ED treatment costs vary enormously depending on which medication you use, whether you have insurance, and whether you opt for brand-name or generic. Understanding the real cost landscape helps you make a financially sustainable treatment choice without compromising on quality of care.
Oral Medication Costs
| Medication | Brand Name | Generic Cost/Dose | Monthly (as-needed, ~8x/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil 50mg | Viagra | $1–$3 | $10–$25 |
| Tadalafil 20mg (as-needed) | Cialis | $3–$8 | $25–$65 |
| Tadalafil 5mg (daily) | Cialis | N/A | $30–$60/month |
| Vardenafil 10mg | Levitra | $3–$8 | $25–$65 |
Telehealth ED Program Costs
Most men access ED medications through telehealth platforms. Pricing models vary:
- Subscription model (most common): $50–$120/month all-in, including medication, consultation, and shipping. Often most cost-effective for consistent users.
- Pay-per-dose: $3–$15 per dose depending on medication. Cost-effective for occasional use.
- One-time consultation + prescription: $25–$75 for consultation, then fill prescription at any pharmacy.
Injection Therapy Costs
Penile injection therapy costs more than oral medications but remains accessible.
- Alprostadil (Caverject): $50–$120 per injection kit (brand-name)
- Compounded Trimix: $30–$80 per vial (multiple doses per vial)
- Monthly cost at 2–4 uses/week: $60–$200/month for Trimix
Shockwave Therapy Costs
Li-ESWT is significantly more expensive than medication-based approaches and is not covered by insurance for ED.
- Per session: $300–$600
- Typical protocol (6–12 sessions): $1,800–$6,000 total
- Some providers offer package pricing
Insurance Coverage
ED medications are not covered by most insurance plans for ED as an indication, though some plans cover tadalafil when prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Medicare Part D does not cover ED medications. Some employer-sponsored plans include ED medication coverage — check your formulary.
FSA and HSA funds can be used for ED medications with a valid prescription.
How to Minimize ED Treatment Costs
- Use generic sildenafil or tadalafil through GoodRx at a local pharmacy — often cheaper than telehealth subscriptions for low-frequency users
- Ask your telehealth provider if they offer higher-dose pills you can split (e.g., 100mg sildenafil split into two 50mg doses)
- Compare telehealth platform all-in pricing against getting a standalone prescription from your PCP and filling at a discount pharmacy
- For daily tadalafil users, Cost Plus Drugs (Mark Cuban) offers very competitive generic pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ED treatment expensive?
With generics, ED treatment is among the most affordable prescription medications available. Sildenafil can cost under $1 per dose at discount pharmacies. The main cost variable is the consultation and ongoing medical oversight, not the medication itself.
Are telehealth ED programs worth the cost?
For most men, yes. Telehealth programs offer discreet, convenient access with included medical oversight. For heavy users, subscription plans often beat per-dose pharmacy pricing once consultation costs are factored in.
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