Daily vs On-Demand ED Medication: Pros and Cons 

Erectile dysfunction is a fairly common condition, especially for men above the age of 40. If it starts to affect quality of life, you may wish to consult a doctor. There are a few medical treatment options for ED such as sildenafil or tadalafil. These work to promote blood flow to the penile region during arousal. There are two main ways you can take ED medication: as needed or daily. In this article, we discuss how Medication for Erectile Dysfunction works and weigh up the pros and cons of both options.

How Daily Erectile Dysfunction Medication Works

In some cases, people may opt for medication to manage erectile dysfunction. The most commonly used daily erectile dysfunction medication is a low dose of a drug like tadalafil. This is a type of PDE5 (full name is phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitor. In fact, to understand the mechanism of this medication, we should first go through some background information. It is worth noting that Tadalafil does not directly boost libido, it only supports the body’s natural physiological response. PDE5 is a type of enzyme which constricts (or tightens) the blood vessels. Sometimes with erectile dysfunction, the trouble is getting the blood into the penis due to the constriction of blood vessels in the area. Thus, by taking medication that inhibits or stops PDE5 (the vessel constrictor enzyme), the blood vessels relax and allow more blood to flow in easily. This supports the user to get an erection more easily when aroused. Additionally, the daily dosing means a steady level of the medication is maintained in the body. This is an advantage because unlike other forms of erectile dysfunction medication, you do not need to take a Tadalafil tablet before intercourse.

The Benefits of a Daily Pill for Erectile Dysfunction

There are several benefits to taking erectile dysfunction medication that is designed to be used daily rather than on-demand erectile dysfunction pills. Some examples include:

• Daily ED pills mean that planning ahead for medication timing is not needed, this can allow for more spontaneity in intercourse which may improve the overall experience.
• Maintaining steady levels of the ED medication may mean the effectiveness or response to the medication is more consistent as compared to taking tablets as needed.
• If someone is having frequent intercourse, using daily pills may be more suitable and convenient as compared to taking a pill on demand each time.

Understanding On-Demand Erectile Dysfunction Pills

Similar to the daily tablets for erectile dysfunction, the on-demand pills work by promoting blood flow to the penis during arousal. Unlike the daily pills, ‘On demand’ or ‘as needed’ pills for erectile dysfunction are taken before intercourse. This means that there is some element of planning ahead needed to achieve the desired effect of the medication. For example with Sildenafil, the estimated time range for the drug to take effect is from 25 minutes to 60 minutes. Thus, it is advised that you take this medication around an hour before intercourse to allow enough time for Sildenafil to work.

Pros and Cons of ER On-Demand Treatments

Here at Meds For Less there are a range of erectile dysfunction medications available. If you are considering starting on-demand erectile dysfunction medication, it may be helpful to first weigh up the pros and cons. If you have any questions specific to your situation, please consult your healthcare provider. For example:

Daily Erectile Dysfunction Tablets Compared to On-Demand ED Pills: Which Option Is Better?

So if I want to start treatment to manage erectile dysfunction, are the daily ED tablets better for me or the on-demand ones?

Generally speaking, you should start with the on-demand ed pills (e.g sildenafil). The national clinical guidelines also recommend starting with this option unless there are contraindications e.g pre-existing medical conditions. If your symptoms are improving with on-demand ED tablets then you should continue with this. It is advised that daily ED tablets are prescribed cautiously after thorough medical review. This is because the experience of the ED and taking medication can be highly personal.

Key Takeaways for Choosing Your Treatment

Both daily and on-demand ED medications usually work to relax blood vessels to promote flow to the penile region. A daily dosage format just means that it keeps steady levels of the medication in your system which can allow for continuous effects (e.g erection support when aroused). However, if you have never taken medical treatment for ED before, it is advised that you start with on-demand tablets (e.g sildenafil). This format does mean that you may have to plan ahead and think about timings for the medication, but it also means you are not getting too much exposure to medication that is not needed anyways. Overall, a key point to remember is that erection difficulties are actually very common and if it is starting to affect you, there is no shame in consulting a doctor. At the consultation, the doctor can assess your situation and recommend treatment tailored to your individual circumstances.