What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction?

There isn't one single "best" treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). What works depends on the cause, your health history, and what you're comfortable with. In the UK, treatment options generally move from the least to the most involved: lifestyle changes, oral medication, a newer topical gel, mechanical devices, injections, and, in rare cases, surgery.

Erectile dysfunction is when you either can't get an erection, or can't keep one long enough for sex. It's very common, particularly in men over 40, and it's usually nothing to worry about on its own. But if it keeps happening, it's worth seeing a GP, because it can sometimes point to an underlying condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a hormone imbalance.¹

Eroxon: the newest non-prescription option

The newest addition to the ED treatment landscape is Eroxon, a topical gel you apply directly to the penis rather than swallow. The NHS lists it in its own dictionary of medicines and devices, meaning it's a recognised product available in the UK without a prescription.²

Unlike tablets, Eroxon works through a physical rather than a chemical effect. You apply it a short time before sex, and it creates a brief cooling sensation followed by a gentle warming one that stimulates blood flow to the penis. Because it doesn't rely on being absorbed into your bloodstream like a tablet does, it often acts faster. It's a useful alternative for men who can't take, or would simply rather avoid, oral medication.

Oral tablets (PDE5 inhibitors)

Tablets remain the first-line treatment most GPs will discuss with you. The main options are sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Spedra). These all belong to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis.¹

Sildenafil is available on NHS prescription or over the counter at a pharmacy as Viagra Connect. The other tablets need a prescription. These medicines aren't right for everyone. Men taking certain heart medicines, particularly nitrates, shouldn't take PDE5 inhibitors, so it's always worth a proper conversation with a GP or pharmacist before starting one.¹

Devices, injections and surgical options

For men who don't respond well to tablets, or who can't take them, there are a few other routes. Vacuum pumps encourage blood flow into the penis mechanically and work for most men, though they're not always available on the NHS. Injections and urethral applications of medicines like alprostadil are another option for men who need something stronger than tablets. Penile implants are a surgical option, and doctors generally consider them only when other treatments haven't worked. Your GP or a specialist clinic can talk you through which of these might suit your situation.¹

Erectile dysfunction exercises that can help:

Exercise won't fix every cause of ED, but for many men it makes a genuine difference, particularly where blood flow or general fitness is part of the picture.

Pelvic floor exercises

The pelvic floor muscles support the base of the penis and play a role in erectile function. NHS physiotherapy guidance recommends regularly tightening these muscles, in the same way you would to stop yourself passing wind or urine, holding for a few seconds and then releasing. NHS guidance recommends doing these exercises at least three times a day, so it can help to tie them to something you already do daily, like brushing your teeth.³,⁴

Cardiovascular exercise

Regular aerobic activity like walking, running, swimming or cycling improves blood flow around the body, including to the penis. The NHS specifically recommends exercising daily as one of the lifestyle changes that can help with erectile dysfunction, alongside losing weight if you're overweight, stopping smoking, and cutting back on alcohol. One exception worth knowing: cycling for more than three hours a week is flagged by the NHS as something to avoid, since prolonged saddle pressure can affect blood flow to the area.¹

What is the best natural drink for erectile dysfunction?

You'll often see beetroot juice and pomegranate juice mentioned as "natural" options for ED. The logic behind them is straightforward. Beetroot is naturally high in nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide, a compound involved in relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, which may support healthy blood vessels more broadly.

It's worth being realistic about what these drinks can and can't do. They're not a replacement for medical treatment, and there isn't strong clinical evidence that either one meaningfully treats ED on its own. Think of them as a small, low-risk addition to a generally healthy diet, alongside the lifestyle changes the NHS recommends, rather than a standalone fix. If ED keeps happening, a GP visit is still the right next step.¹

Best supplements for erections

A few ingredients come up repeatedly when people search for supplements to support erectile function:

• L-arginine, an amino acid the body uses to produce nitric oxide, which is involved in blood vessel relaxation
• Zinc, a mineral that plays a role in testosterone production and general reproductive health
• Vitamin D, which some research has linked to healthy blood vessel and hormone function

These are widely discussed, but the evidence behind them for treating ED specifically is mixed, and none are a guaranteed fix. If you're considering any supplement, especially if you're already taking other medication, it's worth checking with a GP or pharmacist first. Some supplements can interact with medicines, including those used for heart conditions.

Best testosterone booster for erectile dysfunction

It's a common assumption that ED means low testosterone, but that's often not the case. Testosterone plays a role in sexual function, and low levels can contribute to a reduced sex drive and erectile difficulties. But most cases of ED have other causes, from blood flow and blood pressure to stress and medication side effects. Testing your testosterone levels with a GP is the sensible first step before assuming a "booster" is what you need.⁵

If your levels do come back low, lifestyle factors make a genuine difference. Good sleep, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are all linked to healthier testosterone levels over time. As for over-the-counter testosterone "boosting" supplements, the evidence for these is inconsistent at best, and they're not a substitute for a proper diagnosis. If testosterone is genuinely low, a doctor can talk you through medically supervised options.

Support for couples trying to conceive:

If you're trying to conceive and ED is making that harder, you're not alone, and it's a genuinely common part of the fertility journey for many couples. Timed intercourse can already feel pressured, and erectile difficulties can add another layer of stress right when you need things to feel simple.

This is where the twoplus Applicator Extra can help. It's an at-home insemination kit designed to deposit sperm close to the cervix, giving couples a practical, private way to keep working towards pregnancy even on nights when penetrative sex isn't possible. It's classified as an ICI (intracervical insemination) device, produced in a clean room, and used entirely in your own home, on your own schedule. Alongside it, twoplus also offers a male fertility supplement, formulated to support overall reproductive health as part of a broader approach to trying to conceive. As with any fertility concern, it's still worth discussing ED with a GP, since treating the underlying cause can help your overall health and your journey to parenthood.

A practical option when ED complicates conception:

For couples navigating both ED and trying to conceive, having an at-home option like the Applicator Extra means the pressure of "performance" doesn't have to stand between you and your family-building goals.

Frequently asked questions

Can erectile dysfunction be cured completely?

It depends on the cause. Where ED is linked to a specific issue, like a medication side effect or a treatable hormone imbalance, addressing that cause can resolve it. In other cases, ongoing treatment or lifestyle management is the more realistic goal, and that's still a very effective way to manage it long term.

Is Eroxon gel available on the NHS?

Eroxon is available without a prescription, meaning you can buy it directly from a pharmacy or online. The NHS lists it in its dictionary of medicines and devices, but availability and funding can vary, so it's worth checking with a local pharmacist.²

Can erectile dysfunction affect fertility?

ED itself doesn't usually affect sperm quality or fertility directly, but it can make it harder to have penetrative sex at the right time in a cycle, which is where it can complicate conception attempts.

When should I see a GP about erectile dysfunction?

If erection problems keep happening, rather than being a one-off, it's worth booking a GP appointment or visiting a sexual health clinic. It could be a sign of an underlying condition worth treating, and a doctor can talk you through the full range of options.¹

Does losing weight help erectile dysfunction?

Yes, for many men it does. The NHS lists losing weight, alongside quitting smoking and reducing alcohol, as one of the lifestyle changes that can genuinely improve erectile function.¹

1. NHS – Erectile dysfunction (impotence): overview, causes and treatments: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/
   
2. NHS Business Services Authority – Dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) browser, Eroxon gel listing: https://dmd-browser.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/amp/view/171973
   
3. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust – Pelvic floor exercises for men: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/pelvic-floor-exercises-for-men/
   
4. Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust – Pelvic floor exercises for men guide: https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/patient-leaflets/pelvic-floor-exercises-men-guide
   
5. St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Low testosterone patient information: https://sthk.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/leaflets/download/sthk-6064834db28bc8.79887093