Erectile dysfunction: where to get help in the UK

Short answer: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common and treatable. You can see your GP, who can also check for underlying causes such as heart disease or diabetes. You can speak to a pharmacist at a high-street pharmacy, where some tablets are available after a short consultation. Or you can use an online pharmacy for a private, discreet clinician review and delivery. If ED is new, or you have other symptoms, start with your GP.

How the three routes compare

NHS (via your GP)

• Cost: The consultation is free. NHS prescribing for ED is limited to certain conditions or specialist assessed severe distress, so many men pay for treatment privately.
• Health check: Can examine you and arrange blood tests (for example blood sugar and cholesterol).
• Privacy: Face-to-face appointment.
• Speed: Depends on appointment availability.
• Best for: New ED, other symptoms, or long-term conditions.

High-street pharmacy

• Cost: You pay for any treatment; advice is free.
• Health check: Pharmacist consultation; may refer you to your GP.
• Privacy: Conversation in a consultation room.
• Speed: Same day.
• Best for: Men who want to speak to someone in person today.

Online pharmacy (such as Lyv)

• Cost: Private. Prices shown before you start.
• Health check: Medical history review by a UK prescriber; may refer you to your GP.
• Privacy: Online questionnaire and discreet delivery.
• Speed: Usually days. Delivered in discreet packaging.
• Best for: Men who prefer privacy and convenience, or who want to renew treatment.

Why your heart matters

The blood vessels that supply the penis are small, so ED can sometimes be an early sign of heart or circulation problems. That is why a good service always asks about blood pressure, heart conditions and medicines. ED is not only a problem of older age. In one study of men seeking help for ED for the first time, about one in four were aged 40 or younger. So age alone is not a reason to ignore it.

Get urgent help if

• You have chest pain or breathlessness. Call 999 or go to A&E.
• An erection lasts more than 4 hours. Go to A&E.
• You notice sudden changes in vision or hearing after taking ED treatment. Stop the treatment and seek urgent medical help.
• You have new back pain with numbness or weakness in your legs, or problems controlling your bladder or bowels.

See your GP soon if

• ED came on suddenly after an injury or surgery.
• You also have pain, curvature or a lump in the penis.
• You have lost interest in sex, or feel low or anxious.
• You have symptoms of diabetes or heart disease, such as feeling very thirsty or tired.