ED pills

Disclaimer: This self-check questionnaire is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose erectile dysfunction (ED) or determine whether ED pills are appropriate for you. If you have doubts, persistent symptoms, or underlying health conditions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

ED pills—most commonly phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors—are widely used to support erections in men experiencing erectile difficulties. Before considering any treatment, it’s important to assess symptoms, duration, risk factors, and possible triggers. Use the checklist below to reflect on your situation.

Questionnaire

• Have you experienced difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity?
• Have these difficulties persisted for more than 3 months?
• Do erection problems occur in most sexual encounters (rather than occasionally)?
• Do you wake up with fewer or weaker morning erections than before?
• Have you noticed a decrease in sexual desire (libido)?
• Are you currently taking medications (e.g., antidepressants, blood pressure drugs) that may affect sexual performance?
• Do you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or high cholesterol?
• Have you experienced high levels of stress, anxiety, or symptoms of depression recently?
• Do you smoke, use recreational drugs, or consume alcohol heavily?
• Have you had pelvic surgery, prostate treatment, or radiation therapy?
• Do you experience pain, curvature, or other physical changes in the penis?
• Are you concerned about performance anxiety or relationship issues affecting intimacy?
• Have you tried lifestyle changes (exercise, weight loss, better sleep) without improvement?
• Do you experience chest pain or shortness of breath during sexual activity?
• Are you taking nitrates or medications for chest pain?

If you are interested in broader men’s health topics and awareness initiatives, visit our Health Events page for upcoming educational sessions.

How to interpret answers

Low reason to seek help

You answered “yes” to 1–3 questions, symptoms are occasional, and there are no major health conditions or risk factors. Occasional erection difficulties can be linked to fatigue, stress, or temporary emotional factors. Monitoring and lifestyle adjustments may be reasonable first steps.

Medium reason to seek help

You answered “yes” to 4–7 questions, symptoms persist for several months, or you have risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or medication use. Consider scheduling a non-urgent appointment with a primary care physician or urologist to discuss whether ED pills or other therapies are appropriate.

High reason to seek help

You answered “yes” to 8 or more questions, symptoms are persistent and distressing, or you have cardiovascular disease, take nitrates, or experience chest pain during sexual activity. Seek prompt medical advice. ED can sometimes be an early marker of vascular disease, and safe treatment requires professional evaluation.

Next steps: what to do

1. Track symptoms: Note frequency, severity, and context of erection difficulties for 4–6 weeks.
2. Review medications: List all prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
3. Assess lifestyle factors: Improve sleep, increase physical activity, reduce alcohol, and stop smoking if applicable.
4. Schedule a consultation: Start with a primary care doctor; you may be referred to a urologist or endocrinologist.
5. Prepare questions: Ask about benefits and risks of PDE5 inhibitors, possible side effects, and interactions.
6. Request appropriate tests: Blood glucose, lipid profile, testosterone levels, and blood pressure checks may be discussed.
7. Discuss alternatives: Counseling, vacuum devices, hormone therapy (if indicated), or other options may be considered.

For community awareness programs related to preventive screenings, see our Men’s Health Campaigns section.

Situation → urgency → action

Situation	Urgency	Action
Occasional difficulty, no chronic illness	Low	Monitor, optimize lifestyle, reassess in 1–2 months
Persistent ED (>3 months) with risk factors	Moderate	Book routine medical appointment
ED with diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol	Moderate–High	Comprehensive cardiovascular and metabolic evaluation
Chest pain during sex or nitrate use	High	Seek urgent medical advice before considering ED pills
Sudden onset after surgery or trauma	Moderate–High	Consult specialist (urologist) promptly

You can also explore our Upcoming Medical Events to stay informed about expert-led discussions on sexual health and safe medication use.

FAQ

1. What are ED pills?

ED pills typically refer to PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) that enhance blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

2. Do ED pills work for everyone?

Response varies. Effectiveness depends on underlying causes, overall health, and correct usage. They require sexual stimulation to work.

3. Are ED pills safe?

They are generally safe for many men but may cause side effects such as headache, flushing, nasal congestion, or visual changes. They are contraindicated with nitrates.

4. Can I take ED medication without a prescription?

Self-medicating is not recommended. A healthcare professional should evaluate cardiovascular risk and potential drug interactions.

5. Do ED pills increase sexual desire?

No. They improve the physiological response (erection) but do not directly increase libido.

6. How quickly do they work?

Depending on the type, onset ranges from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Duration varies by medication.

7. Can lifestyle changes improve erectile function?

Yes. Exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and controlling blood sugar and blood pressure can significantly help.

8. Is ED a sign of heart disease?

In some cases, yes. ED can precede cardiovascular events because penile arteries are smaller and may show symptoms earlier.

Sources

• American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines on Erectile Dysfunction
• European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Mayo Clinic – Erectile Dysfunction Overview
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Risk Factors