Treatment options
Natural vs prescription erectile dysfunction treatment: an honest comparison
Men with erection problems often wonder whether to try natural approaches or prescription medicine. Here is an honest comparison of natural vs prescription erectile dysfunction treatment.
In short: Prescription ED tablets act quickly and work for many men, but they treat the symptom, need a prescription and are not suitable for men on nitrate heart medicines. Natural approaches, such as exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, pelvic floor training, stress support and selected herbs, take longer but address underlying causes and improve overall health. Many men benefit from both.
How prescription ED medicines work
PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil and tadalafil) boost blood flow to the penis when you are aroused. They work within 30 minutes to a few hours for many men. They must be prescribed by an appropriately registered medical professional. Our practice does not prescribe medicines.
Pros
- Fast, reliable effect for many men
- Well studied
Cons
- Treat the symptom, not the cause
- Side effects such as headache, flushing and nasal congestion
- Dangerous with nitrate heart medicines
- Unregistered online versions may be fake or contaminated. See sex pills.
How natural approaches work
Natural approaches target the reasons erections weaken: blood vessel health, weight, hormones, stress and pelvic floor strength.
Evidence-based natural options
- Aerobic exercise. See exercises for erectile dysfunction.
- Weight loss. See weight loss and erectile dysfunction.
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
- Pelvic floor training. See Kegel exercises for men.
- Stress and anxiety support. See performance anxiety in men.
- Selected herbs with some evidence, such as Korean red ginseng and L-arginine. See ginseng for erectile dysfunction.
Pros
- Address underlying causes
- Improve heart health, energy and confidence
- Benefits extend beyond the bedroom
Cons
- Take weeks to months
- Require consistency
- Herbs need checking for interactions
Can they be combined?
Yes. Many men use lifestyle changes alongside prescribed medicine, and some find they need medicine less over time. Always tell every practitioner what you take.
Which is right for you?
It depends on the cause, your health, your goals and how quickly you want results. New ED can be an early sign of heart disease, so a health check is wise. See heart disease and erectile dysfunction.
How we can help
Our naturopaths specialise in natural, non-surgical support and work alongside your medical care when you also use prescribed treatment.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- How often can you get and keep an erection firm enough for sex: almost always, most of the time, sometimes, or rarely?
- Do you still notice morning or night-time erections?
- Have stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking or long hours increased recently?
- Do you take medicine for blood pressure, the heart, diabetes or mood?
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
If you answered “sometimes” or “rarely” to the first question, a consultation is a sensible next step. Morning erections that still happen are often a reassuring sign that lifestyle, stress or confidence are playing a part, which natural support can address well. A yes to question four means any remedy needs checking for interactions first.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is natural ED treatment as effective as Viagra?
Natural approaches work more slowly and differently. They address causes, while prescription tablets treat the symptom quickly.
Can I use natural remedies and prescription ED medicine together?
Often yes, but check for interactions with a professional first.
How long do natural ED treatments take to work?
Most lifestyle changes take several weeks to months.
Do you prescribe ED medicine?
No. Our naturopaths provide natural, non-surgical support and refer you when medical treatment is needed.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Get personalised, natural support from a naturopath. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a remote consultation if you live outside Gauteng.
References and further reading
- NIDDK: Treatment for erectile dysfunction
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile dysfunction, diagnosis and treatment
- FDA: Tainted sexual enhancement products
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
