Erectile Dysfunction

Most erectile dysfunction has a physical cause — reduced blood flow, diabetes, high blood pressure or hormone changes — but stress, anxiety, tiredness and drinking too much alcohol are common contributors too, and some medicines can play a part. It becomes more common with age, but it isn't something you simply have to accept: most men can be treated successfully.

Yes. Viagra Connect (sildenafil) is a pharmacy medicine our pharmacist can supply after a few quick questions. Eroxon Stimgel is a prescription-free medical-device gel applied just before sex, and the VaxAid vacuum pump is a drug-free device option. Our pharmacist can help you work out which of these suits you best.

Tablets such as sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil are prescription treatments our pharmacist can discuss and, where suitable, supply after a consultation. They work by helping the blood vessels in the penis relax so more blood can flow in when you're aroused. See our erectile dysfunction treatment page to find out more.

Often, yes. Losing excess weight, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol and reducing stress can all improve erections — and they protect your heart, which matters because the same blood-vessel problems can drive both. Treatment and lifestyle changes work well together, so you don't have to choose one or the other.

See your GP if erection problems keep happening — they can occasionally be an early warning sign of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, so it's worth a check-up even if a treatment is working for you. Get advice promptly if the problem started after beginning a new medicine, or if you have other symptoms that worry you.