Erectile Dysfunction Gels: Do They Work? Explore Benefits & Top Options Available

Not all erection creams and gels are made equally.

• The effectiveness of ed gels depends on proper application and timing.
• They are less suitable for chronic pain, which requires comprehensive treatment.
• Ed gels can be combined with other topical agents for enhanced relief.
• Patients with allergies should review ingredients before use.

Some have a fair amount of science-backed proof, while others have hardly been studied at all. So, what is the best erection cream or gel? We’ll go over a few options below.

• Ed gels are marketed as fast-acting, short-term pain relief options.
• They can reduce the anxiety associated with dental procedures.
• Care must be taken to avoid ingestion, especially in children.
• Some formulations are designed for better adhesion to oral tissues.

The U.S.

Gel Formulation Ingredients

Still, Eroxon represents a new treatment possibility for men who would like to throw the dice on firmer erections. If you try it—especially readers in the U.K. where it’s already easily available—please share your experience with me, particularly how effective it is, how long the effect lasts, and what your partner thinks, at michael@mcastleman.com. As more information becomes available, I will post more about Eroxon. “FDA Approves Gel to Treat Erectile Dysfunction,” New York Times, June 27, 2023.

Systemic absorption and side effects

“Efficacy and Safety of MED2005, a Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate Formulation, in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized Crossover Study,” Journal of Sexual Medicine (2018) 15:167. You may have heard of a new erectile dysfunction therapy known as Eroxon (MED 3000) that the FDA recently approved for over-the-counter use. It is a topical gel marketed in Europe and the UK as a faster way to gain an erection versus Viagra or Cialis, and their generic forms sildenafil and tadalafil, respectively. However, while this sounds like a fantastic erectile dysfunction therapy, does it work? Before determining whether this particular gel works, we should discuss the history of topical erectile dysfunction gels and formulations.

Cock ring and penis pump

This very short discussion centers around the fact that we have tried to create topical versions of several medical therapies, including, for example, trimix, which is otherwise used as an injection into the penis, without any success – the simple fact is that, to date, we do not have a reliable therapy that functions topically. There have not been many studies performed in the United States that can show definitively that this gel will work; however, being that it has been used in Europe and the UK for some time now, we can expect that it may be effective for some patients. According to the manufacturer, the topical gel creates a warming sensation that stimulates penile tissue, allowing it to better engorge with blood. However, this is not typically the primary cause of erectile dysfunction. Instead, most patients suffer from a lack of blood volume entering the penis in the first place (often caused by atherosclerosis). Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized just one topical ED treatment: Eroxon®.

This new-to-market erection gel got the FDA’s go-ahead in 2023, making it one of the only non-prescription erectile dysfunction treatments available in the U.S. Though some news outlets are calling Eroxon “topical Viagra” and “Viagra cream,” these are misnomers.

Have questions?

Therefore, even if the tissues were more receptive to blood, there’s likely not enough supply to create and maintain an erection. As with many other therapies, including supplements, it’s most likely that this gel is working on men with either very mild or early-stage ED, or those who have ED with psychological roots. In other words, it’s doubtful that this would work for anyone who would otherwise have to take a significant dose of Viagra, Cialis, or their respective generic version. Of course, whether this gel can do something other products have failed to do over the years remains to be seen. That said, being it is FDA-approved for over-the-counter sale, it likely has a track record of some degree of safety.

4. Ayurvedic / OTC Gels (Example: Himalaya Himcolin)

As with most relatively safe alternative therapies, we do not necessarily discourage their use if the patient understands that they may not work and, therefore, be a waste of money…and that they visit a reputable urologist or knowledgeable medical provider to discuss possible risks before starting any new therapy. If you are experiencing mild to moderate erectile dysfunction and these therapies have not succeeded, we encourage you to speak to Dr. Kapadia about starting comprehensive erectile dysfunction care, beginning with proper medications and moving on from there, based on results and needs. Eroxon® is a fast-acting treatment gel for erectile dysfunction (ED) that can be applied immediately before sexual activity and is clinically proven to help you get an erection within 10 minutes. As the first-and-only ED gel, Eroxon® offers men and their partners results without the side effects of oral medicines or the inconvenience of getting a prescription.

3. Onset time & duration

Clinically proven to work within 10 minutes† No one should be forced to plan ahead to enjoy intimate moments, and today’s treatments make it difficult to connect spontaneously. Now, men and their partners have a fast-acting treatment option for ED: Eroxon® gel. Learn how Eroxon®’s easy-to-apply gel helps men and their partners move seamlessly from date night to pillow talk. ...leading to increased blood flow in the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection. In clinical trials, Eroxon® helped men with ED achieve an erection within 10 minutes. Eroxon doesn’t actually contain sildenafil — or any medication, for that matter. According to the brand’s website, the topical gel works by cooling and warming the penis, stimulating the nerves.

• The pH of ed gels is optimized for quick penetration into tissue.
• They are commonly used in oral surgery and periodontal procedures.
• Ed gels can sometimes cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• Always follow package instructions for correct application and dosage.

This might increase blood flow, giving your erection a boost. The product leaflet notes that you may need to try Eroxon a few times before it works — although most men experience an erection the first or second time they apply it. The insert also warns that Eroxon is compatible with latex condoms only, so keep that in mind!

Health History and Lifestyle

Untreated erectile dysfunction can lead to self-esteem issues and relationship strain. So ED treatments aren’t just about sexual performance — they can improve your overall quality of life. If a medical professional thinks PDE5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) — like Viagra, tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra®), and avanafil (Stendra®) — won’t work for you, they may suggest other treatments for erectile dysfunction. There are a few types of erectile dysfunction creams and gels on the market these days, each with a different mechanism. Mostly, though, ED creams and gels work by improving blood flow to the penis, allowing you to get an erection during sexual activity or stimulation. One well-known topical ED treatment is alprostadil cream, also known by the brand name Vitaros®.

The Eroxon® difference

* While it may not work for everyone, studies showed success in over 60% of men. Get answers to common questions about ED and learn about your treatment options. Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Men will soon have a new option for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) that supposedly works faster than regular ED medication — and is available without a prescription. In June, the FDA approved the over-the-counter sale of MED3000 (Eroxon), a topical gel treatment for ED.

Limitations and variability

MED3000 is supplied in single-use tubes. The contents are rubbed onto the head of the penis immediately before sexual intercourse. The gel contains a combination of volatile solvents which, when applied to the head of the penis, evaporate rapidly, stimulating nerve endings through an initial cooling effect, followed by a warming sensation. This reaction releases nitric oxide, relaxing the smooth muscle tissue inside the penis and increasing blood flow that is needed to obtain an erection. Clinical trials found that 65% of men who used MED3000 achieved an erection within 10 minutes and maintained it long enough to have sex.

How does the best erection gel compare with oral ED medications?

Common prescription ED drugs like tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra) take around 30 minutes to work. The common side effects of MED3000 were headaches and nausea, but these occurred in only 1% to 3% of men. No side effects were reported among sexual partners. U.S. prices are not yet available, but in the United Kingdom, where Eroxon is already available over-the-counter, the cost is equivalent to about $32 (U.S.) for a four-pack. Alprostadil is a type of prostaglandin (a natural vasodilator), meaning it helps blood vessels relax.

This topical ED cream works by stimulating blood flow, making it easier to get (and maintain) an erection. Vitaros is applied to the head of the penis at the urethral opening (where pee and semen come out), ensuring the cream goes down the urethra.

Availability of Eroxon Gel

Matthew Solan, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or vardenafil best price other qualified clinician. Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood If you’re tired of swallowing pills or dealing with the side effects of oral erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, there may be another solution that’s simpler and more direct.

Monitor for priapism

Topical erectile dysfunction creams and gels are gaining traction as a new way to combat ED. Are these creams and gels really comparable alternatives to established medications like sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®)? If so, what is the best cream for erectile dysfunction? We’ll take a look at how these products work, their benefits, erectile cream side effects, and what else you need to know before trying them. We’ll also cover other proven ED treatments and lifestyle changes that may improve your sexual health.

Where can I buy topical cream for erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a common type of sexual dysfunction affecting roughly 30 million men in the United States. Those with ED find it difficult to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Many guys struggle to get an erection from time to time. Causes of ED range from temporary, manageable triggers to more serious, chronic health conditions. If ED is a chronic issue for you (or even if it’s an occasional problem), it’s worth looking into possible treatments.