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Does Erectile Dysfunction Gel Work? Find Out Which Medication Is Best, Its Benefits and Risks

Frasco de gel para uso médico em consultório, ao lado de mão com luva examinando tablet com representação de fluxo sanguíneo, em ambiente clínico moderno e iluminado, simbolizando tratamento da disfunção eréctil e vasodilatação de forma discreta e educativa

Does Erectile Dysfunction Gel Work? Find Out Which Medication Is Best, Its Benefits and Risks

Frasco de gel para uso médico em consultório, ao lado de mão com luva examinando tablet com representação de fluxo sanguíneo, em ambiente clínico moderno e iluminado, simbolizando tratamento da disfunção eréctil e vasodilatação de forma discreta e educativa
Assuntos

The use of erectile dysfunction gel depends on the causes, individual needs, and clinical history of each patient. Treatment without professional guidance may be inappropriate or potentially harmful.

Erectile dysfunction gels may attract men’s attention because they appear to be an alternative for a condition that may be associated with insecurity, anxiety, and a potential impact on sexual life. However, an individual assessment is necessary to determine whether this type of product may, in fact, potentially contribute in each case.

Not all gels have the same composition, mechanism of action, or indication. In addition, the evidence of effectiveness varies according to the product and the patient’s clinical condition.

Therefore, when discussing topical treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is important to be alert to exaggerated promises and seek an assessment from a urologist, who may indicate the most appropriate approach for each case.

Understanding erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent or recurrent difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection for sexual activity.

The causes may be physical, psychological, or a combination of both. Physical factors include:

  • Circulatory problems;
  • Hormonal problems;
  • Neurological problems;
  • Medication side effects;
  • Health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure;
  • An unhealthy lifestyle (overweight, obesity, smoking, among others).

Psychological factors may include:

  • Stress;
  • Anxiety;
  • Depression;
  • Concerns about sexual performance;
  • Relationship problems.

The diagnosis involves a detailed medical assessment, medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. This also makes it possible to identify the causes and treat the underlying condition.

Treatment varies according to the underlying cause. Possible approaches include:

  • Psychological therapy;
  • Oral medications;
  • Injectable medications;
  • Hormone therapy;
  • Surgery to place a penile prosthesis;
In addition, it is possible to consider the feasibility of complementary treatments, such as using devices like a vacuum pump and erectile dysfunction gel.

What are erectile dysfunction gels?

Erectile dysfunction gels are topical products that may potentially contribute to changes in male erectile function.

These products emerge as a topical alternative to oral treatments and may be considered by men looking for different options.

They may also be an option in selected cases, especially when there is a medical indication to consider alternatives to certain treatment lines or to complement therapeutic approaches.

Although they are not yet widely known in some markets, erectile dysfunction gels have been studied and used in certain clinical settings, always with the need for individual assessment.

How does erectile dysfunction gel work?

Erectile dysfunction gel is applied locally, usually to the body of the penis, according to the product instructions and medical guidance.

The product may have different mechanisms of action, depending on its composition. Some products contain active substances that, when applied locally, may potentially promote vasodilation and increased blood flow in the penis, potentially contributing to changes in erection.

Other options act mainly through physical or sensory effects, such as transient sensations of cold or heat, which may potentially stimulate local nerve endings.

The clinical response varies according to the composition of the product, the cause of erectile dysfunction, and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Erectile dysfunction gel in Portugal

The use of topical gels has been studied and introduced in some international markets, such as Portugal. Some require a medical prescription, while others may be available without one.

Although they are gaining ground, erectile dysfunction gels are not yet the first approach for every man. Oral, injectable, and surgical treatments are the established options.

It is important to note that several studies on new topical substances and formulations are ongoing. These options, which are still under study, should be assessed cautiously and may only be considered in clinical practice after sufficient scientific evidence has been gathered and the appropriate framework has been obtained from the competent authorities.

Vitaros®

This Alprostadil-based gel (the same basis as intracavernous injections) is a topical medication that may potentially promote vasodilation and increased blood flow in the area, potentially contributing to changes in erection when there is sexual stimulation.

The dose, frequency of use, and method of administration should be guided by a doctor. Alprostadil gel is contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease, anatomical changes of the penis, a history of priapism, or concomitant use of other erectile dysfunction medications.

Eroxon® StimGel

The product is a relatively recent erectile dysfunction gel available in Portugal. Its mechanism is based on a physical and sensory effect, with cooling followed by gradual warming. This effect may potentially stimulate nerve endings — that is, it is not a vasodilator medication.

The gel should be applied to the glans and massaged for a few seconds immediately before sexual intercourse. Its effect may potentially support the erectile response when there is sexual stimulation.

The response may vary according to the cause of erectile dysfunction, the degree of symptoms, general health status, and the presence of other associated factors, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, hormonal changes, or the use of certain medications.

How to choose the best erectile dysfunction gel?

The most appropriate gel is one that may address the patient’s concern safely and with a clear medical indication.

The choice should always be individualized and guided by a urologist. The specialist will assess the cause of erectile dysfunction, general health status, medications in use, the patient’s expectations, and the existence of contraindications.

It is important to follow the prescription and avoid products without professional guidance, since inappropriate use may cause adverse effects, potentially delaying diagnosis or potentially worsening existing health conditions.

Application

The application of erectile dysfunction gel is generally topical, directly to the penis. The method of application may vary according to the product and the doctor’s instructions.

Each product may have specific recommendations, such as the minimum time to wait after application before sexual activity, contact with water, or other safety guidance.

It is important to strictly follow the instructions for use provided by the doctor or stated in the product leaflet.

Is it safe to use gel on the penis?

Like any other medication or therapeutic product, the use of gel on the penis requires attention and specific care.

Using gel on the penis may be safe when the product is appropriate for the case, used correctly, and in accordance with the instructions for use or medical prescription.

However, even when a product may be safe and indicated for erectile dysfunction, this does not guarantee that it will be effective for every man. Therefore, if there are no changes or if difficulty obtaining an erection persists, it is important to consider a new therapeutic approach.

Does gel work for all cases of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction gel may not be effective in all cases. The response may vary according to the underlying cause of the problem, the degree of erectile dysfunction, the presence of associated diseases, and the individual characteristics of each patient.

In studies of topical Alprostadil, the product showed results superior to placebo, but it did not work for all men. In two studies reviewed by NICE, approximately 31% to 40% of participants presented changes considered relevant.

In the case of Eroxon®, the FDA assessment reported a response rate of 62% in the main study presented. It was also observed that some men reported a potential onset of erection within up to 10 minutes after application.

These data show that gels may potentially contribute to changes in some men, but they do not guarantee universal effectiveness.

Caution with erection-prolonging ointments!

It is important that patients remain attentive, as there are many promises without a scientific basis on the market, aimed at men who have difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection.

Some products are presented as stimulants or aphrodisiacs for male sexual life and promise to prolong erection, but they may not have been adequately tested or have sufficient scientific evidence.

These products may even contain active substances, but the concentration, absorption, and clinical indication may not be appropriate for a treatment to be safe.

Using ointments, creams, or gels without medical assessment may pose a health risk. Therefore, medical assessment should be sought before starting any product on one’s own for erectile difficulties.

Advantages

When appropriately indicated, erectile dysfunction gel may have some characteristics compared with other therapeutic approaches:

  • Local application;
  • Possibility of a more direct action on the male genital organ;
  • Possibility of use before sexual activity;
  • Discreet application compared with some other forms of treatment;
  • Alternative to oral tablets in contraindicated cases or where there is no response;
  • Potentially fewer side effects compared with some other options.

Disadvantages

Although it may be considered in selected cases, erectile dysfunction gel also has limitations:

  • May potentially cause side effects;
  • Requires application before sexual activity, which is not always convenient;
  • May not be effective in all cases of erectile dysfunction;
  • May require other combined therapeutic approaches when the cause of erectile dysfunction is more complex;
  • May have contraindications or require specific care depending on the product used.

Side effects

Like any medication, erectile dysfunction gels or ointments may potentially cause side effects, depending on the product’s composition and individual sensitivity. Possible effects include:
  • Pain, burning, or local discomfort in the penis;
  • Redness or skin irritation;
  • Genital itching;
  • Skin rash;
  • Tingling, numbness, or a pulsating sensation in the penis;
  • Headache;
  • Scrotal pain;
  • Inflammation of the urinary tract;
  • Potential risk of priapism (an erection lasting more than four hours).
A sexual partner may also potentially experience local symptoms after contact with the product, such as:
  • Mild burning sensation;
  • Vaginitis.

Contraindications

Erectile dysfunction gels have contraindications, like any other medication. Contraindications may vary according to the product used, its composition, and the patient’s health status.

In general, topical products for erectile dysfunction may not be recommended in the following situations:

  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation;
  • Anatomical changes of the penis;
  • Active inflammation, wounds, irritation, or infection of the penis;
  • History of priapism or conditions that increase the risk of priapism, such as sickle cell anemia;
  • Cardiovascular disease in which sexual activity has been discouraged;
  • Concomitant use of other erectile dysfunction treatments without medical guidance;
  • Recurrent dizziness, fainting, or a tendency toward low blood pressure;
  • Liver or kidney disease;
  • Contact with a pregnant, breastfeeding, or potentially pregnant partner;
It is important to read the package leaflet before starting treatment.

Established treatments for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction gel may emerge as an alternative or complement to already established approaches for erection problems. The most frequently used approaches include pharmacological and surgical treatment, according to the cause and severity of the case.
Pharmacological treatment may include oral medications, such as Tadalafil or Sildenafil, when indicated, and injectable penile therapies in selected cases. However, not all patients adapt to these options or achieve a response considered adequate.
In specific cases, surgical treatment may be considered, including the placement of a penile prosthesis, with the aim of potentially providing rigidity for sexual activity.

Thus, erectile dysfunction gel may be considered in some cases, but it should be understood as a complementary option within a broader set of treatments. Its use should be guided by a urologist to determine the possibility of response to each approach.

Schedule your appointment and have an individualized assessment.

Picture of Yasmin Medeiros

Yasmin Medeiros