Where and How Do You Get a Prescription for Viagra?
Key takeaways:
If you’ve noticed changes in your erections, talk to a medical professional.
Erection problems are common, and many different things can cause them — including medications and medical conditions.
Talking to a healthcare professional can help you learn whether a medication like Viagra could work for you. It’s also (currently) the only way to get a prescription for these types of medication.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
Your sex life isn’t an easy thing to bring up at the doctor’s office. Even if you've been seeing the same person for years, it can be hard to talk about erectile dysfunction (ED).
Although it can feel awkward, talking to your medical care team is the best way to get help. After all, you’re not alone. Male sexual dysfunction affects up to one-third of men. This includes decreased libido (no interest in sex), ED, and problems ejaculating (including premature ejaculation).
So, if you’re wondering if an ED prescription medication is right for you, you have several options. You can schedule an in-person appointment with your regular primary care provider. Or you can use a virtual service to see if it makes sense to try Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil).
Whichever option you’re most comfortable with, here are some important considerations to think about.
Is Viagra only available with a prescription?
Yes. Viagra is only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional. It’s not available over the counter (OTC) — yet. This means that you can’t get Viagra without first talking to a healthcare professional. But this visit doesn’t have to be in person. There are many virtual care providers who can make a diagnosis of ED and prescribe Viagra online.
Does Viagra have to be prescribed by a doctor?
Yes. To get Viagra, you need a prescription from a doctor. Even generic Viagra (sildenafil) still requires a prescription.
Overwhelmed by choice? Here’s how common erectile dysfunction (ED) medications like Viagra, Cialis, and others compare.
ED medications don’t have to break the bank: Learn how to save and pay as little as you can on common treatments for ED.
Alcohol is a common cause of impotence: Explore the link between alcohol and ED and consider cutting back before reaching for Viagra.
When you talk to your prescriber — whether it’s in person or through a virtual service — they’ll ask you questions about your health (including your sexual health). This helps them decide whether Viagra could be a safe and effective medication for you to try. If they think Viagra is a good fit for you, they’ll send a prescription directly to your pharmacy.
Remember: It’s important to use Viagra as prescribed. You shouldn’t take Viagra that belongs to someone else. It’s also not a good idea to take Viagra that came from anywhere else but a pharmacy. And, if you get your medication online, make sure you’re using a safe pharmacy.
Do you need to see a doctor to find out why you have ED?
You do need to be assessed by a licensed healthcare professional to get ED medication. And it’s a good idea to visit a doctor’s office or other healthcare professional in person, especially if your erection problems are new. This is because ED can be a sign of another health problem, such as:
Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Parkinson’s disease
And there are other causes of ED too. A primary care provider can help figure out what’s causing your ED and how to fix it. This could mean trying a medication like Viagra. Or it could mean getting to the root cause of your erection problems and fixing those instead.
After all, if you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection, a basic checkup is never a bad idea. Your medical team can go over several things that can affect your risk of ED, such as:
Testing your early-morning testosterone levels
Reviewing your medications
Taking a close look at certain habits like drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes
Quiz: Is it erectile dysfunction?
How to start the conversation with your doctor and get a prescription for Viagra
It’s not difficult to get a prescription for Viagra or other ED medications. You’ll need to start by scheduling a visit with your primary care provider. You can also choose a virtual service. This may not give you the in-depth assessment you might be looking for though.
Either way, try to be as honest as possible about your symptoms. Some people feel awkward talking about sex, but you don’t need to feel that way. Erection problems are very common, and healthcare professionals are there to help. The more open you can be, the more likely it is you’ll get the help you need — and the right medication.
Frequently asked questions
Because ED medications are often considered “lifestyle” treatments, insurance coverage is inconsistent. Fortunately, generic versions are widely available at low cost, between $10 and $15 per month.
Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is generally not covered by Original Medicare or most Medicare Part D plans. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer limited coverage, but it's uncommon. Medicaid and private insurance may sometimes cover generic sildenafil, usually with restrictions like prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits.
To buy Viagra in the U.S., you must be at least 18 years old and have a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Viagra isn’t approved to treat ED in people under the age of 18. This is because ED is caused by underlying health conditions that aren’t common in adolescents and younger men.
Because generic sildenafil is so inexpensive now, Viagra isn’t commonly available for free. But you might only need to pay a small amount out of pocket if you qualify through:
Insurance
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits
Telehealth promotions
Sexual health community clinics
Viagra is generally well-tolerated. But, like any medication, it can cause side effects. Most side effects with Viagra are mild and go away on their own, such as:
Mild headache
Flushing
Indigestion
Blurred or blue vision
Staying well-hydrated with water and limiting the amount of alcohol and food you consume before you take Viagra can help with most of these side effects. OTC pain relievers are an option too. If these side effects continue with each use, it may be a good idea to talk to your prescriber about adjusting your dose or trying a different type of ED medication.
Rarely, medications like Viagra can cause serious side effects. Seek emergency medical care right away if you ever experience any of the following with Viagra:
Dizziness or faintness
Low blood pressure
An erection that lasts more than 4 hours
Sudden loss of vision
The bottom line
If you’re curious about ED medication, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you understand what might be causing your symptoms. And they can come up with a strategy for treatment. Though it might seem difficult to ask a healthcare professional about ED medications, it’s worth it. After all, medical professionals are there to help you with all of your health concerns — including your ability to have reliable, firm erections.
Why trust our experts?
References
DrinkAwareUK. (n.d.). Is alcohol affecting your sex life?
Kovac, J. R., et al. (2015). Effects of cigarette smoking on erectile dysfunction. Andrologia.
Mirone, V., et al. (2004). Determinants of erectile dysfunction risk in a large series of Italian men attending andrology clinics. European Urology.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy.
