What to Know Before You Order ED Meds Online

What’s nearly as big as the U.S. condom market? The erectile dysfunction (ED) drug market – and it’s getting even bigger.

The U.S. ED drug market generated nearly $1.4 billion in sales in 2024, and by 2030 it’s expected to net close to $2.2 billion. A lot of that growth can be attributed to the expanding number of companies that sell ED meds online. 

If you are considering ordering your ED drugs online, there are facts you should know as an educated consumer. 

Erectile Dysfunction Explained

ED is a condition in which a man cannot achieve an erection firm enough to perform sex. Unlike the occasional inability to get “hard,” ED is chronic and consistent.

For many of the estimated 30 million to 50 million men who experience ED (including 52% of men between ages 40 and 70), this can be embarrassing and frustrating. 

However, ED is more than an inconvenience, it is a medical issue. While most commonly associated with low blood flow into the penis, other causes of ED require medical attention and can become serious. It’s important to first try to understand the cause of your ED with your urologist so that you know if ED meds – and which ones – will work best for you. 

These conditions include:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Endocrine
• Neurologic
• Peyronie’s disease (distortion of the penis)
• Prostate cancer treatments
• Other medication-related situations

How Erectile Dysfunction Meds Work

ED meds help you achieve an erection by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in the penis. Consequently, expansion of the erectile tissues restricts outflow of blood from the penis, allowing for maintenance of a more rigid erection. 

The two best-known oral medications for ED: sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). 

Both drugs consist of a slightly different chemical profile, which determines how fast the drug works, how soon it wears off, and the side effects. Viagra and Cialis are generally safe in most patients (with the exception of patients on nitrites); however, there are some things you should know in advance. 

What to Know Before You Place Your Order 

Many ED drugs are available online. Some men prefer this option for discretion and convenience. The Urology Group offers this type of discretionary order and delivery convenience through our Norwood pharmacy and our Northern Kentucky dispensary as well. Learn more: https://www.urologygroup.com/pharmacy/#tab-95864

However, it’s always best to first consult your doctor so that you understand the risks. Among them:

Reaction with other drugs – Some ED meds do not mix well with other prescriptions, presenting potentially dangerous outcomes. These drugs include nitrates (for chest pain/angina); alpha-blockers (enlarged prostate); and those that inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 (a metabolizer in the liver and intestines).

Being prescribed the wrong or ineffective dosage – Different prescriptions might require different dosages. Some drugs, such as Viagra, are not designed for daily dosing. Your doctor or pharmacist will know the right amount for you based on your health, lifestyle, and other prescriptions. 

Buying ineffective or fake drugs – While very rare in the case of ED medication ordered through U.S. sites, you may encounter scammers and/or too-good-to-be true prices. A legitimate online pharmacy will require a prescription and have a licensed pharmacist available to answer questions, along with a physical U.S. address. Contact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s “Safe Pharmacy” feature to verify an online seller’s credibility.

Being unprepared for or unaware of side effects – Commonly known side effects of ED medication include headaches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness, body aches, and digestive issues. In very rare cases vision and hearing loss have been linked to some ED drugs. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s time to call your doctor. 

If Meds Don’t Work, You Still Have Options

Your urologist can help you make an informed recommendation of which drug to take based on its chemical makeup, other health conditions you might have, and medications you are taking. 

Depending on these factors, you and your doctor might even choose an alternate treatment regimen. Non-invasive treatments for ED that you can ask about include:

• Shockwave therapy – Applying low-intensity ultrasound waves to improve blood flow into the penis. Learn more. 
• Injection therapy – A self-applied approach in which you inject medications into the penis to improve blood flow.
• Vacuum device – Drawing blood into the penis manually, using a hand pump, through a cylinder placed over the penis. A ring is then placed around the base of the penis to trap blood and maintain the erection.

Unsure if your occasional erectile issue is ED? Take our online ED quiz here to learn your ED score, or check out our erectile dysfunction web page. For a consultation about ED or other health issues detailed in this blog, request an appointment with one of our physicians here.