When you hear ED medication, drugs designed to help men achieve and maintain an erection by improving blood flow to the penis. Also known as erectile dysfunction drugs, these are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for a condition that affects nearly half of men over 40. It’s not just about pills—ED medication includes injections, pellets, and topical options, each with different pros and cons. What works for one person might do nothing for another, and some options carry risks you might not expect.
The most common ED medication belongs to a group called PDE5 inhibitors, oral drugs that block an enzyme limiting blood flow to the penis. Also known as sexual enhancement pills, they include medications like vardenafil and sildenafil. But there’s more to it than just popping a pill. For example, alprostadil, a medication injected directly into the penis or inserted as a suppository. Also known as prostaglandin E1, it’s often used when pills don’t work—or when someone can’t take them due to heart conditions or other meds. These aren’t interchangeable. One might kick in faster, another lasts longer, and some cost a fraction of others. You also need to know how they interact with alcohol, nitrate medications, or even grapefruit juice.
Many people assume ED medication is a one-size-fits-all fix. It’s not. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or take antidepressants, your options shrink. Some drugs work better on an empty stomach. Others need to be timed around meals. And if you’ve tried one and it didn’t work, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck—there are alternatives. The key is matching the treatment to your body, your lifestyle, and your health history. That’s why comparing options matters more than just picking the cheapest one.
Below, you’ll find real comparisons between the most common ED medications—what they do, how they feel, how long they last, and what side effects you might actually experience. No fluff. No marketing. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.
