You are not alone — ED is more common than you think
Erectile dysfunction affects approximately 49% of Canadian men between the ages of 40 and 88. Despite being incredibly common, most men never seek treatment due to embarrassment or the hassle of booking a doctor's appointment to discuss it.
The reality is that ED is a treatable medical condition — and with online consultations, you can get effective medication without ever having an awkward face-to-face conversation.
Treatment options available
Licensed nurse practitioners on MedRelay can prescribe proven ED medications, including:
- Sildenafil (generic Viagra): Taken as needed, 30-60 minutes before activity. Effects last 4-6 hours. The most commonly prescribed and cost-effective option.
- Tadalafil (generic Cialis): Can be taken as needed or daily at a low dose. Effects last up to 36 hours, offering more spontaneity. Daily low-dose tadalafil is popular for its convenience.
Your nurse practitioner will recommend the best option based on your health profile, lifestyle, and preferences.
How the async consultation works
MedRelay uses asynchronous consultations for ED treatment, meaning no video call is required. Here is the process:
- Complete a health questionnaire (3-5 minutes): Answer questions about your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular health.
- NP review (within 24 hours): A licensed nurse practitioner reviews your information thoroughly and ensures the medication is safe for you.
- Prescription sent to your pharmacy: If approved, your prescription is sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. Completely discreet.
The entire process is 100% private. Your information is encrypted and protected under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA/PHIPA).
Safety considerations
ED medications are safe for most men, but there are important safety considerations your NP will evaluate:
- Nitrate medications: If you take nitroglycerin or other nitrates for heart conditions, ED medications are contraindicated
- Cardiovascular health: Your NP will assess your heart health history to ensure safety
- Other medications: Certain blood pressure medications and alpha-blockers require dose adjustments
- Underlying conditions: ED can sometimes signal underlying cardiovascular or hormonal issues — your NP may recommend follow-up testing
If your case requires a more detailed evaluation, your NP may recommend a video consultation or suggest seeing your family doctor for additional testing.
Cost and privacy
An ED consultation through MedRelay costs $59. This includes:
- Complete health questionnaire review
- NP assessment
- Prescription (if clinically appropriate)
- Dosing guidance
Privacy is paramount. Your consultation details are encrypted and stored in compliance with PIPEDA and PHIPA. Nothing is shared with anyone without your explicit consent — not your employer, not your family, not your family doctor (unless you request it).
Medication costs are separate and vary by pharmacy. Generic sildenafil is typically $3-8 per dose, making it very affordable.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a video call?
No. ED consultations are handled asynchronously (text-based). You complete a questionnaire and receive your treatment plan without a video call.
How discreet is the process?
Completely. Your pharmacy receives an electronic prescription — just like any other medication. There is nothing identifiable on your bank statement beyond "MedRelay."
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe Viagra/Cialis?
Yes. Licensed NPs in supported provinces have full prescriptive authority for ED medications.
What if the medication does not work?
Contact us for a follow-up. Your NP can adjust the dose, switch medications, or recommend further investigation.