The Best Online ED Prescription (2023)

By Amber Smith
Sep 20, 2023 4:00 AM
Article 11

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 20% of men to some extent. These include moderate-to-severe cases caused by many factors, especially age and diseases. Various treatments are available, and most cases can be treated relatively easily. But many men can’t comfortably discuss the issue with their family doctor.

Online ED prescriptions

Many men are reluctant to discuss ED, especially with a family doctor. However, the process doesn’t need to be awkward. More and more men are opting to consult with erectile dysfunction specialists online. This provides multiple benefits. The first benefit is that you’re consulting an expert remotely. They are completely used to dealing confidentially with men who have ED. They don’t judge, and offer the second benefit of being more remote both physically and socially. You get doctor-patient confidentiality from a doctor who no one else you know is in close contact with.

Many ED prescriptions are available online. An online ED prescription can offer the benefits of affordability and convenience, along with privacy. You don’t need to go to a doctor’s office and talk in person. Instead, you can consult with a doctor briefly over a virtual consultation, without having to wait in their office.

Better yet, the internet gives you a wider selection of dedicated healthcare professionals. You can take your time comparing many companies and doctors. These options include doctors with different approaches to care. The companies may have different strategies regarding ED treatment and lifestyle and diet suggestions.

The key here is to choose the right pharmacy. The right pharmacy follows all regulations and works with licensed doctors prescribing medicine as required. The FDA has a warning for the public about online stores that sell prescription ED products without requiring a prescription. If you choose the wrong website, you can face negative outcomes. Those include bad or fake drugs, and a lack of any qualified care should you experience any side effects. Make sure you’re getting FDA-approved and legally compliant care.

What are the common prescription ED drugs?

The most common ED medications include tadalafil and sildenafil. Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis, the globally popular medication for ED. Sildenafil is another common ED medication, the generic version of Viagra. Viagra and sildenafil have the same active ingredients, but sildenafil comes at a fraction of the cost.

Both of these drugs have clinically proven results for ED. They are also sold worldwide and have proven track records in treatment.

There are other medications that can be effective at treating ED. Vardenafil is the generic version of Levitra and Staxyn and has the same active ingredient as Cialis. Again, vardenafil is a cheaper alternative. 

These generic versions of popular brand-name drugs have differences in some regards, and of course, they lack the branding of the major ED drugs that sell at a higher price tag.

There are options as well. For example, doctors may formulate personalized plans that include multiple drugs. Sildenafil plus tadalafil is one such option. Doctors at some pharmacies or telehealth providers may formulate personalized treatment plans. These include such mixes of FDA-approved drugs if it is deemed efficient and safe for the patient.

ED prescription side effects

ED medications may cause side effects. Read the side effects and discuss your medical history honestly with your doctor. The more common side effects are usually not severe, but severe side effects do occur on occasion.

More common side effects include headache, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, and rash. Some people also experience vision problems or prolonged erections. If you experience serious vision issues or erections lasting more than four hours, you must seek emergency care.

Top 7 best online ED prescription providers

Let’s go over some of the telehealth providers we were talking about. These are the best online ED prescriptions you can get started with from the comfort and privacy of your home.

1. Third AvenueBest overall & editor’s choice

Third Avenue is at the top of our list as the best overall online ED prescription provider. It excels overall, being better than average, or even exceptional, in all relevant categories. It is reasonably priced, convenient, and the staff is caring. You get access to highly dedicated and specialized experts in the fields for which it prescribes medicine. The company’s erectile dysfunction services fall under their sexual health category. The other sexual health service is premature ejaculation. 

Third Avenue’s erectile dysfunction medical advisors bring expertise in urology, male sexual health, reproductive health, and even male reconstructive genitourinary surgery. They know how men’s sexual health works through and through, and are the kind of experts you need if you’re struggling with ED from one of many causes.

Third Avenue also stands out for its personalized approach to medicine in general, and ED medicine in particular. You can discuss your own desires regarding your treatment. They will take into account elements like age and medical history alongside your personal preferences. This helps create safer, more effective, and more personally fulfilling treatment plans.

All medications prescribed have FDA-approved ingredients and were developed by leading urologists. Anyone suffering from ED has an easy path laid ahead to consultation and treatment. You can instantly book an appointment with a board-certified erectile dysfunction specialist at Third Avenue. They will discuss your condition, your preferences, and your medical history to offer the right choice for you.

Third Avenue offers a range of ED treatment options. They offer:

  • Tadalafil

  • Sildenafil

  • Sildenafil + Tadalafil

  • Vardenafil

  • Cialis

  • Viagra

Special plans can be personalized to ensure the best possible results. For example, the Sildenafil + Tadalafil plan combines the two medications. They work together to suppress the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor enzyme and get your blood flowing. This increases blood flow, especially to the penis. The clinically tested, real-world results are harder and more satisfying erections. Where erections are more difficult to obtain, sexual stimulation will be more easy to achieve and with longer-lasting results.

Third Avenue works quickly for you, without being in a huge rush. They take all due diligence, but where appropriate will fill prescriptions fast. You can get on the call and get your prescription. After that, treatment is effective and you will be performance-ready as soon as 30 minutes after taking it. With the Sildenafil + Tadalafil combination, you’ll be ready to go for 36 hours.

Service and quality care are at the center of Third Avenue. You choose the desired treatment, and as long as it’s safe for you your choice is paramount. To ensure that, you just answer their questions about your health goals and medical history. You are matched with licensed providers and your quality medication is delivered to you.

2. Physician 360

Physician 360 offers virtual consultation for ED under the “Erectile Dysfunction” section of their site. They offer one-off consultations, in case that’s all you’re looking for. That comes with a one-time fee of $59.95. Alternatively, if you’re looking for long-term assurances, they offer a subscription package for $15 per month, billed annually ($180 per year). 

We put this one high up the list for those of you looking for affordability alongside much more access to care. The annual subscription stands out in this regard, offering a lot of bang for your buck. It comes with the first telemedicine consultation, a three-month prescription, and three refill prescriptions. That’s all the ED medication you need for a full year. This leaves out home delivery, but you can have the prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice. 

Also included in Physician 360’s sexual health services is 12/7 access to care. This is the access to care benefit we mentioned, which is truly exceptional. Their medical professionals are on call from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, every single day of the year.

Scheduling is easy and simple with Physician 360, and it’s also flexible. They have their board-certified medical professionals assess your condition with a simple on-demand video consult. Then, they will give you your personalized treatment plan based on best practices and your specific circumstances.

As for the prescription you get, Physician 360 offers all the major brands of ED prescriptions in the US. They prescribe Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, among others. Of course, the big brand names will come with a higher price.

What most customers claim to appreciate most is the overall experience. The website infrastructure and the company processes are convenient, simple, and respectful. The doctors are knowledgeable, and you get the full expected range of benefits from a telehealth service provider.

As with any professional such company, Physician 360 respects patients’ wishes, as well as their health and safety. Your personal preferences are taken into consideration, and they are happy to switch your prescription to another ED medication they offer if need be. As always, just be sure to answer their questions honestly to avoid any health complications.

3. Roman

Roman, or in this case the sub-brand “Ro.co” offers a wide range of medications for many demographics. They have ED medication, as well as other medications to help you last longer, boost performance with testosterone support supplements, and even treat STIs. Having all of this available from just one company is a great benefit. But one of the main reasons we put them this high on the list is their low costs.

Low costs stand out, as does their unique approach to prescriptions. Unlike most alternatives, your consultation is completely free. Shipping is also free, with discreet packaging to protect your privacy. Roman is FDA-approved and BBB-accredited, offering the same quality assurance as the others on our list. 

Their fees are calculated on a per-dose basis, starting at $4 per dose on a recurring plan. This is where higher costs may come in. Generic Viagra and generic Cialis cost $4 and $8 per dose, respectively. But the branded Viagra costs as much as $90 per dose, and Cialis is $20. The cost of Viagra is higher than you can find elsewhere. However, the generic alternatives to both are very low, especially for sildenafil.

Roman offers several different ED treatment options to patients, including both branded Viagra and generic Viagra (sildenafil). They offer the generic and branded tadalafil and Cialis as well.

The process starts with either an online or in-person appointment. The choice is yours, and you can book the appointment via their online dashboard. Roman matches you with a healthcare provider who will assess your medical history and lifestyle to help select the best medication for you. You can get a plan for three, six, or 12 months, if you are eligible for ED treatment. Most customers these days opt for 100% online, discreet service. Once you’ve completed the consultation, prescriptions are delivered to your door. 

If you want to avoid charges for doctor’s visits, this is as good an option as you can find. In addition to free consultations, you get ongoing care. The main way this is offered is through unlimited online messaging through Ro Co’s website. This is another factor adding to the overall affordability of Roman. It’s a streamlined and simple option, but they offer a good service that stands out for its convenience and low service charges.

4. GoodRX Care 

GoodRX Care is a good online service for those with or without insurance. Visits cost $59, but doses of 50 mg sildenafil or 5 mg tadalafil go for as little as $0.50 per dose. As a long-term option, it’s very affordable. 

Affordability is the main selling point of GoodRX Care. In particular, it’s the cost per dose that is hard to beat. For most categories, GoodRX Care claims to offer discounts of up to 86% on average. For ED prescriptions, they claim to have discounts of up to 97%. 

We cannot verify how they make that calculation, as they say it’s based on “average user savings” over a specified period. But we can confirm that their price per dose for sildenafil or tadalafil are indeed extremely low, costing far less than many pharmacies charge. They also beat most similar providers, who charge between $2 and $8 per dose, by a large margin.

GoodRX Care does accept insurance. Also, their rates for ED treatment are fixed, in the case of both the consultation and the medications. Consultations are always $59 and doses are fixed, varying by medication.

Their selection of medications is typical and small. You can get the generic versions of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. If you can’t make the choice yourself as you sign up, you can say so. The doctor whom you consult with will make a recommendation based on your specific issues and medical history. 

You can book a consultation similarly to any other comparable platform. Once you have your consultation and the doctor determines that it’s most likely safe for you to use one of the medications, you will get your prescription. You have the choice of either picking it up at your local pharmacy or setting up a discreet delivery. A delivery may take some time, but you can benefit from same-day pickup from the pharmacy if you prefer. 

In addition to relatively low costs, GoodRX Care offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee for the consultation. See their refund policy for details.

5. Sesame

Sesame is one of the larger telehealth companies out there. They offer a wide range of affordable and high-quality services. For ED patients, they offer a choice between dozens of doctors and other specialists. It’s a membership-based service, but there are no membership fees or extra bills.

Being such a big organization, Sesame offers a lot of specificity when it comes to customers’ choices. Their interface enables you to scroll through a large selection of available doctors. If you want you can make your search faster by filtering for the earliest availability, nurse practitioner versus medical doctor, and the doctor’s specialty.

This level of choice can be an important benefit for many patients. Most doctors can prescribe ED medication. It’s usually prescribed by urologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, and cardiologists. Family medicine doctors may also prescribe it. 

If you have had health issues other than ED that you are concerned about, it can be comforting and possibly more diligent to choose the right doctor. A doctor with the right history is more likely to understand your medical history and concerns. Some minor ED medicine side effects are uncommon but not improbable. Other serious side effects are rare, but are far more likely to occur in those with specific medical conditions or who are taking other drugs

In any case, it’s important to communicate honestly and thoroughly with any doctor who prescribes your medication. But the level of choice that Sesame offers can mean that you are dealing with someone with a more thorough understanding of any issues you’ve faced or are facing.

The rates Sesame charges for ED prescription medications are moderate, relative to our overall list and to the industry in general. Sildenafil and tadalafil each go for $5 per dose, around average, if a little higher. In terms of consultations, it all depends on which expert you choose to book. Some doctors charge over $110 for a consultation, but some charge well under $50. 

So, the affordability of their experts varies widely and it’s up to you to choose your own balance between your personal healthcare needs and budget. For the prescription costs, Sesame is not bad when it comes to affordability.

Overall, Sesame is a renowned service for quality care. This is in large part due to the comprehensive selection of highly qualified professionals you can choose from.

6. BlueChew

BlueChew is the best option if you want chewable ED medication instead of tablets that you need to swallow whole. It’s also a no-fuss, inexpensive, subscription-based option.

BlewChew offers chewable sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil tablets. They offer each one in two dosages and different shipment sizes. All in all, it’s an affordable option. For example, the Pro option offers 34 30 mg doses—usually a potent enough dose—for just $90. Approximately $3 per dose puts them right up there with the other highly affordable options.

The legal and health requirements of these chewable medications are the same as for their generic counterparts. The benefits are the same. Their warnings and side effects, as well as the prescription requirements, are also the same.

As a long-term option, BlueChew is affordable and convenient. It’s all based on monthly subscriptions, of which you have many choices. Each pricing tier you move up, the more affordable each individual tablet becomes. So, this is a better option for those seeking treatment for daily sexual activity. However, even the lower-tier plans are on the affordable side and offer decent value.

Like the other options on our list, BlueChew offers  the benefits of convenience and discretion. You don’t need to see a doctor or pharmacist in person. When you sign up to BlueChew, you’ll be connected to a medical professional. They will go through the process of learning about your medical history, other prescriptions you’re taking, and your current needs.

BlueChew was made for men who can’t tolerate regular commercially available ED pills. Those with issues swallowing regular pills, but who also have ED, benefit from this arrangement. Of course, the professionals with BlueChew will also work to ensure you’re not at risk for the side effects that can affect men who would regularly take the pill form of ED medications.

Monthly subscriptions start as low as $20 per month if you just need occasional enhancement. With the three main generic ED medications to choose from, at least one of them should meet your needs. If you have greater needs, $120 per month gets you 34 45mg tablets.

7. PlushCare

Most major insurance plans accept PlushCare. Rates for in-network patients are $30 or less. In such cases, this is one of the more affordable options as well. However, without insurance, they charge a higher flat rate of $129, with members paying $99.

The PlushCare process is similar to all of the above. You sign up and provide your basic information. This will help screen for any health issues, and determine the price range you will pay for your prescription.

Overall, PlushCare is one of the best options for those of you who have adequate insurance. Membership is $15 per month and comes with less expensive consultations. The availability of consultations is among the best, with times available 24/7. Prescriptions are sent to local pharmacies once you receive them.

The downsides are of course the high costs without insurance and the monthly membership. However, PlushCare offers some of the most comprehensive services you can find. They offer services in other branches of medicine as well. Memberships include up to five adults and all their children. You also get unlimited messaging to your care team.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive option that offers more than ED treatment, this is a good choice. For ED treatment alone, it’s a solid choice as well, with good customer service and good care overall.

Notes on insurance

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, don’t cover ED medications. It’s possible to receive at least partial coverage, however. 

Some Medicare Part C and Part D plans cover the costs of some generic ED medications. Overall, insurance companies are far more likely to cover the generic versions of Viagra and the other big medications. It’s a simple question of cost in most cases, although generic ED medications provide the same active ingredients anyway. 

But this isn’t restricted to ED treatments. Most insurance companies won’t cover brand-name medications if cheaper generic alternatives are available.

In any case, insurance plans vary, so you’ll need to check your policy. You can’t know for sure until you’ve read the fine print.

If your plan doesn’t cover any of the generic ED medications, you may still have a chance. Try submitting an appeal for coverage. It’s best to get prior authorization to get your prescriptions covered.

We would suggest that you at least speak with your health insurance provider and healthcare providers. If you’re about to seek a long-term medicinal solution for erectile dysfunction, it’s certainly worth the effort to try.

The bottom line: Best online ED prescriptions

The above providers can provide a range of erectile dysfunction medications, some of which we’ve mentioned. They all excel in at least one area, from cost to delivery to selection.

In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences. Most of these medications work on most men who take them. However, service, cost, and convenience matter a lot to many men taking ED medication. That’s to say nothing about discretion and privacy. 

The choices we’ve gone over all offer the above, but to different extents and with various strengths. Overall, we can recommend Third Avenue for its low prices, high-quality doctors, and level of discretion. They also offer a wider selection of products than most of their competitors. However, any of the other options we’ve discussed could prove to be great choices for your online ED treatment.

Medical Disclaimer:

 

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. You should always consult with your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider before taking any medication or making decisions regarding your health.

 

Prescription Medication:

 

Medications discussed herein are prescription medications, and it should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. You should not use prescription medications without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

 

Privacy and Data Handling:

 

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal and medical information responsibly. If you choose to provide any personal information on this platform, please refer to our privacy policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your data.

 

FDA Regulation (United States):

 

In the United States, these medications are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It should be obtained through a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacy. Any promotion or purchase of the medications should be in compliance with FDA regulations.

 

Accuracy and References:

 

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information in our content. However, medical knowledge and guidelines may evolve over time. The information provided here is based on credible sources and reputable medical references. Please consult the latest medical literature and consult with a healthcare professional for the most current information and guidance.

 

Individual Results May Vary:

 

Please be aware that individual experiences with medications like these may vary. The effectiveness and safety of Viagra depend on various factors, including an individual's health, medical history, and adherence to prescribed dosages. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.