{"id":9072,"date":"2026-06-17T07:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T07:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/telyrx.com\/blog\/?p=9072"},"modified":"2026-06-04T00:02:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T00:02:40","slug":"choosing-the-right-erectile-dysfunction-drugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/telyrx.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/choosing-the-right-erectile-dysfunction-drugs\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right ED Treatment: Pills, Creams, Gels, & More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Erectile dysfunction (ED)<\/a> is a common type of male sexual dysfunction characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. ED can occur at any age, but the condition is more common as men get older. Roughly 40% of men report ED symptoms<\/a> at age 40, and 70% report symptoms at age 70.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A wide range of erectile dysfunction treatment options are available. These include oral medications, topical creams and gels, medicated injections, non-medicated mechanical devices like pumps, and penile surgery, which all vary in terms of cost and accessibility. Learn more about your options for the right erectile dysfunction treatment as an important first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Treatment<\/strong><\/td>\nExamples<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
As-needed pills<\/td>\nSildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Creams and gels<\/td>\nEroxon, alprostadil (Vitaros, Stardil)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Injections<\/td>\nIntracavernosal injection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Non-drug mechanical devices<\/td>\nVacuum erection devices (VEDs), constriction rings, penile support devices, penile traction devices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Surgery<\/td>\nPenile implants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supplements<\/td>\nL-arginine, L-citrulline, ginseng, propionyl-L-carnitine, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lifestyle changes<\/td>\nGetting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the Most Successful Treatment for ED?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Statistically, as-needed oral medication is the most successful ED treatment for many men. Erectile dysfunction drugs<\/a> like sildenafil<\/a> (Viagra), tadalafil<\/a> (Cialis), and vardenafil<\/a> (Levitra, Staxyn) belong to a medication class known as PDE5 inhibitors. They work by blocking enzymes that constrict blood vessels, helping to increase blood flow to the penis. Oral ED pills require sexual stimulation to promote arousal and produce an erection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PDE5 inhibitors are the most common first-line treatment for ED because they boast a 60% to 70%<\/a> success rate. They are also widely available and, when covered under insurance or purchased through a telehealth platform like TelyRx, can be relatively inexpensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this treatment pathway isn’t for everyone. Doctors may recommend alternative ED treatments for people who have certain preexisting medical conditions, such as severe cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that interact significantly with PDE5 inhibitors. If you cannot take oral medication or have not found success with PDE5 inhibitors, there are still other options to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newer ED Treatments: Erectile Dysfunction Creams and Gels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
A tube of medicated cream for ED.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the traditional approach of as-needed oral ED pills, there are newer topical ED treatments available. In 2022, the FDA approved Eroxon gel<\/a> as the first over-the-counter topical for treatment of erectile dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Topical erectile dysfunction creams or gels are formulated to stimulate blood flow to the penis, and they often have a faster onset than oral pills with fewer systemic side effects. For example, Eroxon stimulates nerve endings in the penis through timed temperature changes by being cool upon application, then gradually warming to promote stronger blood flow and produce a natural erection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At-Home Injections for ED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At-home injections for ED, also known as intracavernous injections (ICI), are an effective \u2014 albeit, more invasive \u2014 erectile dysfunction treatment alternative to oral pills and topical gels. These injections contain vasodilating medications like papaverine and phentolamine that widen blood cells and increase blood flow to the tip of the penis. Patients inject the needle into the side of their penis. While this may sound painful, the needle is very fine, and applying certain numbing creams or gels to the injection site can help reduce discomfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consulting a healthcare professional is required for at-home ED injections. Your doctor will <\/p>\n\n\n\n

perform the initial injection in a clinical setting to demonstrate the process, and train you on the precise techniques to prevent injury and scarring during self-administration.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mechanical Solutions like Pumps and Vacuum Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mechanical solutions for ED include the vacuum erection device (VED), also known as a penis pump or erectile dysfunction pump. These devices, which may be manually or battery operated, feature a plastic tube that fits snugly over the tip of the penis. The pump draws air out of the tube, creating a vacuum seal that increases blood flow to the penis to produce an erection. An elastic band at the base of the penis helps maintain the erection for as long as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VEDs are often effective, with some studies pointing to a success rate of 90% or higher<\/a>, but devices can be expensive and can lead to side effects like irritation and temporary skin discoloration. People with preexisting conditions like sickle cell disease or hemophilia, and those who take blood thinners, should talk to their doctor about whether it’s safe for them to use a penis pump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erectile Dysfunction Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Erectile dysfunction surgery typically involves penile implants. Inflatable penile implants are considered the gold standard, with a satisfaction rate above 90%<\/a>. These implants involve a complex hydraulic network of cylinders and pumps to pull fluid into the penis when an erection is desired, then deflate the penis and return it to a flaccid state after intercourse. Alternatively, some implants use semi-rigid rods that allow the penis to be gently bent into an erect, upright position for sexual intercourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with any medical operation, erectile dysfunction surgery requires thorough preparation. A doctor must evaluate the patient’s medical and surgical history, perform a full medical examination, and counsel the patient about their implant placement and operation. Recovery time varies, but typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks<\/a>. For some patients, full recovery can take up to 2 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erectile dysfunction surgery is considered a last resort for people who have not found success with less invasive ED treatment options, such as oral pills, topical gels, and vacuum erection devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home Remedies and Natural Treatments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Patient
Patient looking online for more information on ED treatment options.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Certain supplements and other non-medicinal remedies for erectile dysfunction may improve ED symptoms. For example, overall cardiovascular health can impact sexual health and performance, so lifestyle changes that improve heart health could also positively affect erectile function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies have shown that various dietary supplements can improve ED symptoms. The best supplement for erectile dysfunction<\/a> varies from person to person, and depends on factors like age and medical history. Common supplements for erectile dysfunction include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n