Can you take aspirin for erectile dysfunction?

In theory, it makes sense: Erections depend on healthy blood flow, and aspirin can promote healthy circulation. But theory and reality don’t always match up, and the little research we have on the topic hasn’t shown any definitive benefits of taking aspirin for erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Keep reading to understand the connection between aspirin and erectile dysfunction, and dive into some better options for improving erections.

No, aspirin does not work like Viagra. 

Viagra (sildenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor medication that works directly on blood vessels in the body. It works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This helps blood vessels relax so more blood can flow into the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection when aroused.

As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) antiplatelet agent, aspirin inactivates an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). At lower doses, it mainly works by preventing platelets in the blood from clumping together. That’s why aspirin is sometimes prescribed to help lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in certain people. 

It also has anti-inflammatory effects at higher doses. 

While both types of medications affect blood flow, they work in very different ways, so their effects on ED are quite different. 

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Aspirin and ED are sometimes linked because of their respective relationships to blood flow. Let’s explore this. 

Erectile dysfunction is when you consistently can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It can happen for many reasons, but poor blood flow is a common culprit. That’s because the blood vessels and healthy blood flow play key roles in making erections happen. 

It’s well known that blockages in the arteries or other problems with the blood vessels get in the way of heart and brain health, but these issues can also affect sexual health. This is where aspirin may enter the ED conversation — because both involve circulatory health.

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that prevents platelets from clumping together, making blood less likely to clot. By preventing clotting and helping blood move more easily, aspirin can support healthy circulation and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems — such as heart attacks and strokes — in certain people.

Since both ED and cardiovascular disease are often linked to narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis), researchers have questioned whether aspirin’s circulatory benefits could also improve erections. However, the effect isn't clear. Aspirin has been proposed to boost nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes blood vessels, which is important for erections. But more research is needed. 

At the same time, aspirin decreases molecules called prostaglandins, which normally widen blood vessels. In theory, reducing prostaglandins could work against healthy erectile function, though this hasn’t been proven in clinical studies. Because of these potentially opposing effects — and because clinical studies have shown mixed results — it’s unclear whether aspirin helps, harms, or has any real impact on ED.

Note that ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, but that doesn’t mean everyone with ED should take aspirin. Aspirin has long been studied for cardiovascular protection, but bleeding risks or the potential for stomach ulcers may outweigh the benefits for some people. Even though aspirin is OTC, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking it regularly.

So far, research on aspirin and ED is limited, and the results are mixed: 

• Possible benefit: A controlled trial included 184 men with ED caused by poor blood flow. Participants were randomly assigned to take either 100 mg of aspirin or a placebo every day for six weeks. At the end of the study, those in the aspirin group reported more improvement in erections compared to those who took a placebo. 

• Possible benefit: A 2020 meta-analysis combined the above trial with another small study, for a total of just over 200 men. The analysis found that men with ED who took aspirin reported modest improvement. However, the researchers emphasized that more, larger studies are needed to learn whether aspirin could be beneficial for ED.

• Possible harm: A systematic review that included aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications found mixed outcomes, with some studies suggesting no effect and some even raising the possibility of harm. The evidence was too inconsistent to draw clear conclusions.

• Possible increased risk: A genetic study observed that aspirin use might be linked to a higher risk of ED in men of European ancestry. While this type of study can’t prove cause-and-effect, it still raises questions about whether aspirin use could actually worsen ED in some populations.

Overall, the current evidence is inconclusive. So, if you’re looking for a proven or recommended treatment for ED, aspirin isn’t one of them.

There’s no official or recommended dosage of aspirin for ED. That’s because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved it for this use, and there’s little evidence showing it works for ED. In some cases, it could even be harmful. 

So, if you are wondering how much aspirin to take for ED, the best advice is not to take any, since there’s no safe or proven amount. 

For context, the typical dose of aspirin ranges from 81 mg (often called “baby aspirin” — a daily low dose that some people take for cardiovascular health) to 500 mg. Higher doses are generally used on an as-needed basis to reduce fever or relieve occasional pain such as headaches, toothaches, or joint pain. 

Though aspirin can be obtained over the counter, its use is typically directed by medical professionals. If you’re considering aspirin for ED, it’s best to avoid it and instead speak with a healthcare provider about safe, proven treatments for ED. 

Because aspirin can worsen bleeding and other side effects, you should not take it on a regular basis without discussing it with a healthcare provider and making sure it’s safe for you. 

Aspirin is generally safe for many adults when used as directed on an occasional basis for pain relief or, in some cases, more regularly to lower cardiovascular risk. But it is not a safe or proven treatment for ED.

Like any medication (yes, even over-the-counter medications), aspirin carries risks. Common adverse effects include indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea. Serious side effects are possible, such as allergic reactions or bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, which may show up as brown-appearing vomit or stool that looks black or bloody.

Aspirin is not safe for everyone. People over 60, those with a history of heavy alcohol use, ulcers or bleeding problems, and anyone taking blood thinners, steroids, or other NSAIDs face a higher risk of bleeding; these people should only take aspirin if their healthcare provider deems it safe for them. 

Talk with a healthcare provider before taking aspirin, especially if you have asthma, frequent heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or scheduled for surgery. 

Depending on the cause, effective treatments for ED can include prescription medications, counseling or stress management, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.

Prescription medications

The most popular FDA-approved ED treatments are PDE5 inhibitors, including Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), vardenafil, and Stendra (avanafil). These prescription pills work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. 

PDE5 inhibitors work well for many men but aren’t safe to use with nitrates and may interact with certain blood pressure medications. 

Additional options for those interested in PDE5 inhibitors include:

• Ro Sparks, a dissolvable, under-the-tongue tablet that contains a combination of tadalafil and sildenafil — the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra, respectively. 

• Daily Rise Gummies, a daily tadalafil gummy that keeps you ready for sex at all times for more spontaneity. 

While these last two formulations are not specifically FDA-approved, they can be prescribed off-label because their active ingredients are FDA-approved for treating ED. 

If ED pills don’t work or can’t be used, additional medication options include injections such as alprostadil (Caverject). These medications work well and typically do not require arousal to result in an erection. 

Mental health care

Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues can all contribute to ED. Working with a therapist can reduce anxiety and improve sexual confidence. If you are still experiencing morning erections but facing an issue getting an erection during sexual activity, that can be a sign of ED related to psychological issues. 

Lifestyle modifications

Healthy habits can support better erections. Regular exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol in those with excessive alcohol use, and managing underlying health conditions are all important for sexual (and overall) health. 

Pelvic floor exercises can also help strengthen the muscles involved in erections. Such lifestyle changes (especially including regular exercise in your routine) can decrease the symptoms of ED over time. Of course, be sure to discuss major lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider before significantly altering your routine. 

Yes, in most cases it is safe to take aspirin and Viagra at the same time. If your healthcare provider prescribed Viagra for ED and also told you to take a daily aspirin for a separate health concern, it should be okay to take them together. Research suggests it is okay to take aspirin and sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) together. 

However, if you have heart problems or have had a recent heart attack, sex can strain your heart, which may be unsafe. If your healthcare provider advised you to take aspirin after a recent heart attack, check in with them to see if you are cleared for sex and before taking any ED medications, such as Viagra. 

Some people may ask: “Will aspirin help Viagra work better?” It’s unlikely. Current evidence shows that aspirin doesn’t affect how Viagra is absorbed or how long it works in the body, or vice versa. 

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Aspirin is not a recommended treatment for ED, and because it carries risks, you should not take it on a regular basis without medical guidance. Safer, proven ED treatments are available and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

• ​​Aspirin isn’t proven for ED. A few small studies suggest it might help, but the evidence is too weak and conflicting to support taking aspirin for ED. 

• Aspirin isn’t safe for everyone. Aspirin can cause serious bleeding problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, which can even be life-threatening in severe cases. This risk is higher in people with certain health conditions and those taking blood thinners and other medications that raise the risk of bleeding.

• Effective ED treatments are available. Prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and counseling can all be effective, evidence-based alternatives for managing ED. Discuss further options with your healthcare provider.