Over-the-Counter Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction: Does It Work?

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that doctors treat with prescription medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) ED supplements are not typically recommended. Most do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

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ED refers to difficulty developing or maintaining an erection. It is a common condition: At least 52% of U.S. males between 40 and 70 years old have it.

Different medical and psychological conditions can work together or independently to cause ED. The American Urological Association (AUA) has clear treatment guidelines for the condition.

Viagra is only available with a prescription, and there are no OTC ED pills. However, some supplements and natural remedies may help improve ED.

This article looks at various treatment options for ED, including OTC supplements, natural remedies, and prescription medications. It also discusses the evidence and risks associated with these options.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Sildenafil is the generic name for Viagra. This medication is only available via prescription in the United States. Therefore, Viagra is not available OTC.

An OTC ED medication, also known as a nonprescription ED medication, refers to any supplement or herb that claims to produce similar effects to Viagra.

In most cases, there is insufficient research to suggest that OTC ED pills can benefit sexual function.

The FDA does not regulate OTC ED pills for their safety or effectiveness. Moreover, the FDA cannot test all products marketed for use as sexual enhancers.

OTC ED pills are supplements. The FDA does not regulate supplements for their safety or effectiveness. Supplements may contain a combination of ingredients, or product labels may not specify the product’s ingredients.

Since OTC ED pills are not FDA regulated, manufacturers are not legally allowed to state that their products treat ED. Instead, they may market products as “sexual enhancers” to help people achieve or maintain an erection.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important hormone for sexual function. It helps create sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

The adrenal gland naturally produces DHEA. However, DHEA levels in the body peak in a person’s 20s, then gradually decrease with age.

According to a 2021 review , low levels of DHEA in the body can increase the risk of ED in adult males, especially older individuals. However, studies have not conclusively shown that DHEA supplements can treat ED or improve sexual performance.

DHEA manufacturers also claim their supplements can boost energy, enhance immunity, and slow aging. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest DHEA has any of these effects.

One significant drawback of DHEA is that it is not suitable for athletes. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency prohibits the use of DHEA in sports and notes that the substance falls under the category of anabolic agents on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

Another drawback of DHEA is the lack of studies investigating its safety, effectiveness, and dosages.

Since DHEA is readily available as a supplement, the premise is that people who take it do so for the long term. Unlike Viagra, any potential results build up over time rather than producing an immediate erection or sexual benefit.