Addressing Common Concerns About Topical ED Treatment Safety

While very few ED creams and gels are on the market, numerous safe and highly effective erectile dysfunction treatments are available. Therapy can also be helpful if your ED has psychological roots, like anxiety. Erectile dysfunction can be frustrating to deal with, but it is treatable. Learning more about ED and your treatment options is a solid first step in figuring it out. Check out our blog posts on the latest ED treatments, remedies for premature ejaculation (PE), and how to get hard. Our online platform can connect you with a healthcare professional today. Clinical use of alprostadil topical cream in patients with erectile dysfunction: a review. SST completes Phase I trial of SST-6006 to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Alprostadil cream in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: clinical evidence and experience. A review on phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors as a topical therapy for erectile dysfunction. Counterfeit phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors pose significant safety risks.

About the Reviewer

As with most medical treatments, erection creams and gels may have side effects and safety considerations. For instance, you could experience an allergic reaction to the ingredients. Another common side effect is skin irritation. As you know, the skin on and around the genitals is particularly sensitive, so some topical treatments might cause tingling or burning. This can affect your partner, too, who could experience anal or vaginal burning.

Psychological Support and Relationship Benefits

Be sure to check if your partner has any allergies before using an ED cream or gel with them. There’s also a possibility of priapism — a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours. Priapism is often painful and requires urgent medical treatment. Beyond potential side effects, these products just may not work for you. If erectile cream or gel isn’t giving you results, even after a few attempts, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about other options. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Randomized study of testosterone gel as adjunctive therapy to sildenafil in hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction who do not respond to sildenafil alone.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Scoping review exploring advancements in topical agent therapies for erectile dysfunction. A double-blind placebo-controlled evaluation of the effect of topical sildenafil on erectile dysfunction. Alpostadil in cream — a new option of treating erectile dysfunctions in diabetes. Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate fildena tablet and current.

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Many believe l-arginine can improve erectile function and sexual performance. This supplement is available in stores and online. L-arginine is linked to nitric oxide production. Indeed, nitric oxide plays a critical role in erectile function because it helps blood vessels relax, thus improving blood flow to the penis. Having said that, research on l-Arginine creams and other forms of nitric oxide cream for erectile dysfunction is basically non-existent.

Cock ring and penis pump

Other supposed ED creams contain natural ingredients like ginkgo biloba leaf, tree bark extract, and cuscuta seed. Many assume these products are safe because they’re “natural.” But we’d like to point out that poison ivy is also natural — and you’d probably never put it on your penis. Since these herbal remedies are supplements, they aren’t regulated or tested by the FDA in the same way medications are. Besides the fact that they may not actually work, the FDA warns that many so-called “sexual enhancement” treatments contain dodgy ingredients and potentially harmful contaminants. When it comes to your health, you’re wise to stick to safe, regulated treatments that are proven to be effective. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology.

• Use of ED creams is not recommended in case of penile infections or dermatological issues.
• Ensure accurate dosing to avoid priapism, a prolonged erection.
• Topical ED therapies are especially useful for men with contraindications to oral meds.
• Careful storage and handling optimize the product’s shelf life.
• Combining therapies under medical supervision can yield better outcomes.

She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research.

Publication types

You shouldn’t use alprostadil cream if you have certain medical conditions, including: Peyronie’s disease (penile scar tissue buildup) and other deformities of the penis Peyronie’s disease (penile scar tissue buildup) and other deformities of the penis You should also avoid Eroxon if you have: An allergy to any of the ingredients An allergy to any of the ingredients Peyronie’s disease or other deformities of the penis Peyronie’s disease or other deformities of the penis Sore, damaged, or irritated skin on the penis Sore, damaged, or irritated skin on the penis If you have a condition that makes it risky to use erectile dysfunction creams, consult a medical professional about alternative treatments. You might even benefit from a few natural ways to protect erectile function. Certain lifestyle changes can libido booster for women improve your erections and overall sexual health. A 2024 study of topical ED products suggests that they can be helpful for many men. But the research stopped short of declaring them as effective as or better than ED medications, such as PDE5 inhibitors.

Key Takeaways

At this point, very few ED creams and gels are backed by research, and only one has been authorized by the FDA. That said, there are quite a few alternatives to ED creams and gels in the form of oral medications. While erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical ailments like cardiovascular disease, psychological factors may also come into play. Your ED could be due to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or sexual performance anxiety. If you’re experiencing psychological ED, consider in-person or online therapy. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.

• Alprostadil cream is used to increase blood flow for erectile dysfunction.
• Topical creams may provide quick relief without oral side effects.
• This type of cream is usually applied directly to the penile area.
• Prescription creams require proper medical guidance for safe use.
• Efficacy varies among users; some find creams less effective than pills.

She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare. Dr.

• Super Hard Max Cream: Marketed as the strongest topical solution for erections.
• ViriPower Cream: Advertised to unleash full sexual potential and function.
• Endurance Max Cream: A product for extended performance and erection maintenance.
• Hard & Ready Cream: Claims to ensure quick and dependable erectile response.
• Arouse Max Cream: Designed to heighten arousal and improve erection quality.
• Peak Hardness Cream: Marketed to achieve the ultimate in erection firmness.

Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function. Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health. Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog.

You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information. Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S.

Is Eroxon® right for you?

Seeking treatment for mental health can lead to better erectile function while helping you feel better overall. What is the best cream for erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction creams and gels may seem great in theory, but few are available for purchase. Fortunately, though, there are many other ED treatments with plenty of satisfied customers. Here’s what to keep in mind when considering ED creams: The only FDA-authorized ED gel is Eroxon.

Is there any ointment for erectile dysfunction?

Over-the-counter Eroxon is available without a prescription and works by cooling and heating the penis, stimulating the nerves to improve blood flow. The only FDA-authorized ED gel is Eroxon. Many “natural” products are marketed for improving erectile function and enhancing sexual performance — but there’s very little proof they work. Since the FDA doesn’t test or approve these supplements in the same way it regulates medications, they may contain harmful ingredients. There are legit alternatives to erectile dysfunction creams and gels. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. Hormonal Management Improves Semen Analysis Parameters in Men with Abnormal Concentration, Motility, and/or Morphology. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 118, Issue 5, e4. Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. Regret Regarding Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Male Cancer Patients.

• Proper cleaning and hygiene are important before applying ED creams.
• Use only the amount recommended by your healthcare provider.
• ED creams are sometimes combined with oral PDE5 inhibitors for better results.
• Penile skin sensitivity may increase with repeated use; monitor any changes.
• The goal is to enhance natural blood flow and improve erectile reliability.

The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e680-e681. Feasibility Study of Video Telehealth Clinic Visits in Urology. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e545-e545. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which you have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. Erectile dysfunction affects as many as 30 million men in the United States.