Erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It’s a common condition affecting men of all ages, though it becomes more common with age. ED can have physical causes (such as heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal issues) or psychological causes (such as stress, anxiety, or depression), or a combination of both.

The most commonly prescribed medications are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, which include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
• Avanafil (Stendra)

These medications work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.

The main differences are:

• Onset time: Sildenafil and vardenafil work in 30-60 minutes; avanafil works in 15-30 minutes; tadalafil works in 30-45 minutes
• Duration: Sildenafil and vardenafil last 4-5 hours; avanafil lasts 6-12 hours; tadalafil lasts 24-36 hours (or longer at higher doses)
• Food interaction: Sildenafil and vardenafil are affected by food (especially high-fat meals); avanafil and tadalafil are minimally affected

You can order our ED Trial Pack where you can sample 3 types of ED medication to see which one works for you

Yes. Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name versions and must meet the same rigourous UK medical standards for safety and effectiveness. They typically cost significantly less.