Men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) often struggle in silence, wondering if a cure exists and if they can afford it. This article will reveal what you'll pay for every option, from temporary solutions to advanced therapies like P-shots and shockwave treatments. Drawing on Bookimed’s research of internal data and the global market, it will examine price differences across countries and insurance coverage realities.
Before your next doctor's appointment, discover the actual numbers that stand between you and confidence in the bedroom.
💵 ED Treatment: Cost Overview
Average cost by treatment:
- Erectile dysfunction medication: $700–$960 annually.
- Penile injections: $7,800–$8,400 annually.
- P-Shot: $1,000–$2,400.
- Penile implant surgery: $6,000–$20,000.
- Shockwave therapy: $650–$3,500.
- Stem cell therapy: $1,600–$5,000.
- Botox: $1,000–$2,000.
Average cost by country:
Table of Contents
- ED Treatment Options
- ED Pills Cost
- Cost of Injections for Erectile Dysfunction
- P-Shot Cost
- Penile Implant Surgery Cost
- Shockwave Therapy Cost
- Stem Cell Therapy Cost
- Cost of Botox for ED
- What Factors Affect ED Treatment Cost?
- Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Erectile Dysfunction?
- Key Takeaways
ED Treatment Options
Erectile dysfunction treatment can take many forms: some options work quickly, others aim for long-term results; some give you full control, others don't. That's why it's essential to understand the differences before comparing costs.
Here's a breakdown of the most common ED treatments:
ED treatment | How it works | Wait time for effect | Effect duration | Success rate | Other considerations | Average cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral medications (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) | Increases blood flow to the penis | 30–60 mins | 4–36 hrs | 70% | Requires timing and ongoing use | $20–$70 per pill ($700–$960 annual costs) |
Penile injections | ED medication injected into penis to increase blood flow | 5–20 mins | 30–60 mins | 80% | May cause slight pain, requires training, risk of priapism (abnormally prolonged erection) | $25–$100 per shot ($7,800–$8,400 annual costs) |
P-Shot (PRP) | Uses patient’s platelet-rich plasma to promote healing, improve sensation, and increase size | Initial results: 24 hours. Peak results: 1–2 months. | Up to 12 months | 82.8% | Possible girth increase | $1,000–$2,400 |
Penile implant surgery | Surgically placed device for on-demand erections | Immediate | Permanent | 95% satisfaction rate | Allows full control of erections; can improve girth | $6,000–$20,000 |
Shockwave therapy | Stimulates blood vessel growth in penis | Initial results: 2–3 weeks. Full results: 1–3 months. | 1–2 years | Improvements in 60% to 100% of patients | Innovative treatment, not FDA-approved in the US, but available abroad | $650–$3,500 |
Stem cell therapy | Regenerates tissue, improves function | 4–12 weeks | 1–3 years | 6 out of 7 patients have improved erections | Not FDA-approved, can increase girth | $1,600–$5,000 |
Botox | Relaxes smooth muscle to improve blood flow | 2 weeks | 6–8 months | From 77.5% to 94.7% | Can increase girth | $1,000–$2,000 |
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Next, let's look more closely at what you may pay in the short and long term for each option.
ED Pills Cost
ED drugs are priced per pill. They cost $20 to $70, depending on the brand, dosage, and pharmacy. Since ED pills have a temporary effect, they require ongoing use. Thus, the best way to appraise the cost-effectiveness of treatment is to calculate long-term expenses:
Yearly cost | $700–$950 (for moderate use) |
10-year total | $7,000–$9,500+ |
Common ED medications include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
ED pills are usually the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. They make it easier to get and maintain an erection, but only when aroused.
Cost of Injections for Erectile Dysfunction
ED injections are priced per dose. They typically cost $25 to $100 each, depending on the medication, dosage, and pharmacy.
Because this is a recurring-use treatment, patients should always consider the long-term cost:
Monthly cost (8–10 uses) | $650–$700 |
Yearly cost | $7,800–$8,400 |
10-year total | $78,000–$84,000 |
Common injectable options are:
- Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex)
- Papaverine
- Phentolamine
- Trimix (a mix of the above)
Penile injections can be prescribed when erectile dysfunction medication doesn’t work. They deliver medication directly into the erectile tissue, triggering an erection within minutes. But they come with trade-offs: needle use, training, and potential risk factors like pain, bruising, or priapism.
P-Shot Cost
💵 Average cost: $1,000–$2,400.
The P-Shot, or Priapus Shot, is also an injection for treating erectile dysfunction. However, unlike alprostadil or Trimix injections, the P-Shot aims for long-term improvement. Most patients need 1–3 sessions, and the effects last around 12 months.
According to the analysis of Bookimed's partner clinics, patients can save up to 85% when traveling to Turkey or Thailand for a P-Shot.
Country | Cost per session | Comprehensive treatment cost | Approximate 10-year expenses |
---|---|---|---|
USA | $1,800–$2,400 | $5,400–$7,200 (for up to 3 sessions) | $18,000–$72,000 |
UK | $1,300–$2,200 | $3,900–$6,600 (for up to 3 sessions) | $13,000–$66,000 |
Turkey | ~$300 | $3,800–$5,000 (for multiple sessions + shockwave and stem cell therapy) | $3,000–$9,000 |
Thailand | ~$300 | $1,800–$5,100 (for multiple sessions + shockwave and stem cell therapy) | $3,000–$9,000 |
Since patients may need up to 3 sessions, the total US cost can reach $7,200. On the other hand, Turkish and Thai healthcare providers often combine P-Shot treatments with shockwave and stem cell therapy to maximize the results.
These all-inclusive packages cost $1,800 to $5,100, depending on the treatment program. Therefore, you get a comprehensive treatment that costs up to 75% less than just a few P-Shot sessions in the USA.
Penile Implant Surgery Cost
💵 Average cost: $6,000–$20,000.
Since penile implant surgery is a permanent solution for erectile dysfunction, it involves higher short-term but lower long-term expenses. They last up to 20 years and can be replaced by a surgeon if they start working after this time point.
In the US and the UK, penile implant surgery can range from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on the type of implant and the clinic. Some hospitals charge up to $50,000 for more complex cases. However, patients can save up to 70%-85% by traveling to Turkey or Thailand for the procedure.
Country | Average cost |
---|---|
USA | $15,000–$40,000 |
UK | $13,000–25,000 |
$5,500–14,000 | |
$8,000–16,000 |
Note that the cost in Turkey and Thailand is all-inclusive, i.e., it can cover consultations, medical tests, accommodations, post-op care, and transfers.
The type of implant you choose influences the cost in a major way:
➤ The inflatable penile prosthesis is the most advanced and expensive option. They come with a pump, a reservoir, and two cylinders that fill with fluid to create an erection. They give you full control over firmness.
➤ Semi-rigid implants are simpler and can be up to 50% cheaper. The penis stays firm all the time but can be manually adjusted.
Cost of Shock Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
💵 Average cost: $650–$3,500.
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses sound waves for treating erectile dysfunction. One session of shockwave therapy costs around $500 in the US. A full course requires around 6 sessions, and the effects can last 1-2 years. In Turkey and Thailand, the costs are around 60%–80% lower.
Country | Cost per full course | Approximate 10-year cost |
---|---|---|
USA | $3,000+ | $15,000+ |
UK | $1,300–$2,700 | $6,500–$13,500 |
$500–$1,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | |
$650–$1,200 | $3,250–$6,000 |
These shock wave offers might interest you:
Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
💵 Average cost: $1,600–$5,000.
Stem cell therapy is a new treatment that regenerates tissue to alleviate ED symptoms. It’s still experimental in the US and not FDA-approved.
However, stem cell therapy for ED is safer and 50%–85% more affordable in Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand because it is regulated by local health authorities:
Treatments are carried out in licensed clinics under strict safety standards.
Country | Cost | All-inclusive? |
---|---|---|
USA/UK | $4,300–$20,000 | ❌ (the cost is per 1 treatment) |
$3,000–$4,000 | ✅ (may include PRP, ESWT) | |
$1,500–$4,900 | ✅ (may include exosomes, PRP, blood tests, consultations, oxygenotherapy) | |
$1,800–$5,100 | ✅ (may include shockwave, PRP, hyperbaric therapy, IV vitamins, hotel stay, transfers, consultations, etc.) |
These stem cell therapy offers might interest you:
Cost of Botox for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
💵 Average cost: $1,000–$2,000.
Botox is an injectable treatment for erectile dysfunction that works by relaxing the muscles in the penis. It should be repeated every 6 to 8 months to maintain results.
In the US, clinics may charge $500–$1,000 per session, and up to $15,000 for multiple sessions. In Turkey and Thailand, you can save up to 60%–80% compared to US prices.
Country | Cost per session | Approximate 10-year cost |
---|---|---|
USA | $500–$1,000 | $20,000–$150,000 |
UK | $1,700+ | $17,000–$34,000 |
$750–$2,000 | $7,500–$20,000 | |
$300–$750 | $3,000–$15,000 |
In Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand, it’s common for clinics to combine stem cell therapy with PRP, shockwave therapy, and even exosome treatments. This comprehensive treatment helps you get the most out of your therapy.
What Factors Affect ED Treatment Cost?
Due to the variety of available options, the cost of ED treatments depends on several factors:
1. Type of treatment
Prescription medications are the most affordable upfront, but they require ongoing use. To estimate what you will have to pay realistically, it’s helpful to consider 10- or 20-year costs. For example, penile implants have higher initial prices but restore sexual health for 20+ years.
2. Number of sessions
Treatments like shockwave therapy or the P-Shot may require multiple sessions, which adds to the cost of ED treatment. The number of stem cells, which can range from 28 million to 110 million, also influences the price.
3. Location
ED treatment cost can vary significantly based on where you get treated. USA and UK clinics tend to be more expensive, while Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand offer lower-cost treatments—sometimes up to 80% cheaper.
4. Expertise & technology
The clinic's reputation and the healthcare provider's experience majorly influence the cost of ED treatment. High-tech clinics with specialized protocols usually charge more for their services. However, this can be a worthwhile investment if it leads to better outcomes and fewer complications.
5. Package inclusions
In medical tourism hubs like Turkey and Thailand, you’ll find all-inclusive packages that may have a higher upfront cost than quoted US prices. These packages, however, include everything from consultations and accommodation to additional therapies. So, be sure to compare not just the prices, but also what they include.
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Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Erectile Dysfunction?
In the USA, both Medicare and commercial insurance providers offer some coverage for treating ED. However, only 23% of men diagnosed with ED receive treatment fully covered by their health plan.
Medicare can cover only:
- ED medications (up to 4 doses per month);
- penile prosthesis surgery.
Even when ED medications are covered, patients still pay around $700 out of pocket.
In the UK, the NHS can cover oral medications (also up to 4 doses per month) but doesn’t usually cover penile implant surgery.
ED Treatment Cost: Key Takeaways
➺ Long-term costs matter. Since ED (erectile dysfunction) is often a lifelong condition, it’s important to factor in long-term costs when evaluating treatment options rather than just the upfront price.
➺ Pills and injections can add up. Although they may seem affordable at first, over 10 years, the costs can reach $9,500 for pills and $84,000 for injections.
➺ Penile implants are a more cost-effective long-term solution. Despite the higher upfront cost ($6,000–$20,000), penile implants last up to 20 years.
➺ All-inclusive ED treatment packages in Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand often include multiple therapies. They can save you up to 85% compared to the US and the UK.
➺ Newer ED treatment options like shockwave therapy, stem cell therapy, P-Shot, and Botox are more widely available abroad. In the USA, prices range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the treatment and number of sessions. Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand offer the same treatments for $650 to $5,000.
➺ Insurance coverage is limited. In the USA, Medicare and commercial insurers may partially cover oral meds and prostheses for erectile dysfunction. NHS covers only up to 4 doses of medication a month.
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- Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). Which drug for erectile dysfunction?
- International Journal of Impotence Research. (2024). Patient out-of-pocket costs for guideline-recommended treatments for erectile dysfunction: a medicare cost modeling analysis.
- Toxins Journal. (2023). Safety and Effectiveness of Repeated Botulinum Toxin A Intracavernosal Injections in Men with Erectile Dysfunction Unresponsive to Approved Pharmacological Treatments: Real-World Observational Data.
- Michigan Medicine. (2024). The truth about penile implants.
- Urological Science. (2021). A Short Term Follow up for Intracavernosal Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.
- International Journal of Impotence Research. (2024). Evaluating the management trends for priapism and assessing the risk of priapism after in-office intracavernosal injections: a cross-sectional analysis.
- Canadian Urological Association Journal. (2022). Under-recognized factors affecting penile implant satisfaction in patients.