Over-the-counter medications or health products are available for a wide range of minor ailments, from the common cold to muscle aches and heartburns – we can normally find a simple and effective treatment without the need for a doctor’s consultation.

In Singapore, you can find a Guardian, Watsons or Unity at almost every heartland mall – it is so convenient to pop in and out for an over-the-counter medication or health product.

When talking about over-the-counter alternatives for ED treatment, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of the source of such alternatives.

It may be easier to discern shady makeshift stalls from legitimate retailers but when we go online – good marketing strategies can blur the line between legit products and counterfeits.

Here we discuss six over-the-counter alternatives for ED treatment, safe and legitimate options for men beyond ED pills.

SIRE Testosterone Support

SIRE Testosterone Support is proudly formulated and made in Singapore at a local GMP-certified facility. We comply strictly with the highest supplement standards as regulated by the HSA.

Our supplement combines 5 scientifically-backed active ingredients: Tongkat Ali root extract, L-Arginine, L-Carnitine, Vitamin D and Zinc to support testosterone production – promoting healthy sexual function, libido and semen quality. All 5 active ingredients are generally well-tolerated and are beneficial for overall masculine health as well.

SIRE Testosterone Support is also formulated with a particular focus on improving erectile function. We’ve looked into current available research carefully, selecting ingredients that have promising evidence for ED. Find out more about what the research says for each of these 5 ingredients in detail.

Ingredients in SIRE Testosterone Support have promising evidence-based research supporting improvements in ED when combined with the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes.

At SIRE, we only want the best for you – SIRE Testosterone Support contains only 100% active ingredients, no fillers added and zero contaminants.

Viagra Connect

Viagra Connect is essentially Viagra that is available to be purchased over-the-counter from a pharmacist without a prescription.

Viagra and Viagra Connect are branded versions of the generic medication Sildenafil.

Viagra Connect contains 50mg of Sildenafil, which was first marketed as Viagra in 1998. Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor and works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which allows you to achieve an erection and maintain it during sex.

Viagra Connect is only available for purchase in the UK. It is available at many registered UK high street and independent pharmacies. ChemistDirect is the only online partner that is able to sell Viagra Connect. It is important to be aware of unlicensed pharmacy sites selling counterfeit Viagra Connect.

In Singapore, Viagra Connect is not available. Viagra is available at the same dose (50mg) or at higher (100mg) or lower doses (25mg) with a legal prescription from a doctor.

We explore telemedicine services providing direct-to-home Viagra in Singapore.

Also, read our Singapore Guide to buying Viagra.

In Singapore, there are other medications such as Cialis and Spedra available licensed by the FDA and HSA as effective treatments for ED. They belong to the same class of medications as Viagra. These medications require a legal prescription from a doctor as well.

We discussed how Cialis and Spedra compare with Viagra in Singapore.

Vacuum-assisted devices

A penis pump is a device that creates a low-pressure vacuum around the penis to cause an erection. It helps to hold the blood in the penis and keeps it firm for at least 30 minutes.

Although a penis pump might feel awkward to use initially, they are relatively easy to operate and it gets better with practice.

It is used commonly to restore penis function after medical procedures such as prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

With adequate practice, vacuum devices can successfully create erections in as many as more than 90% of patients with ED.

It is also an established alternative for ED therapy when treatment with PDE5 inhibitors has failed, should not be used or when it has become unaffordable.

There are many types of these devices on the market, many of which are not approved by the HSA. They can be purchased at novelty sex shops and online. As they are not HSA-approved, they may not be safe or effective. The pressure inside some devices may not be safe.

A penis pump is considered a Class A medical device in Singapore and is regulated by the HSA to safeguard public health and safety. Importers and suppliers of penis pumps would require to be licensed by HSA.

You may have come across advertisements online promising devices that can enlarge your penis. There has been no evidence that such devices are effective. You may also risk injuring your penis using one.

Curious about the average penis size in Singapore? Find out in our article here.

As penis pumps are regulated by the HSA, always look out for a legitimate licensed seller or importer. Better be safe than sorry!

Sex therapy

Sex therapy has been shown to play an increasing role in the treatment of ED.

A man with ED can feel embarrassed and develop low self-confidence, self and partner blaming can result in communication problems between partners as well.

Medications, although effective, do not entirely address these psychosocial issues. Increasingly, medical treatment combined with psychotherapy has been shown to result in better ED outcomes compared to medical treatment alone

At SIRE, we focus on close collaboration between doctors and counselling. If a doctor or counselor feels you need physical or mental health assistance, we can refer you in-house for further help. Find out more about when to visit a sex therapist in Singapore (and how they help your relationships).

Health screening

Having ED may not only mean there’s something wrong with your penis. It can actually be a sign that you may be having other underlying health conditions as well.

In fact, suffering from ED may be the first sign that you also have diabetes or heart disease. Research has found that men with ED have a 59% higher risk of developing heart disease than men without the condition.

This is because the common causes of ED are often vascular-related problems that cause obstruction of the blood flow to different parts of the body, including the penis.

Male menopause, or andropause, is a condition whereby there is an age-related decline in testosterone levels. Low testosterone is a contributing factor to ED as well.

Treating the underlying health condition is often the first step toward treating ED effectively.

If you have not had a health screening done in the past 1 or 2 years, speak to your doctor about it.

Lifestyle changes

Easy to say but hard to do.

Adopting good lifestyle habits is possibly the lowest cost option in the treatment of ED with maximal health benefits.

Adopting a healthy diet with regular exercise and reducing smoking and alcohol use has been shown to be beneficial in ED.

Appropriate lifestyle changes and medications for ED have demonstrated time and time again their effectiveness in improving sexual function.

Read our articles on how getting 7 hours of sleep can cure your ED and how overworking might be giving you ED.

Supplements: Herbs, vitamins, minerals

Many health supplements on the market contain a combination of herbs, vitamins and minerals claiming to improve your erections, improve your libido or sexual performance.

To date, scientific evidence for these supplement products in the treatment of ED are still lacking. Unfortunately, many sexual enhancement products have been targets of dishonest sellers preying on our insecurities.

The presence of many counterfeit products has made sexual health supplements an area that requires great discernment.

Here at SIRE, we investigate a selected combination of herbs, vitamins and minerals known to improve sexual function in men and the research that is available for ED.

By creating and formulating our own supplements with transparent ingredients you can trust, and sharing the research that we know – we want to provide a safe platform for men to have access to – all at the comfort of your own privacy.

Here at SIRE, we take a holistic approach in the management of ED. We understand your worries and your concerns – here we list six options beyond ED pills – supporting all you need to know to help you understand ED better beyond medications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are over-the-counter alternatives for treating erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Over-the-counter alternatives for ED treatment include various products and approaches that do not require a prescription. These may include dietary supplements, herbal remedies, vacuum devices, and lifestyle changes.

Q: Are over-the-counter ED alternatives as effective as prescription ED pills?

Over-the-counter options may have varying degrees of effectiveness for different individuals. It’s important to note that prescription ED pills, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), are clinically proven and have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.