Best Creams for Erectile Dysfunction & Alternatives

Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts a lot of men. The good news is that there is a range of treatments to choose from. One of the newer options are topical ED creams that have received a lot of hype in the last few years. These creams claim to assist men with ED by increasing the blood flow to the penis. But how useful are these creams and should you be considering them? Let’s find out the advantages and disadvantages of ED creams compared to other options and understand the workings of these creams further.  

How Do ED Creams Work?

Erectile dysfunction creams work by ‘transdermal’ delivery of the medication to the specific body part. The majority of creams have a vasodilator component like alprostadil which is a potent vasodilator. These creams aim to help men achieve and sustain an erection by improving the blood flow into the penis. 

Their suspicions may be valid as there isn’t enough research backing these creams. Topical ED products had their benefits in one 2024 study but the proof was not compelling enough to prove erectile dysfunction creams work better than tablets such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis).

Best Erectile Dysfunction Creams

The following creams are all active in some capacity, although others are still undergoing research regarding their use:

Vitaros (Alprostadil Cream)

Commercialized under the name Alprostadil Cream, Vitaros is the only FDA approved ED cream. It contains alprostadil which is known to aid in blood circulation. It has been found to be effective for some men though the efficacy differs from person to person.

Eroxon (Topical Gel)

A topical gel of the same name is also available. However, Eroxon cream has a similar active ingredient so this may be marginally effective. Erexon cream is a non-invasive technique and may work quicker than other medications taken by mouth.

Benefits of Using ED Creams

• No pills to swallow
• Fast-acting (as quick as 10–15 minutes)
• Fewer systemic side effects
• More spontaneous than waiting for pills to kick in

Potential Side Effects

Erectile dysfunction creams offer ease of use, but some may experience:

• Mild skin irritation
• Skin rash that is mild and temporary
• Burning feeling that is temporary
• Discomfort to partner if skin cream not fully skin is not absorbed

Be sure to follow the guidelines for use and consult a physician if any problems arise.

Alternatives of Erectile dysfunction Creams

Apart from the ED creams with reduced invasiveness, other treatment options are available. Other available proven options for the treatment of ED include:

• Viagra (sildenafil) is one of the most popular and frequently used medications. Widely known to many, sildenafil increases blood circulation to the penis and works for many men.
• Tadalafil provides up to 36 hours of effectiveness and is a popular choice for men who prefer spontaneity with sexual activity. Compared to sildenafil, tadalafil lasts longer.
• Avanafil’s fast acting capabilities make it a popular choice; it also has fewer side effects compared to older ED medications.
• ED caused by psychological stresses and anxiety can be resolved with therapy or counseling aimed at these underlying issues.

What Works Best for You? 

Selecting the most appropriate treatment for ED takes into account multiple aspects such as the cause of the disorder, personal preferences, and the bodily response to various approaches. While some men may find answers from ED creams, they would not be the first option. Consulting with a healthcare provider is always advisable when in doubt figuring out what could be the most suitable option.

Concluding Remarks

ED creams have their place for some men as a discreet and non-invasive method to manage erectile dysfunction. Still, they seem to lack the effectiveness and reliability that oral medications, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, offer. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking of an ED cream so that you can see if it’s the right decision for you and consider other methods of treatment that may better fit your necessities.