Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is when you find it hard to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It happens to most men at some point. If it keeps happening, you don’t have to put up with it.

It can knock your confidence. It can also be an early sign that your blood vessels need a check. That’s why we ask about your heart, medicines and lifestyle — not just which tablet you want.

Curaphyx is a UK pharmacy. You complete a short online consultation. A clinician reviews it in private. If treatment is right for you, we send it in plain packaging. If it isn’t safe, we won’t supply it.

You don’t have to live with it

Plenty of men wait months before they ask for help. There’s no face-to-face appointment and no need to explain it at a shop counter. Answer the questions honestly — including chest pain, heart medicines and poppers — so we can treat you safely.

How it works

1. Tell us about you — a confidential questionnaire, usually 5–10 minutes.
2. We review it — a UK clinician checks whether treatment is suitable. We may message you if we need more detail.
3. Treatment or advice — if approved, you get clear instructions and discreet delivery. If not, we’ll say so and point you to your GP where needed.

What causes ED?

Often it’s a mix of blood flow and nerves, plus stress or performance anxiety once it’s happened a few times.

Things that commonly play a part:

• high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart problems
• diabetes
• smoking, extra weight, too little exercise
• drinking more than you’d like
• stress, anxiety, low mood or relationship strain
• some prescribed medicines
• hormone changes, prostate treatment or pelvic surgery

If you still get morning erections, anxiety may be doing some of the work. If erections are weak all the time, a physical cause is more likely. Either way, we can usually help if the medicine is safe for you.

What you can try yourself

• stop smoking
• move more
• lose weight if you need to
• cut down alcohol
• talk to your partner — blame makes it worse

These steps help in the bedroom and they’re good for your heart. Tablets work better when the basics are in place.

Treatments we may offer

The usual first option is a tablet that helps blood flow into the penis when you’re turned on. It will not give you an erection on its own. You still need sexual stimulation.

Options a clinician may consider:

• Sildenafil — the same medicine as Viagra. Often taken about an hour before sex. Some 50 mg packs can be supplied after a pharmacist check.
• Tadalafil — the same medicine as Cialis. Lasts longer. Some men take it only when needed; others take a lower tablet every day so they don’t have to plan around it.
• Vardenafil and avanafil (Spedra) — other as-needed tablets if sildenafil or tadalafil aren’t the best fit.

Which one you get depends on how often you have sex, other medicines, side effects and what you’ve tried before. You don’t pick a brand off a shelf. The clinician does.

If tablets aren’t suitable, your GP can talk through creams, pumps or other options. Those are usually a next step, not the first online prescription.

Important safety points

Do not use ED tablets if you take nitrates for chest pain (including GTN spray) or nicorandil, or if you use poppers. The mix can drop your blood pressure dangerously.

Tell us about heart problems, a recent heart attack or stroke, very high or very low blood pressure, and any eye problems you’ve had after similar tablets.

If an erection lasts more than 4 hours or is painful, go to A&E. Don’t take another tablet.

ED tablets are not a treatment for coming too quickly. That’s a different problem with different products.

Skip herbal “male boosters” from social media. You don’t know what’s in them.

When to see your GP as well

An online consultation can get many men suitable treatment. Still see your GP if:

• this is new and keeps happening
• you have chest pain, breathlessness or pain during sex
• you’ve never had a blood-sugar or cholesterol check
• tablets at the proper dose haven’t helped after several tries
• the penis is bent, painful or injured

If you use a pharmacy-only tablet such as Viagra Connect, book a GP check within six months so nothing underneath is missed.

FAQs

Is this common?
Yes. Lots of men between 40 and 70 notice it. Younger men get it too, often with stress or drinking.

Will anyone know?
Your answers stay with the clinic. Delivery is discreet.

Can I drink with a tablet?
A little is usually fine. A lot works against you and can make you dizzy.

What if the first tablet doesn’t work?
Don’t double the dose yourself. Message us or complete a follow-up. It can take a few tries, with stimulation, before we change dose or switch medicine.

Will I definitely get treatment if I pay?
No. If it isn’t safe, we won’t send it.

Questions before you start? Ask a Curaphyx pharmacist.