The Most Effective Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Erectile dysfunction can mess with your confidence, your relationships, and your mojo. But the good news is you don’t have to live with it.

This guide breaks down the most effective ED treatments available today. We’ll look at how ED is diagnosed, what treatments work (and for whom), and how your partner can support you, because ED doesn’t just affect one person.

How do doctors diagnose erectile dysfunction?

First things first: before treating it, doctors need to figure out what’s causing your erectile dysfunction. They’ll usually start with a chat about your sexual history, general health, lifestyle, and psychological well-being. You may not love the idea of discussing this, but it’s an essential step in getting the proper treatment.

From there, they may:

• Do a physical exam
• Order blood tests to check hormones and cardiovascular health
• Refer you for imaging, like an ultrasound, to assess blood flow
• Suggest seeing a urologist, psychologist or sex therapist, if needed
• Speak with your partner (with your consent)

Erectile dysfunction is often caused by a mix of physical and psychological factors, so getting the whole picture is key.

What’s the best treatment for erectile dysfunction?

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best treatment is the one that works for you, depending on what’s causing your ED and your overall health and preferences.

Doctors typically start with the simplest options first, such as lifestyle changes or oral medications, and escalate treatment as needed. Often, combining treatments gives the best results.

Here’s a breakdown of the most effective erectile dysfunction treatment options:

Lifestyle changes

Improving your health is often the first, and best, place to start. Exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can make a big difference. Even walking 30 minutes a day can noticeably reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction³.

Lifestyle tweaks suit men with early ED or those wanting to treat the root cause. Plus, they boost heart health, mood, and energy.

Psychological therapies

It’s not all in your head, but your mind plays a huge role in your erections. Performance anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, depression, or relationship issues can all affect sexual function. Therapy can help unravel what’s going on and reduce pressure. Options like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or working with a sex therapist, alone or with your partner, can be incredibly effective¹.

This path suits men whose ED came on suddenly, those going through emotional challenges, or anyone wanting a holistic approach. Even when ED has a physical cause, reducing anxiety around sex can make a big difference. Supporting mental well-being often improves physical performance.

Oral medications (PDE5 inhibitors)

These are the go-to prescription treatments for many men. Oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and avanafil (Spedra) help relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you’re sexually aroused. They don’t cause an erection on their own; you’ll still need stimulation, but they can make it easier to get and maintain one.

They’re generally safe, although not suitable if you’re taking nitrates for heart conditions. Side effects, such as headaches or flushing, are usually mild and temporary⁶.

Injections and urethral therapies

If pills aren’t working, your doctor may suggest injectable medications like alprostadil. This involves injecting a small amount directly into the base or side of the penis just before sex. It might sound intense, but most men find it manageable once they’ve been shown how to do it⁶.

These options are suitable for men who haven’t had success with oral treatments and prefer a more hands-on approach. Injections have high success rates and don’t rely on good blood flow or nerve function the way tablets do⁶.

But proceed with caution. You might experience some mild pain or bruising, and overdosing can cause priapism, a prolonged erection that definitely overstays its welcome.

Vacuum erection devices (penis pumps)

Penis pumps use suction to draw blood into the penis. Once erect, a ring is placed at the base to keep things going. They’re simple, drug-free, and work within minutes, with a 70–80% success rate⁶. Just remember to remove the ring after 30 minutes.

A penis pump suits men who prefer a non-medication route, those recovering from prostate surgery, or anyone looking for an effective mechanical fix. It’s often used as part of penile rehabilitation and can even be combined with other treatments if needed.

While pumps can give the temporary impression of a bigger penis (thanks to increased blood flow), the change isn’t permanent. And while the results can be impressive, overuse or excessive pressure can lead to bruising, red spots (petechiae), numbness, or even nerve damage in the long term. So don’t go overboard, and definitely don’t fall asleep with the ring still on.

Penile implants

For men with long-term or severe ED, especially those who haven’t responded to other treatments, penile implants offer a permanent solution. These are surgically inserted devices that allow you to control when and how you have an erection.

There are two main types: inflatable implants, which you activate via a small pump in the scrotum, and malleable (semi-rigid) rods that you manually position. Most men prefer the inflatable option, as it looks and feels more natural, but the rods can be simpler to use for those with limited dexterity.

Penile implants suit men who are ready for a more permanent solution, particularly after prostate surgery or years of unsuccessful treatment. Satisfaction rates are high, exceeding 90%, but this is typically a last resort due to the surgical aspect⁶.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

If you have low testosterone, something a blood test can reveal, your doctor may recommend TRT using gels, patches, or injections. This treatment is more effective for low libido than for ED on its own, but it can help when combined with other therapies.

TRT is best suited to men with confirmed hypogonadism (low testosterone), especially those who haven’t responded to oral medications. It’s not a standalone solution for ED, but it can support libido and overall sexual well-being.

Other and emerging treatments

Some men are interested in more natural or cutting-edge approaches to health. L-arginine, an amino acid supplement that helps increase nitric oxide, has shown some promise in mild to moderate ED, especially when combined with PDE5 inhibitors⁶.

Shockwave therapy, which uses low-intensity sound waves to promote blood vessel growth, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — the so-called “P-shot” — are still considered experimental. They’re being studied, but more evidence is needed before they become mainstream recommendations^{4, 6}.

Nasal spray

Want to bring back spontaneity? SPONTAN^® is a fast-acting nasal spray for erectile dysfunction, designed to kick in within 10 minutes¹¹. It delivers the PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil through the nose, rather than through the gut, thereby avoiding the liver and allowing for faster absorption at a lower dose¹².

It’s discreet, non-invasive, and ideal for men who want quick results or who struggle with swallowing tablets. With SPONTAN^®, there’s no need to plan ahead — just confidence when the moment strikes.

What is the fastest way to solve erectile dysfunction?

If you're chasing speed, avanafil tablets can kick in within 15 minutes, and injections like alprostadil act quickly, too. But fast isn’t always best. What matters most is consistency, confidence, and finding what works for you. For speed, ease and reliability, keep SPONTAN® on your radar.

How do men deal with erectile dysfunction?

• Talk about it – Opening up to your partner or doctor can ease the emotional load and lead to better outcomes.
• Make lifestyle changes – Improve diet, exercise, and manage health conditions.
• Try pelvic floor exercises – Strengthening the pelvic floor improves function.

How does a partner deal with erectile dysfunction?

ED isn’t just a personal issue; it affects relationships, too. If you’re the supportive other half, here’s what can help:

• Don’t take it personally - ED isn’t about attraction.
• Stay supportive - A shame-free space makes a big difference.
• Be involved - Attend medical appointments or explore options together.
• Keep intimacy alive - Closeness and communication all matter.
• Consider therapy together - It can improve communication and connection.

The takeaway

Erectile dysfunction isn’t the end of the world. It’s common, treatable, and doesn’t define you. With the proper support and a little trial and error, most men can regain their confidence and sense of connection.

So, whether you’ve just noticed a change or have been dealing with ED for a while, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor, explore your options, and find what works for you. Because a great sex life isn’t over, it might just be getting started.