Erectile dysfunction is common and treatable. The best choice depends on your health, current medicines and how flexible you want timing to be. Below are straightforward routes you can take today.
ED causes and when to seek treatment
Short term erection problems are normal with stress, poor sleep or alcohol. Persistent issues for three months or more deserve attention. Common contributors include high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, low mood and anxiety. A review helps rule out underlying health problems and match you to the safest treatment.
Over-the-counter options
You do not always need a prescription. After a quick online questionnaire, you can order pharmacy medicines such as sildenafil or tadalafil directly from Healthwave for home delivery or collection. See our overview page erectile dysfunction at Healthwave for what to expect.
Online ED consultation and prescription
If a prescription is the better fit, an online doctor can review your health and medicines. If suitable, a prescription is sent to your chosen Irish pharmacy by Healthmail for delivery or collection. To start quickly, use our online doctor partner, Zava.
Sildenafil vs tadalafil: which tablet to choose
Sildenafil is taken as needed about an hour before sex and works for up to four hours. It suits planned timing.
Tadalafil can be taken as needed with effect up to 36 hours, or as a low daily dose for more spontaneity.
- Food, heavy meals can delay sildenafil more than tadalafil.
- Common effects, headache, flushing, nasal congestion and indigestion.
- Do not use with nitrates. Extra caution with some blood pressure tablets.
Dosage, onset time and fine tuning
Sildenafil as needed, often 50 mg initially, 30 to 60 minute onset, up to four hours duration.
Tadalafil as needed, often 10 mg initially, onset within 30 minutes, up to 36 hours duration.
If the first attempt does not work, check timing and avoid heavy meals with sildenafil. Many people need several attempts before judging effect. A doctor may adjust the dose if appropriate.
Safety checks and when to avoid treatment
ED tablets are not suitable with nitrates or recreational nitrites. Extra checks apply with alpha-blockers, some antifungals and antibiotics, HIV medicines, recent heart events, severe liver disease or uncontrolled blood pressure. If in doubt, seek medical advice before use.
FAQs
Can I buy ED tablets online in Ireland without a prescription?
Yes for pharmacy medicines after a short questionnaire, including sildenafil 50 mg and some tadalafil options. Prescription only strengths need a doctor’s review.
Which ED tablet works fastest and lasts longest?
Onset can be as fast as 30 minutes. Sildenafil lasts up to four hours. Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours and also has a low daily option.
Are ED medicines safe with heart or blood pressure meds?
They must not be taken with nitrates. Extra care is needed with some blood pressure tablets, so a pharmacist or doctor should review your medicines.
What if tablets do not work?
Check timing and dose, give several attempts, and consider lifestyle factors such as alcohol and stress. If still not effective, seek a review to consider alternatives.
