What is the treatment for erectile dysfunction in Denmark?
The first choice is erectile dysfunction medicine of the PDE5 inhibitor type, which works for about 7 in 10 men, combined with lifestyle changes.
| Treatment | What it is | Does it work? |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle | Stopping smoking, weight loss, exercise, less alcohol, better sleep | Yes, for many, and it makes medicine work better |
| PDE5 inhibitors | Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil, avanafil. Tablets on prescription | Yes, about 7 in 10 men. First choice |
| Talking therapy and sexological counselling | For performance anxiety, stress, relationship problems | Yes, especially in younger men and with a psychological cause |
| Treating the underlying disease | Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, low testosterone (only if proven) | Yes, often improves erections over time |
| Alprostadil | Injection into the penis or cream in the urethra | Yes, when tablets do not work |
| Vacuum pump | Mechanical aid | Yes, a medicine-free alternative |
| Penile implant | Surgery | Yes, a last resort with high satisfaction |
Based on Danish and European guidelines. The doctor refers you on if you need further examination or one of the other treatments.
At Recepta the treatment is erectile dysfunction medicine and advice on lifestyle, and the doctor refers you on if you need an examination or one of the other treatments.
What is erectile dysfunction, and what causes it?
Erectile dysfunction is when you repeatedly cannot get or keep an erection firm enough for sex, and the most common cause is reduced blood flow to the penis.
A few bad days do not count; it is the pattern over weeks and months that matters. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight and too little exercise affect the small blood vessels, which is why erection problems can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease. Stress, performance pressure, anxiety, depression and poor sleep also play a part, often most in younger men.
Several common medicines can cause it as a side effect, including some blood pressure medicines and antidepressants, and low testosterone can contribute in some men. Testosterone only helps if a blood test shows a deficiency.
How does erectile dysfunction medicine work?
PDE5 inhibitors block an enzyme that would otherwise break down the signal substance that widens the blood vessels in the penis, so your own erection comes more easily when you are aroused.
The medicine does not cause an erection by itself and does not affect desire. Sildenafil works after about 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 4 to 6 hours; tadalafil works for up to 36 hours and also comes as a low daily dose. The effect is the same; the difference is duration and timing. If the first type does not work well enough, the doctor adjusts the dose or switches to another type. Read sildenafil vs tadalafil.
Who should not take erectile dysfunction medicine?
You must never combine erectile dysfunction medicine with nitrate medicine such as nitroglycerin, used for angina, because blood pressure can drop dangerously.
You also cannot use it with unstable heart disease, after a heart attack or stroke within the last 6 months, with very low blood pressure or with severe liver or kidney disease. The most common side effects are headache, flushing, a blocked nose, heartburn and temporary visual disturbances, usually mild. An erection lasting more than 4 hours needs a doctor straight away.
How much does erectile dysfunction treatment cost in Denmark?
Generic sildenafil costs from DKK 34.30 for 12 tablets and generic tadalafil from DKK 34.80 for 12 tablets, and the doctor-led programme at Recepta costs from DKK 104 per 4 weeks.
Pharmacy prices are for 28 September to 11 October 2026 and include the DKK 10 prescription fee; original Viagra costs DKK 1,292.85 for 12 tablets of 50 mg. There is no subsidy. At Recepta the consultation is free, the first 4 weeks cost DKK 0, and then it is DKK 104 per 4 weeks with a 1-year membership (DKK 1,349 paid yearly) or DKK 149 with no binding. It covers the prescription, all renewals, dose adjustment and follow-up with your regular doctor. A single consultation without membership costs DKK 299. See medication prices in Denmark.
How do I get erectile dysfunction treatment online in Denmark?
You answer a few questions, have a free phone consultation with a licensed Danish doctor, and if approved, the e-prescription is sent to your own pharmacy, often the same day.
- Answer 3 questionsAbout your goal, how often erections are a problem, and your heart and blood pressure. The pages are in Danish.
- Book a free phone consultationChoose a time, also evenings and weekends, or ask the doctor to call as soon as possible, typically within a few hours.
- The doctor assesses youThe doctor chooses type and dose and sends the e-prescription to your own pharmacy, often the same day.
- Collect the medicine discreetlyAt your own pharmacy or from a Danish online pharmacy. You only pay for the programme once the doctor has approved you.
When should I see my own GP instead?
See your own GP or a doctor in person first if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting on exertion, sudden erection problems with pain or numbness, are under 18, or had a heart attack or stroke within the last six months.
In these situations you need a physical examination first. The doctor at Recepta will tell you if this applies to you, and the consultation still costs nothing.
Frequently asked questions
What works best for erectile dysfunction?
Can I get erectile dysfunction medicine online in Denmark?
Is erectile dysfunction a sign of disease?
Does testosterone help erectile dysfunction?
How quickly can I get started?
Is erectile dysfunction common in younger men?
Can I buy erectile dysfunction pills without a prescription in Denmark?
Sources
- Lægehåndbogen, sundhed.dk: Erectile dysfunction. Prevalence, causes, examination and treatment.
- European Association of Urology (EAU): Guidelines on sexual and reproductive health, erectile dysfunction (2025).
- Goldstein I, Lue TF, Padma-Nathan H, et al. Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine. 1998;338(20):1397-1404.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA): Summaries of product characteristics for Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). Dosing, contraindications (nitrates) and side effects.
- Recepta: pharmacy prices today, price period 28 September to 11 October 2026.
This page is health information and does not replace a medical assessment. Recepta does not sell medicine; prescription medicine is only dispensed after an individual assessment by a doctor and is bought at the pharmacy.