What is erectile dysfunction cream?

Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah

Vitaros is an cream used to treat erectile dysfunction (also known as “ED” or impotence). ED is a very common condition, particularly amongst men over the age of 40. ED is the inability to get and keep an erection, which can make sex difficult.

In this article we look at: 

• How ED creams work
• Their effectiveness
• How it differs from other treatments such as Viagra
• Where you can get it on prescription 

How does erectile dysfunction cream work?

ED can be caused by reduced blood flow to the penis. Vitaros contains the active ingredient alprostadil, which is a vasodilator. This means it helps to widen the blood vessels, increasing blood flow. When applied to the penis, alprostadil allows more blood to flow to it causing an erection. ED tablets such as Viagra work in the same way, by enabling greater blood flow to the penis.

Vitaros cream works within five to 30 minutes. The effects of ED cream normally last for one or two hours. 

How effective is erectile dysfunction cream?

Studies have reported that:

• 52% of men reported better erections after using the cream
• Compared to 20% of men who used a placebo cream 

By comparison:

• 74% of men taking 50mg tablets of Viagra reported improved erections
• Compared to 25% who used a placebo 

How to use erectile dysfunction cream

Before using the ED cream, make sure you are prepared for sexual activity, as your erection will happen quickly.

ED cream must be applied directly to the head of the penis, using the applicator supplied.

You should then wash your hands and follow these steps: 

1. Hold the tip of your penis and gently move the skin to widen the opening to your urethra (the hole wee comes out of). If you are uncircumcised, carefully pull back your foreskin to expose the hole.
2. Hold the applicator containing the cream over the opening of your penis and carefully apply the cream until it is all gone. The cream should enter the opening of your penis; however, it is normal for some excess to spill over onto the surrounding skin.
3. Keep your penis upright for 30 seconds and during this time gently rub the excess cream into the opening of your penis and the skin surrounding it.
4. Dispose of the applicator and wash your hands. 

How long does it take Vitaros cream to work?

Different ED treatments take different times to work. Within five to 30 minutes of applying Vitaros cream, you should get an erection and be able to have sexual intercourse. The effects of ED cream normally last for one or two hours, during which time you should be able to have normal, satisfying sexual intercourse. 

Vitaros cream should never be used more than once in 24 hours and should only be used two to three times a week. 

Vitaros cream key facts: 

If you experience ED and you want to have more regular sex, you may be better suited to ED tablets. Cialis Daily is a particularly good option, as this is taken every day and allows you to achieve an erection at any time.

What you need to know about Vitaros

Vitaros isn’t a contraceptive. If you’re having vaginal sex and want to avoid pregnancy; you’ll need to use a condom or other form of contraception. Wearing a condom will also protect against STIs.

You should also use latex condoms with Vitaros if:

• You’re having anal sex
• You’re having oral sex
• Your partner is pregnant or breastfeeding
• Your partner may want to become pregnant soon (but not now)  

It’s important to note that Vitaros is not intended for use in combination with Viagra or any other ED tablets. If you have used either, you should wait at least 24 hours until using Vitaros or an ED tablet again. 

What are the side effects?

Like all medicines, Vitaros cream is associated with some side effects. The most common are:

• Pain, itching or tenderness in the penis
• Tingling or throbbing in the penis
• Swelling in the skin of the penis
• Inflammation around the head of the penis
• Mild burning or itching in your partner’s vagina

A full list of Vitaros side effects can be seen on our Vitaros page and in the leaflet included with the medication.

Which is better, Vitaros or Viagra?

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it can be hard to know which treatment is right for you.

We explain the key similarities and differences between Vitaros and ED tablets like Viagra. 

Both Viagra (sildenafil) and Vitaros are prescription-only treatments, meaning they need to be prescribed by a clinician. You can access a treatment called Viagra Connect (which contains the same active ingredient as Viagra and works in the same way) without a prescription. You’ll need to answer a couple of pharmacist questions to make it’s right for you.

Is there a natural way to help with blood flow to the penis?

If you’re not sure about medication, there are some other options you could try to see if they help your erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle changes include:

• Balanced diet - Conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol are associated with being overweight and having a poor diet. Making sure you’re eating well and at the right weight for you can lower your risk of ED. 
• Regular exercise - Exercise helps your circulation and it can help how well the blood flows to your penis when you have erections.
• Pelvic floor health - Kegel exercises zone in on the muscles needed for erections. When done regularly it can help reduce ED.
• Drink less alcohol - Drinking too much can cause ED, and it can impact how well ED treatments work. Drinking less could help you get better erections.
• Reduce stress - Stress can impact your ability to get an erection. Find out more about stress and ED and how you can reduce stress.
• Stop smoking - Smoking has been linked to ED. Quitting can help your overall health including your sexual health.

Treatment options for erectile dysfunction

There are lots of other treatments other than Vitaros that are available for ED including:

• Tablets you take as and when you want to have sex, for example Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra. 
• Daily tablets like Cialis Daily or Tadalafil Daily.
• Vacuums or pumps – these are used around the penis to try and increase blood flow manually. 
• Therapy or counselling – these can help treat the root cause of ED if it’s related to your mental health or stress.

If you’re experiencing ED often it’s a good idea to speak to your GP about it, just to make sure there isn’t something else going on. There are so many treatments out there from creams, to talking therapies to tablets. You can learn more about ED treatments through our online erectile dysfunction clinic.

Conclusion

Everyone’s erectile behaviour is different and ED can be caused by many different things. Which is why treatment can vary. If your ED is caused by an underlying condition such as diabetes, then medical treatment for this condition will take precedence. Counselling is usually advised if the root cause of the impotence is psychological. Often, additional treatment with an ED tablet such as Vitaros cream, Viagra or Cialis is needed to help with the problem, at least in the short term.

References

https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm50/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence 
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30907
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13937.pdf