It's estimated that millions of men in the UK experience erection problems at some point in their lives (1). But knowing where to seek help can feel difficult. For many men, booking a GP appointment to discuss erectile dysfunction feels embarrassing, uncomfortable, or simply inconvenient.
But you don’t necessarily need to see your GP to access erectile dysfunction treatments. While talking to your GP is important in some cases, you can also get prescription-strength treatment from regulated online pharmacies after completing a medical consultation.
Here, we explore the different options available, when an online service may be appropriate, and when speaking to your GP is the right choice — even if it feels a little uncomfortable.
Explore our erectile dysfunction treatments or start an online consultation today.
In this article:
What are your options for erectile dysfunction treatment?
When should you go to your GP?
When can you use an online erectile dysfunction service?
What treatment options are available through the NHS and online?
Should you go to your GP for erectile dysfunction?
What are your options for erectile dysfunction treatment?
There are four main routes to accessing erectile dysfunction treatment in the UK:
Visit your NHS GP, who can assess your symptoms, investigate any underlying causes, and discuss treatment options to help your symptoms.
See a private doctor or specialist clinic if you'd prefer a private consultation outside the NHS, though this still involves a face-to-face conversation and is more expensive.
Use an online doctor service, where a UK-registered prescriber reviews your medical information online and can prescribe treatment if appropriate.
Buy certain erectile dysfunction treatments directly from a pharmacy without needing a prescription. For example, sildenafil 50mg is available over the counter.
For many men, the best option comes down to what feels most comfortable. Some prefer the reassurance of speaking to a doctor face-to-face, while others value the convenience and privacy of accessing treatment online.
The important thing is not where you seek help, but that you seek help.
When can you use an online erectile dysfunction service?
If none of the situations above applies, an online erectile dysfunction service may be a suitable alternative. For many men, it offers a more discreet and convenient way to access treatment:
There’s no need to book an appointment
You can avoid potentially embarrassing face-to-face conversations
Treatment is delivered directly to your door in discreet packaging
It’s easier to fit around work, family, and other commitments
It's important to choose a regulated online pharmacy (3). The MHRA has warned that millions of illegal erectile dysfunction pills are sold through unregulated websites, where medicines may be counterfeit, unsafe, or supplied without appropriate medical checks (4). Buying from a registered online pharmacy helps keep you safe.
These legitimate sites use medical questionnaires to assess whether treatment is appropriate. If there are any concerns, you'll be advised to speak to your GP. This means you can still access professional medical guidance without needing an appointment.
When should you go to your GP for erectile dysfunction?
Many men with erectile problems can safely access erectile dysfunction treatment and get the support they need through a pharmacy or online doctor service. But there are some situations where speaking to your GP is important.
You should book a face-to-face appointment with a doctor, via the NHS or privately, if:
Your erectile dysfunction started suddenly or is getting worse
You have symptoms of another health condition, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or shortness of breath
You have concerns about your heart health or circulation
You have signs of low testosterone, such as a low sex drive, fatigue, or loss of muscle mass
You experience pain during erections
You have noticed a bend or curvature in your penis that wasn't there before
Erectile dysfunction is affecting your mental well-being or relationships
You’ve already tried erectile dysfunction treatments, and they haven't worked for you
This is because erectile dysfunction can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hormonal problems, or heart problems. If there is any sign that something deeper might be going on, it’s important to get it checked.
That doesn't mean erectile dysfunction is always a sign that something is wrong and it's common to have ED and be a healthy person. In many cases, it can be caused by stress, anxiety, tiredness, alcohol, or simply getting older (2). But if you're concerned about your symptoms, speaking to your GP can help rule out any underlying causes.
What treatments are available through the NHS and online?
The treatment options available to you may differ depending on where you seek support.
If medication is appropriate, NHS treatment usually starts with PDE5 inhibitor tablets, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, alongside lifestyle changes that may contribute to your symptoms. If these don’t work, erectile dysfunction pumps may be discussed depending on availability (2).
Online providers offer a wider range of treatment options. As well as sildenafil and tadalafil tablets, treatments may include branded medicines like Viagra and Cialis, as well as alternatives like Eroxon Gel, Vitaros Cream, Hezukue Spray, and Alprostadil Injections for men who prefer not to take pills.
The trade-off is cost. NHS prescriptions in England are available for the standard prescription charge of £9.90 (5), while online treatments are paid for privately. Still, the additional convenience, privacy, and choice make online treatment a worthwhile option for many men.
It's worth remembering that sildenafil 50mg (Viagra Connect) is also available over the counter from pharmacies, meaning some men may be able to access treatment without a prescription at all (6).
At Oxford Online Pharmacy, independent UK doctors can assess your symptoms online and help you explore a range of erectile dysfunction treatment options, all from the privacy of your own home.
Explore our erectile dysfunction treatments or start an online consultation today.
References
Erectile Dysfunction - The Urology Foundation [Internet]. The Urology Foundation. 2024.
NHS. Erectile dysfunction (impotence) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017.
General Pharmaceutical Council [Internet]. Pharmacyregulation.org. 2018.
MHRA. 20 million illegal erectile dysfunction pills seized as MHRA warns against risky online buys [Internet]. GOV.UK. 2026.
NHS. NHS prescription charges [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2024.
Viagra Connect 50 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk.