We’re able to get an erection when there is a healthy and consistent flow of blood to the penis. Erectile dysfunction occurs when the PDE5 enzyme starts suppressing blood flow to the penis. There are a wide range of conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some physical causes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or hormonal problems. Some psychological causes include stress, anxiety, depression or relationship problems.

Yes. In some cases it’s treatable by tackling the root causes of erectile dysfunction, such as high blood pressure or anxiety. But it’s not always clear whether ED is a symptom of these conditions or not. For example, you may have high blood pressure, but this may not actually be causing your erectile dysfunction. In these cases it may be quicker, cheaper and easier to treat ED using prescription medication such as sildenafil or tadalafil.

The most common prescription treatment options are sildenafil and tadalafil. They’re both oral medications that work by restoring a healthy flow of blood to the penis, making it easier to get an erection. The main difference between them is that sildenafil lasts for up to four hours, whilst tadalafil lasts for up to 36 hours. But the underlying science behind them is the same.

Yes. If the causes of ED are physical, your symptoms may be improved by drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and doing more exercise. If the causes of ED are psychological, possible treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), sex therapy or couples counselling. However, it may take several months or even years to get the benefits from these methods. Treatments such as sildenafil or tadalafil are near-instant. You could use them as a short-term solution whilst you investigate the root causes of ED, but they have also proven to be a safe and effective long-term treatment for the condition1.

Sildenafil and tadalafil should both take effect in less than one hour.

Sildenafil lasts for up to four hours. Tadalafil lasts for up to 36 hours. This does not mean you will have a constant erection for the entire duration. This medication simply makes it easier to get an erection. You still need to be sexually aroused.

There has been significant clinical research over a number of years to suggest that sildenafil and tadalafil are safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. They have both been approved for use in the UK by the MHRA since the 1990s.

The most common side effect of sildenafil is a headache, which may affect more than 1 in 10 people. Other possible side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people, include nausea, indigestion, hot flushes and dizziness. The most common side effects of tadalafil, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people, include nausea, indigestion, hot flushes, headaches and dizziness. If you’re taking sildenafil or tadalafil for erectile dysfunction then you’re less likely to experience any side effects, as you’re only taking it for a short period of time. Any side effects are normally mild and subside quickly.

The main difference between tadalafil and sildenafil is how long they last. Tadalafil lasts for around 36 hours. Sildenafil lasts for around four hours. Sildenafil is the active ingredient found in Viagra. Both medications are identical. Viagra is more expensive than sildenafil because it is a branded product.

If your prescription is approved before 12pm, we aim to have your delivery with you the very next day. It will arrive in discreet, non-branded packaging, and will always include a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) containing key information about what the medication is and how to take it.