Wasting Money on ED Treatments

Doctors warn against buying expensive products online that don’t work

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is something no man wants to talk about, but a huge percentage of men will experience ED in their lifetime.

While there are safe and effective prescriptions on the market that treat the condition, doctors warn against buying expensive products online that don't work and could potentially hurt you.

Maxx Gallegos, MD, a urologist at The University of New Mexico Hospital, said many patients who have been referred to him have bought medication online without having any idea what it contains.

"Most of those companies are just trying to take your money," Gallegos said. "They are not really going to tell you what the ingredients are. They might have some active ingredients and some active medicines. But for the most part, they're not going to do anything for you - and they could hurt you."

Even medicines for ED that are prescribed by a doctor can have side effects. Gallegos said he would be reluctant to try anything that's marketed as an erectile aid bought off the internet.

"Those medicines can affect your heart pretty intensely and could precipitate a heart attack if you're the wrong patient," Gallegos said. "It would be very bad under any situation to start taking medicines without a doctor's guidance."

Many men will suffer from ED at some point in their lives, but it's important to note that erectile dysfunction could be a symptom of an underlying health problem, like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes or other conditions that could harm your heart.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, the best thing to do is go see your doctor, Gallegos said. "Before you get any type of medicine, you should see a doctor, whether that be your primary care doctor or a urologist."

ED might be something uncomfortable to talk about, but it's a conversation that doctors have heard before.