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Viagra and its generic version, sildenafil, can be effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. But both medications require a prescription. A tester goes through our picks to get an idea of the online process. Follow along.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition, and many people find that it is treatable with Viagra — sometimes called the “little blue pill” — and its generic form, sildenafil.
Viagra and sildenafil are effective treatment options for ED, but they both require a prescription. As a result, you cannot buy them over the counter (OTC) — they require a consultation with a doctor.
If you’re comfortable talking about ED in person, you can meet with a doctor to discuss taking ED medications. But there are also several reputable telehealth platforms that offer consultations with doctors and other licensed medical professionals so you can get an ED med that works best for you.
Below, we discuss a few telehealth platforms and what you can expect from your consultation.
*Name has been changed at the request of the tester.
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We chose the following telehealth brands based on user ratings, discretion, and our product selection guidelines. This includes verifying Hims, Roman, Lemonaid, Rex MD, and Optum Perks claims that a doctor or other qualified or licensed medical professional is involved in determining the appropriateness of the prescribed medication available online.
We also ensure that sponsors and business partners never influence our content. In addition, we review Better Business Bureau ratings, where applicable, and check to make sure none of these brands have FDA
If you’d like to read more about our selection process and scoring system for telehealth platforms, check out Healthline Scores: How We Evaluate Men’s Telehealth Platforms.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the services on this page, we considered all the ED treatment services that passed our vetting process. Then, we scored each service to narrow down our list even further.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
ED is very common. In the United States alone, researchers estimate that around
ED is defined as the inability to develop and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity or penetrative sex.
Changes in some aspects of your lifestyle, such as your activity level and eating habits, can make a positive difference, as can the use of medications in some cases.
ED is very common.
In the United States, an estimated 30 million men* experience ED.
There are different causes of ED.
ED is the inability to develop and maintain an erection. This could be due to a physical, emotional, or psychological block.
You may not need ED pills.
Changes in some aspects of your lifestyle, such as activity level and eating habits, may help relieve ED symptoms.
*Source:
No matter which platform you decide to go with, the medication you get will be the same FDA-approved formula of Viagra or the generic version, sildenafil. The only thing that’s different is the platform itself and how it operates.
Here’s a basic idea of what you can expect during the process:
- Take an assessment: All the platforms will ask you questions about your medical history, any current medications, your symptoms, and more. Your answers will help a medical professional determine which ED medication is best for you and your needs.
- Verify your identity: Most online platforms will ask you for a verification method. Lemonaid asked Aaron to do a video check, which he found uncomfortable. Hims asks for your Social Security number or ID. Whichever method you use, make sure you trust the platform and its privacy policies.
- Talk with a medical professional: After you’ve created a profile, you can choose a time and date to talk with a medical professional if you don’t already have a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication. If you qualify for an ED medication, they’ll write you a prescription and take you to the next step.
- Pay and confirm: Some platforms, such as Rex MD and Hims, will ask for your payment information before you meet with a medical professional. If you don’t qualify for an ED medication, the service will refund any amount you’ve been charged. If you’re good to go, you’ll either be charged at that point or be taken to the payment and confirmation page.
- Get your medication: Last but not least, you’ll get your medication. Check with the platform to find out how your meds will be delivered. Hims offers free shipping in 2 to 5 days, but other platforms may send your prescription to a local pharmacy so you can pick it up.
Take Viagra as directed. While various dosages are available, it’s important not to take more than your doctor prescribes.
While Viagra is considered safe to use, some people may experience mild side effects. Some people have also experienced serious side effects that would require emergency attention. These serious side effects include:
- vision changes
- trouble breathing
- chest pain
- a sudden decrease in or loss of hearing
- allergic reaction (symptoms include hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
- priapism (a painful and persistent erection lasting more than 4 hours)
MEDICATION INTERACTION WARNING
Some medications, including antibiotics, nitrates, antivirals, and blood pressure medications, can interact negatively with Viagra.
Always tell your healthcare professional about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Some drug interactions can cause severe or fatal side effects.
Since Viagra is in high demand and it’s easy to find medications online,
These falsified pills can contain a variety of ingredients that can be harmful to your body, some of which are
If you’re interested in buying Viagra online, make sure the website you buy from requires you to have a prescription. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that nearly 96% of internet pharmacies it examined were not compliant with federal laws, state laws, or industry standards.
If a website has no prescription requirement, that’s often a giveaway that the medication is likely fake. Stick to accredited pharmacies and websites that you trust.
Takeaways
Check that a prescription is required.
Brand-name and generic Viagra ALWAYS require a prescription. Some online platforms offer professional consultations.
Double-check the pharmacy license.
Oral medications are some of the most counterfeited pills in the world. Always double-check your pharmacy.
Stick to accredited online pharmacies.
Do they ask for a prescription? Do they have a chat feature, email, contact form, or phone number you can call? Check credentials of medical professionals online.
If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, you’ll need to talk with a medical professional first. They will be able to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Viagra, and if so, they can write a prescription.
It’s important to share your medical history and any medications you’re taking because Viagra can have very severe side effects if taken alongside certain other medications, such as nitrates. The FDA requires a prescription for both brand-name Viagra and the generic version, sildenafil.
Your doctor may prescribe Viagra if they decide it’s the safest treatment option based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. There are also other options they can talk with you about.
If you experience a painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, get emergency care immediately, as it may be a symptom of another urologic condition.
It’s also important to get immediate medical assistance if you experience any of these serious side effects:
- allergic reaction (symptoms include skin rash, itching or hives, and swelling of your face, lips, or tongue)
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- a fast, irregular heart rate
- hearing loss
- vision changes
- seizures
Counterfeit Viagra may contain amphetamines, toxic chemicals, the wrong dose of active ingredients, and even blue printer ink.
It’s a good practice to avoid international websites. Each country has its own governance when it comes to manufacturing. Stick to reputable sites and pharmacies you can trust.
Currently, there are no over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to Viagra. Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication, meaning it’s not available over the counter from your local pharmacy.
But with telemedicine, you don’t need to visit a doctor in person to get a prescription for Viagra or another ED medication.
If your doctor believes that you could benefit from this treatment, they can prescribe the medication, and you can order Viagra online and have it sent directly (and discreetly) to your home.
There are several other PDE5 inhibitors and other ED medications that may be helpful if you find that Viagra isn’t effective for you or if the price is outside your budget.
There are also wearable devices, such as the Eddie by Giddy, that are designed to be worn around your penis to help regulate blood flow. They may help some people maintain an erection without medications.
The truth is, receiving Viagra the same day may not be possible.
Many of the companies on this list advertise free consultations in which you’ll be evaluated for a prescription within 24 to 48 hours. They also advertise fast and free shipping, which means you could potentially receive your ED medications in only a couple of days.
If you’d like to receive Viagra as quickly as possible, you may want to consider talking with a doctor in person or through a virtual telehealth portal to see whether a prescription can be filled the same day at a local pharmacy.
Most of the time, Viagra starts to work after 30 minutes. Some people note that Viagra works more quickly when taken on an empty stomach.
The effects of Viagra usually last 4 to 5 hours, in which time it is easier to have an erection. But in some cases, this window of time can be as long as 18 hours with sildenafil. If your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention immediately.
No, you can’t get Viagra online without an online consultation with a licensed medical professional in your state.
Any generic Viagra that you purchase from a website without a prescription has a high risk of being counterfeit.
Yes. The packaging should list the expiration date. Once that date passes, the drug’s potency begins to decrease. To keep Viagra and other medications as long as possible, try these tips:
- Store your medications at 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C).
- Don’t freeze or heat medications.
- Make sure the lids on your medications are closed tightly.
- Keep bottles away from sunlight.
- Always follow the expiration date listed on the product.
The dose of Viagra you take will affect how strong it is and how well it addresses your symptoms.
Most online services for Viagra offer doses from 20 mg to 100 mg. Taking higher doses of Viagra won’t always mean that it works better, and taking too high a dose can cause unwanted side effects.
Talk with a medical professional about what dose is right for your symptoms.
Viagra may be able to help reduce your ED symptoms. If you’re interested in trying Viagra for ED, talk with a healthcare professional first. You’ll need a prescription to get started.
Thanks to emerging telehealth services, it’s now possible to get a Viagra prescription without stepping inside a doctor’s office. But be sure to provide online healthcare professionals with your complete medical history so they can determine which treatment will best fit your needs.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to ED, you may be better off meeting in person with a primary care doctor or a specialist, such as a urologist. They can assess your symptoms and determine whether an underlying condition is causing your ED, and they’ll be better able to offer solutions and next steps