In this latest video, our clinical Pharmacist Abraham Jacobson Khodadi discusses how to have stronger erections, what actually helps and what medications can help you.
There are 3 things I’d do straight away to help with stronger erections, and as a certified Advanced Clinical Practitioner, it’s exactly what I tell ED patients in clinic.
Starting today, don’t treat erectile dysfunction like it’s “just in your head” or “just testosterone” — I’m going to show you the 3-part erection pathway I use with patients, because when you know which part is failing, the fix becomes obvious.
Stay with me, because we’ll go through what actually helps first and when medication makes sense.
How clinicians think about ED
When a man tells me he’s struggling with erections, I don’t start with treatment.
I start with the pathway.
An erection depends on:
- blood flow
- nerve signals from the brain
- and the psychological environment
If blood flow is restricted, nerve signalling is disrupted, or stress interferes with the process, erections become unreliable.
Clinically, common physical contributors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and narrowing of blood vessels.
But it’s not just having these conditions – how well they’re controlled matters.
Poorly controlled blood pressure affects penile blood flow.
Poor blood sugar control affects both blood vessels and nerves, even before diabetes is formally diagnosed.
Psychological factors matter too.
Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues can disrupt erections, and in younger men, these are often the dominant drivers.
Medications can also play a role.
Some antidepressants, and some blood pressure tablets, can contribute to erectile dysfunction particularly beta-blockers and older thiazide diuretics.
That’s why a proper medication review is always part of a thorough ED assessment.
And importantly – never stop or change prescribed medication on your own. If this is an issue, speak to your doctor, because there are often effective alternatives.
This is why ED should never be self-diagnosed.
A healthcare professional helps identify where the pathway is breaking down.
What actually helps first
For many men, lifestyle changes genuinely improve ED because they act directly on circulation, hormones, and nerve health.
From a clinical standpoint, these are non-negotiables:
- regular exercise, it supports heart and blood vessel health
- reducing excess belly fat, it affects testosterone and oestrogen balance
- stopping smoking, as nicotine constricts blood vessels
- limiting or stopping alcohol, since heavy intake dulls nerve sensitivity
- managing stress and improving sleep
Sleep is often underestimated. Poor sleep lowers testosterone levels and increases stress hormones, both of which interfere with sexual response.
These changes don’t work overnight, but when ED is driven by circulation, hormones, or stress, they form the foundation.
When medication comes in
When lifestyle measures aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe PDE-5 inhibitors.
These medications relax blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood flow when arousal is already present.
The most commonly used is sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.
Clinically, correct use matters:
- taken about one hour before sexual activity
- works best on an empty stomach
- lasts around four hours
- no more than one dose in 24 hours
Side effects can include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness, or stomach upset.
Always read the leaflet and use medication under medical guidance.
Before using any medication, always consult with your doctor for personalised advice and to ensure it’s safe and suitable for you. Also, remember to read the information leaflet provided with the medication for important details and side effects and instructions on usage duration.
If you’re prescribed ED medication, we’ve got a separate video on the channel where we explain the most common usage mistakes and how to avoid them.
When ED needs checking
If ED is happening regularly, it should always be discussed with your healthcare professional
Sometimes it’s an early sign of problems with blood pressure or blood sugar control, because the penile blood vessels are smaller and show issues earlier.
More information on when to seek medical advice is in the description, make sure you read it.