (generic Viagra): £0.80-2 per tablet Viagra branded: £5-8 per tablet

Identical active ingredient. Same efficacy. Same safety. Only difference: price and pill appearance.

Tadalafil (generic Cialis): £1-2 per tablet Cialis branded: £7-10 per tablet

Smart money buys generic.

When Pills Don't Work

20% don't respond to first medication. Options:

Try another: Non-response to Viagra doesn't mean Cialis won't work. Different medications suit different men.

Adjust dose: Start low, increase if needed. Maximum safe doses higher than starting doses.

Check testosterone: Low testosterone reduces efficacy. May need hormone treatment first/alongside.

Consider injections: Alprostadil injections work when pills don't. Higher success rate. Less convenient.

Vacuum devices: Mechanical solution. Works for almost everyone. Not sexy but effective.

Psychological support: Performance anxiety common. Pills won't fix psychological ED alone.

The Testosterone Connection

Low testosterone causes/worsens ED. Signs:

• Reduced morning erections

• Low libido

• Fatigue

• Mood changes

• Muscle loss

Online clinics increasingly check testosterone. Treatment transforms many men's lives beyond just ED.

Lifestyle Factors

What actually helps:

• Weight loss (10% improvement per stone lost)

• Exercise (especially resistance training)

• Smoking cessation (immediate improvement)

• Alcohol reduction

• Stress management

• Sleep optimisation

Pills work better when lifestyle supports them.

Age-Specific Patterns

20s-30s: Usually psychological. Porn-induced ED increasing. Lower doses often sufficient.

40s-50s: Mixed causes. Stress, lifestyle, early vascular changes. Standard doses typical.

60s+: Primarily vascular. Often need higher doses. Daily Cialis popular. Combination with testosterone common.

Partner Perspectives

Research shows:

• 73% of partners prefer treated ED to avoidance

• Relationship satisfaction improves with treatment

• Communication about ED strengthens relationships

• Partners often encourage seeking help

The shame is unnecessary and counterproductive.

Cost Comparison

Monthly costs (assuming twice-weekly use):

Generic sildenafil: £8-16 Generic tadalafil daily: £30-40 Branded Viagra: £40-64 Branded Cialis: £56-80

NHS prescription: £9.65 regardless of quantity (if eligible) Many online services offer subscription discounts.

Safety With Other Medications

Never combine with:

• Nitrates (heart medication)

• Alpha-blockers (without medical supervision)

• Other ED medications

• Poppers (recreational nitrates)

Discuss with prescriber:

• Blood pressure medications

• Antidepressants

• Diabetes medications

• Any heart conditions

The Bottom Line

ED medication is safe, effective, and life-changing for most men. The stigma is outdated. Online prescribing offers privacy and convenience without compromising safety.

The hardest part is asking for help. After that, it's just choosing what works best for your situation.

Need discreet, professional help with ED? WhatsApp our men's health specialists for confidential consultation. GMC-registered doctors, all options available, judgment-free support. Because your sexual health matters as much as any other aspect of wellbeing.

FAQs

What if I don't have ED but want to try it? Don't. If you don't have ED, these medications can cause psychological dependence, reduce natural confidence, and create problems that didn't exist. Plus side effects without benefits.

Can I drink alcohol with ED medication? Moderately, yes. One or two drinks fine. Heavy drinking reduces efficacy and increases side effects. Alcohol itself causes ED—counterproductive combination.

Is buying online safe? From regulated UK pharmacies, yes. Look for GPhC registration, GMC-registered prescribers, and CQC regulation. Avoid sites shipping from abroad or requiring no consultation.

Will ED medication help premature ejaculation? Not directly. Different mechanism. However, confidence improvement might help indirectly. Specific PE treatments available—discuss with prescriber.

Can young men get ED medication online? Yes, if clinically appropriate. Age alone isn't a factor. Young men increasingly experience ED from psychological causes, porn use, or lifestyle factors. Treatment is available regardless of age.