What Is the Best Cream for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

If you’re tired of swallowing pills or dealing with the side effects of oral erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, there may be another solution that’s simpler and more direct. Topical erectile dysfunction creams and gels are gaining traction as a new way to combat ED.

But does erection cream work? Are these creams and gels really comparable alternatives to established medications like sildenafil (Viagra^®) and tadalafil (Cialis^®)? If so, what is the best cream for erectile dysfunction?

We’ll take a look at how these products work, their benefits, erectile cream side effects, and what else you need to know before trying them. We’ll also cover other proven ED treatments and lifestyle changes that may improve your sexual health.

Erectile dysfunction is a common type of sexual dysfunction affecting roughly 30 million men in the United States. Those with ED find it difficult to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

Many guys struggle to get an erection from time to time. Causes of ED range from temporary, manageable triggers to more serious, chronic health conditions. Some common causes of ED include:

• Anxiety disorders

• Blood pressure medications

• Cardiovascular disease

• Depression and antidepressant side effects

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Kidney disease

• Low self-esteem

• Stress

• Type 2 diabetes

If ED is a chronic issue for you (or even if it’s an occasional problem), it’s worth looking into possible treatments.

Untreated erectile dysfunction can lead to self-esteem issues and relationship strain. So ED treatments aren’t just about sexual performance — they can improve your overall quality of life.

If a medical professional thinks PDE5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) — like Viagra, tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra^®), and avanafil (Stendra^®) — won’t work for you, they may suggest other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

One alternative? ED cream or erectile dysfunction gel.

There are a few types of erectile dysfunction creams and gels on the market these days, each with a different mechanism. Mostly, though, ED creams and gels work by improving blood flow to the penis, allowing you to get an erection during sexual activity or stimulation.

Not all erection creams and gels are made equally. Some have a fair amount of science-backed proof, while others have hardly been studied at all.

So, what is the best erection cream or gel? We’ll go over a few options below.

FDA-Authorized Eroxon Gel

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized just one topical ED treatment: Eroxon^®. This new-to-market erection gel got the FDA’s go-ahead in 2023, making it one of the only non-prescription erectile dysfunction treatments available in the U.S.

Though some news outlets are calling Eroxon “topical Viagra” and “Viagra cream,” these are misnomers. Eroxon doesn’t actually contain sildenafil — or any medication, for that matter.

According to the brand’s website, the topical gel works by cooling and warming the penis, stimulating the nerves. This might increase blood flow, giving your erection a boost.

The product leaflet notes that you may need to try Eroxon a few times before it works — although most men experience an erection the first or second time they apply it. The insert also warns that Eroxon is compatible with latex condoms only, so keep that in mind!

Vitaros Cream

One well-known topical ED treatment is alprostadil cream, also known by the brand name Vitaros^®. Alprostadil is a type of prostaglandin (a natural vasodilator), meaning it helps blood vessels relax.

This topical ED cream works by stimulating blood flow, making it easier to get (and maintain) an erection. Vitaros is applied to the head of the penis at the urethral opening (where pee and semen come out), ensuring the cream goes down the urethra. It should be used five to 30 minutes before attempting intercourse.

Research found that alprostadil was significantly more effective than a placebo in patients with ED.

Since alprostadil mostly remains in the genital area and doesn’t spread to the rest of the body, the cream doesn’t seem to interact with other medications. With that in mind, it might be a good alternative to PDE5 inhibitors, as it can be safer for folks who use nitrates, alpha-blockers, and blood pressure medication.

A 2017 study of men with type 2 diabetes and ED suggests that alprostadil cream may be an effective alternative for those who can’t (or prefer not to) take ED pills or who haven’t seen good results from standard ED medications.

There’s just one problem: Alprostadil cream isn’t FDA-approved, and for that reason, you can’t buy it in the U.S. At least, not yet.

However, the FDA has approved Caverject^®, an alprostadil-based injection for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

SST-6006, a Topical Sildenafil Cream

SST-6006 is a topical cream containing sildenafil — the same active ingredient that helps Viagra do its thing. Though some studies have looked into the possibility of using sildenafil gel or cream, it’s not commercially available yet.

A company called Strategic Science & Technologies LLC announced it had completed a phase 2A clinical trial of an SST-6006 product in 2017 and currently says it’s “actively engaged in partner discussions.”

So for now, sildenafil gel isn’t yet a thing — but that might change in the future.

L-Arginine “Male Enhancement” Creams

If you’ve looked for supplements for erectile dysfunction, you’ve probably come across l-arginine.

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.

Bark and Seed Extract Creams

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.

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. 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.

You shouldn’t use alprostadil cream if you have certain medical conditions, including:

• An allergy to alprostadil

• Leukemia

• Multiple myeloma

• Peyronie’s disease (penile scar tissue buildup) and other deformities of the penis

• Polycythemia vera

• Sickle cell disease

• Thrombocythemia

You should also avoid Eroxon if you have:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients

• Peyronie’s disease or other deformities of 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 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.

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.

Common erectile dysfunction treatments include:

• Sildenafil (generic for Viagra)

• Tadalafil (generic Cialis)  

• Avanafil (sold as Stendra)

• Our hard mints chewable ED meds

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. 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. Over-the-counter Eroxon is available without a prescription and works by cooling and heating the penis, stimulating the nerves to improve blood flow.

• Beware of dodgy ED treatments. 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. 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.

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