Though research has looked at the effectiveness of topical sildenafil gel for ED, no drug company has pushed for a gel-based version of sildenafil to undergo the FDA approval process.
Sildenafil isn’t available as a gel.
One small randomized study looked at the effects of testosterone gel on erectile dysfunction in men who didn’t get results from using sildenafil alone. The study only examined hypogonadal men, meaning they all had low hormone levels at the beginning of the trial. The researchers concluded that testosterone gel, when combined with sildenafil, may improve erectile function in hypogonadal men. While this is great news for guys with low testosterone levels, AndroGel probably shouldn’t be considered as a solo treatment for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil gel might also be confused with alprostadil cream.
Though it’s more of an erection cream than an erection gel, alprostadil can be an effective topical treatment for ED. You simply apply it before sexual activity and wait for it to do its magic (that is, boost blood flow to your penis). A 2016 review of studies suggested alprostadil cream could be a potential second-line therapy for erectile dysfunction. In other words, it might help those who can’t (or don’t want to) use PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil. While alprostadil cream is sold in several countries, it’s not available in the United States.
The FDA has approved some forms of alprostadil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction — injections and pellets, to be specific — but not alprostadil cream. Right now, no gel-based version of sildenafil is available to the public in the United States. Over the years, some researchers have looked at the effectiveness of topical sildenafil gel for erectile dysfunction, with largely mixed results. A small 2005 study with less than 100 participants compared the effects of topical sildenafil to oral sildenafil to see which was a more effective treatment for ED. Of the men treated with topical sildenafil, 12.5 percent achieved a “complete erection” after a short period of massage. If a store sells what it claims is sildenafil gel, run!
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 314.95€ 299.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 481.98€ 459.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 20 Pills | 45.58€ 43.41€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 12 Pills | 72.54€ 69.09€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 184.26€ 175.49€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 4 Pills | 40.94€ 38.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 105.03€ 100.03€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 30 + 6 Pills | 64.09€ 61.04€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 10 Pills | 36.93€ 35.17€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 527.09€ 501.99€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 270 + 30 Pills | 390.61€ 372.01€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 10 Sachets | 46.36€ 44.15€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 47.97€ 45.69€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 14 + 2 Pills | 89.03€ 84.79€ |
Many online retailers sell counterfeit ED medication, which could be filled with harmful ingredients.
To say this is a red flag is an understatement. Selling Kamagra in the United States is illegal, for one thing, and there’s no way to tell if the products are real or fake. Kamagra is the most common imitation ED medication sold online, according to a 2010 review. The review also found that fake ED medications are often mislabeled and filled with contaminants — like talcum powder, commercial paint, and printer ink — as well as other dodgy ingredients. Basically, it’s not something you’d want in (or on) your body.
Though these stores let you purchase ED medications without a prescription, buying from them is ill-advised. Sildenafil can be safe for many people, but it’s not suitable for everyone. For instance, it can be dangerous to use sildenafil if you’re also taking nitrates or hypertension (high blood pressure) medication. This combination could lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Although buying over-the-counter Viagra may sound convenient, landing in the hospital on date night is absolutely not.
So pass on the Kamagra, and speak with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any form of sexual dysfunction. If a flavored treatment sounds good to you, consider Hims chewable ED mints. Some mixed up Viagra gel with AndroGel®, a topical gel prescribed to men with low testosterone levels. AndroGel contains testosterone, a critical hormone for controlling your level of interest in sex. Although the link between testosterone and erections isn’t totally clear, this type of medication may offer benefits if you have a weak sex drive caused by low testosterone. Your health isn’t worth the gamble — go the legit route and cialis or viagra for women speak with a licensed health professional. There are many safe, FDA-approved options for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including oral medications. Plus, healthy lifestyle habits can support your sexual health. While erectile dysfunction can be frustrating, it’s common and (fortunately) treatable. To learn about your options, see our guide on how to get hard or connect with a healthcare professional today.
| Form | Average Price | Dosage per unit | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cream | $25 per tube | 2.5g | Localized effect, quick onset | May cause skin irritation |
| Tablet | $20 per pill | 50mg | Easy to dose, well-studied | Systemic effects, longer onset |
| Injectable | $50 per injection | Variable | Rapid effect | Invasive, requires health professional |
Clinical use of alprostadil topical cream in patients with erectile dysfunction: a review. Futura Announces Top-Line Results from MED2005 Phase 3 study in Erectile Dysfunction. Highly positive FM71 Phase 3 study results with all primary and secondary endpoints achieved, MED3000 remains on track to submit for FDA marketing authorization. A Review on Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors as a Topical Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. Counterfeit phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors pose significant safety risks. 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). A Double-blind Placebo-controlled Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Sildenafil on Erectile Dysfunction.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current.
| Use Case | Description | Target Audience | Application Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile Dysfunction | Enhances blood flow to improve erections | Men aged 30-60 | Before sexual activity |
| Performance Enhancement | Increases stamina in sexual activity | Men and women | As needed |
| Local Skin Treatment | Moisturizes and soothes irritated skin | Individuals with skin irritation | Daily application |
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.
| Year | Estimated Sales (Units) | Growth Rate (%) | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 500,000 | 12% | US, Europe, Asia |
| 2023 | 560,000 | 12% | US, Europe, Asia |
| 2024 | 630,000 | 12.5% | US, Europe, Middle East |
She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. 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. 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.
Another 12.5 percent got a “moderate erection,” and the remaining 75 percent didn’t achieve an erection at all. In comparison, 70 percent of those who got oral sildenafil achieved a complete erection, with 15 percent getting viagra red a moderate erection. Only 15 percent of the men in this group didn’t achieve an erection following treatment. Put simply, the oral sildenafil tablet was significantly more effective than the topical sildenafil gel. More recently, a 2022 review explored whether topical PDE5 inhibitors may help with erectile dysfunction.
It concluded that these treatments can be “promising” in mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction. Though we might eventually get a sildenafil-based erection gel, reviews like these are few and far between. More research is needed before topical sildenafil is offered to the public. Let’s face it: Erectile dysfunction can be frustrating. The good news is that it’s almost always treatable with the right approach.
Several medications are currently available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including: Viagra and generic sildenafil tablets typically start working in less than an hour, providing relief from erectile dysfunction for up to four hours a dose. Viagra and generic sildenafil tablets typically start working in less than an hour, providing relief from erectile dysfunction for up to four hours a dose. The active ingredient in Cialis, tadalafil is also available as a generic medication. It’s by far the longest-lasting treatment for ED — a single tablet works for up to 36 hours. The active ingredient in Levitra®, vardenafil comes in tablet form and lasts up to four hours like sildenafil. Dr. 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.
Available under the brand name Stendra®, avanafil is a new ED medication. It works quickly, isn’t affected by food, and has a reduced risk of certain side effects. If the idea of swallowing a pill is unappealing, consider our chewable ED hard mints. They’re made with ingredients like sildenafil, yellow viagra pill tadalafil, and vardenafil. Beyond taking medications, there are some ways to naturally protect erectile function.
Making small but meaningful changes to what you eat, your sleep habits, and your exercise routine can have a positive impact on your sexual function. If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation (PE), or other issues relating to sexual performance, consider getting medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Sildenafil is an effective ED treatment, but it’s currently only sold as a pill. At the moment, there’s no sildenafil-based erectile dysfunction gel on the market in the U.S. Here’s a rundown of what we covered: Sildenafil isn’t available as a gel. 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.