Erectile dysfunction treatment cost can vary from $3.00 to $4,500. There are a number of affordable and effective options available such as an oral generic medication that costs $3.00 - $18.00 for each use. There are other advanced therapies available for about $1,500.00 - $4,500.00 for the entire course of treatment, such as treatment using a shockwave.
Erectile dysfunction treatment cost will vary quite a bit across Australia, starting from a free visit with a doctor to some medical procedures that could cost thousands of dollars as an out-of-pocket cost. When men review the average prices of ED products such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Cialis, their belief is that effective product costs can be considerably lower than anticipated. Let’s break down the cost of treatment for ED.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Cost at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, let’s have a quick summary of the cost of ED treatment in Australia.
Treatment Type | Typical Cost Range | Best Suited For |
Bulk-billed GP consultation | $0 | Starting point for all men |
Generic oral pill (Sildenafil/Tadalafil) | $3 – $18 per dose | Mild to moderate ED, first-line treatment |
Brand-name oral pill (Viagra/Cialis) | $15 – $40 per dose | Men prefer branded medication |
Vacuum erection device | $50 – $700 one-off | Men avoiding medication |
Penile injection therapy | $5 – $80 per dose | Moderate to severe ED, oral meds failed |
Testosterone replacement therapy | $30 – $170 per month | ED caused by low testosterone |
Shockwave therapy | $1,500 – $4,500 per course | Vascular ED, long-term improvement |
Penile implant surgery | $15,000 – $40,000+ | Severe ED, all other treatments failed |
ED Treatment Cost by Severity
Severity | Typical Treatment | Annual Cost |
Mild ED | Lifestyle changes + Sildenafil | $50–$500 |
Moderate ED | PDE5 inhibitors + doctor review | $300–$1,500 |
Severe ED | Injections, shockwave, implants | $1,500–$40,000+ |
What Drives the Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Cost?
See how the price of the treatment of erectile dysfunction, or ED, varies due to many different variables:
- Treatment Type: A generic (pill) can be purchased much cheaper than what it would cost to have surgery performed.
- Generic Vs. Brand Name: A brand name can cost significantly higher than a generic version for an identical medication.
- Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans will not cover ED medications but they may cover some surgical or diagnostic items regarding ED.
- Frequency of Use: If you take an ED medication on a regular basis, the cost per pill will start adding up quickly to a total annual expense.
Being informed of these elements will give you control of your discussion with your doctor and also of your bank account at the end of the month.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Cost: A Full Breakdown for Australian Men
1. Doctor's Consultation and Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with an underlying condition that is causing your ED, the treatment for the underlying condition may cure or substantially improve your ED without any further treatment.
A standard workup for ED usually will consist of reviewing your health history and medication history, conducting a physical examination, and conducting blood tests for testosterone, blood sugar, cholesterol, and thyroid function. In some instances, a penile Doppler ultrasound may be performed to provide direct evaluation of blood flow to the penis.
Type of Consultation | Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost (AUD) |
Bulk-billed GP visit | $0 |
Private GP consultation (after Medicare rebate) | $10 – $90 |
Urologist specialist consultation (after Medicare rebate) | $100 – $500+ |
Online telehealth consultation | $0 – $75 |
Diagnostic blood panel (pathology) | $0 – $50 (bulk-billed in most cases) |
Penile Doppler ultrasound (if ordered) | $100 – $400+ |
2. Oral ED Medications (PDE5 Inhibitors)
Oral medications in the PDE5 inhibitor class are TGA-approved first-line treatment for ED, and it is also one of the most widely used treatments in Australia. It is important to know that oral ED medications are not listed on PBS in Australia when prescribed specifically for erectile dysfunction. It simply means they are dispensed on a private prescription and the PBS co-payment cap of $25 doesn’t apply. You pay the full private price.
What Oral ED Medications Cost in Australia
Medication Format | Brand-Name Price Per Dose (AUD) | Generic Price Per Dose (AUD) |
As-needed oral pill (short-acting, 4–6 hours) | $15 – $30 | $3 – $10 |
As-needed oral pill (long-acting, up to 36 hours) | $20 – $40 | $5 – $15 |
Daily low-dose oral pill (taken every day) | $15 – $25 | $3 – $8 |
As-needed oral pill (fast-acting alternative) | $20 – $35 | $8 – $18 |
The price of Sildenafil in Australia can be anywhere from $3-$10 per dose (generic version), while the price of Tadalafil can typically be $5-$15 (generic version). The price of Cialis in Australia can range from $20-$40 per dose for the brand. The actual price of ED medication in Australia will also depend on the dosage, the pharmacy and whether or not a prescription is required.
3. Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs)
A vacuum erection device is non-surgical, no drugs are involved, and blood is drawn into the penis via a slight vacuum effect. A constrictive ring on the end of the penis maintains the erection during sexual intercourse. This is particularly well-suited to men who are unable to use oral medications due to heart problems and/or other drugs they may be on.
Device Type | Cost (AUD) |
Basic over-the-counter device | $50 – $150 |
TGA-cleared medical-grade VED | $350 – $600 |
A primary financial benefit is that once you purchase a VED, there are no recurring drug costs. VEDs are frequently used in combination with other treatment methods.
4. Penile Injection Therapy
Penile injection therapy is a second-line treatment where oral medications have failed or cannot be utilized. TGA-approved, single-agent drugs as well as compounded multi-drug formulations are available via compounding pharmacies in Australia.
Injectable Type | Cost Per Dose (AUD) | Estimated Annual Cost (AUD) |
Single-agent TGA-approved injectable | $25 – $80 | $5,500 – $9,000 |
Compounded multi-drug injectable | $5 – $50 | $600 – $8,500 |
5. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Hormone replacement may be an option, either in conjunction with oral medication or alone, if blood tests confirm low testosterone is an exacerbating factor of ED. TRT is available in the form of self-injectable medications, creams applied to the skin, transdermal patches, and subdermal pellet implantation into subcutaneous fat tissue.
TRT Format | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD, Without PBS Subsidy) |
Testosterone injections (self-administered) | $30 – $100 |
Topical testosterone gel | $80 – $120 |
Transdermal patch | $80 – $150 |
Subcutaneous pellet implant (lasts 4–6 months) | $500 – $600 per insertion |
6. Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy
Low-intensity shockwave therapy is an acoustic soundwave that is delivered into the penis in order to improve the growth of blood vessels. Rather than treat ED on demand, it works to improve spontaneous erectile function by rectifying the vascular cause of ED.
Cost Component | Price Range (AUD) |
Per session | $450 – $700 |
Full course (typically 6 sessions) | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Annual maintenance (if needed) | $450 – $1,400 |
A typical course consists of 5-6 sessions over 3-6 weeks, and the effects are usually 1-2 years. For men considering this option, it is important that they are being treated by an AHPRA-registered urologist under an evidence-based treatment protocol.
7. Penile implant surgery
Implant of a penile prosthesis is the final therapy for ED. It is reserved for those who are refractory to other treatments. A surgical device is implanted into the penis, which allows the male to control the rigidity of his penis and the duration of his erection.
Implant Type | Total Procedure Cost (AUD) |
Semi-rigid malleable implant | $15,000 – $22,000 |
Inflatable prosthesis (three-piece) | $20,000 – $35,000+ |
Complex cases | $35,000+ |
Concession Card, Medicare and PBS Pricing
For many Australian men, especially the elderly, veterans, and those with low incomes, government subsidies can bring ED treatment costs within affordable reach. We break down each subsidy below.
PBS Concession Card Pricing
However, if your ED is a secondary result of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism), your testosterone replacement therapy might be covered under PBS subsidy, under very specific diagnostic criteria.
If you are eligible to receive PBS-subsidised testosterone:
Card Type | Cost Per PBS Script (AUD) |
Concession card holder | $7.70 per script |
Regular Medicare cardholder | $31.60 per script |
PBS co-payment rates are revised on an annual basis by the Australian government, and rates are updated each calendar year on the Department of Health website.
Medicare Safety Net {#medicare}
This is another vital but commonly overlooked way to reduce overall costs associated with ongoing management of ED. Once you have accrued an out-of-pocket amount towards eligible services, once a calendar year threshold is reached, Medicare rebates for any subsequent eligible Medicare service will increase in proportion.
Safety Net Threshold Type | 2025 Threshold (AUD) |
Original Medicare Safety Net | $560.40 |
Extended Medicare Safety Net (concession/FTB-A) | $770.30 |
Extended Medicare Safety Net (general) | $2,544.30 |
Ensure that your family is registered for the Medicare Safety Net via Services Australia to add up all eligible family out-of-pocket expenses.
DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) Coverage
Veterans in Australia with Gold Cards from the Department of Veterans' Affairs are likely eligible to have their ED management fully covered. This includes all necessary specialist consultations, diagnostics, and some medications, depending on medical findings and connection to service.
Make contact with DVA or speak to your GP about entitlements before paying out-of-pocket for any treatment.
What Does Insurance Actually Cover in Australia?
Here is an honest summary of the current landscape:
Treatment | Medicare | Private Health Insurance |
Oral ED medications (for ED) | Not covered - not PBS-listed for ED | Not covered |
Diagnostic blood tests | Bulk-billed or partially rebated | May provide extras cover |
GP consultation | Bulk-billed or partially rebated | Covered under extras in some funds |
Urologist consultation (with GP referral) | Partial MBS rebate | May provide extras cover |
Penile Doppler ultrasound | Partial MBS rebate when medically indicated | May contribute |
Vacuum erection devices | Partial rebate in some cases | May contribute via extras |
Penile injection therapy | Generally not covered | Generally not covered |
Penile implant surgery | Partial MBS rebate (MBS item number required) | Hospital cover may apply |
Shockwave therapy | Not covered | Not covered |
PRP therapy | Not covered | Not covered |
Testosterone replacement therapy | PBS subsidy if strict criteria met | Varies by fund |
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
When it comes to what type of treatment is right for you, it's important to consider the following items: the cause of your ED, your overall health, your financial status, and how many times per week you will need the treatments.
Here is a simple guide that will help you to know what type of ED treatment is best for you:
Your Situation | Recommended Starting Point |
First time seeking ED treatment | Bulk-billing GP consultation → generic oral pill |
On a tight budget or pension | Generic sildenafil or tadalafil via telehealth |
Cannot tolerate oral medications (heart conditions) | VED or penile injection therapy |
Low testosterone confirmed by blood test | Testosterone replacement therapy |
Oral medications no longer effective | Penile injection therapy or shockwave therapy |
ED caused by vascular disease | Shockwave therapy assessment |
All other treatments have failed | Penile implant surgery consultation |
Prefer discreet, at-home management | Online ED telehealth assessment |
Not sure what one would suit you? Take a confidential online ED assessment and a qualified Australian doctor can help direct you to the best and most affordable option for you.
How to Reduce Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Costs in Australia
Many men don't know that they have numerous choices in order to make affordable ED treatment options available. Some of the easiest methods to make your ED treatment affordable include:
- Go to Local Bulk Billing GP: Start your ED treatment by first going to your local bulk billing GP.
- Consider taking a generic medication: A generic ED pill is equivalent to the branded ED pill in ingredient composition and dosage.
- Use an Australian TeleHealth Service: Use an Australian telehealth service for your online consultation, prescription, and discreet home delivery of your medication.
- Ask your doctor for a longer prescription: By asking your doctor if he/she can write you a 60 or 90-day supply of medications, you can save money on your medication costs.
- Investigate testosterone therapy through the PBS: If you meet the conditions for receiving testosterone therapy, you can receive subsidised medication for as little as $7.70 per script with a concession card or $25 with a regular card.
- Check your private health fund: Before you start any treatment, it's important that you contact your health fund to find out exactly what sort of coverage you have.
- Medicare Safety Net: After reaching an out-of-pocket expense limit (the Medicare Safety Net) in any calendar year for eligible medical services, Medicare will increase its contributions to subsequent eligible medical services.
When to See a Doctor?
Many guys do not seek medical treatment because of the worry over the cost of receiving care. However, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection is much more than just a little inconvenience when engaging in sexual activity. It may also be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance. Therefore, you must get treated for the underlying condition that is causing your ED. After understanding the erectile dysfunction treatment cost, now understand when to see a doctor for ED treatment:
- If you have experienced any of the following conditions, you should see your doctor:
- You have had known risk factors or symptoms of heart disease or diabetes.
- You have developed your ED symptoms after taking new prescription medications.
- There has been difficulty getting and/or maintaining an erection for three or more months.
- You have not had, or you have had a decrease in morning erections, which can be a key diagnostic indication.
The initial step to addressing ED can be made by accessing the web for an online consultation for ED diagnosis. An online ED consultation is a convenient approach to addressing your ED. When you use an online ED consultation, the physician who provides the consultation can provide you with a complete medical evaluation and personalized ED treatment, including the option of having your ED medication sent directly to your home. Erectile Dysfunction treatment cost is affordable in Australia. You can consider online ED consultation.
Do not delay. A DirectMeds online ED consultation is discreet, quick, and accessible across Australia. Book a Consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: The content herein is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice or a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment. If you have a medical condition, you must consult with your qualified and licensed medical provider.
Frequently Asked Questions for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Cost:
How much does Erectile Dysfunction treatment cost in Australia?
Erectile dysfunction treatment cost in Australia ranges from $3–$18 per tablet for generic medications to $35,000+ for penile implant surgery, depending on the treatment chosen.
Are oral ED medications covered by Medicare or the PBS in Australia?
There are no provisions in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for oral medications for erectile dysfunction, and therefore, if prescribed specifically for that purpose, these will be dispensed as a private prescription by the pharmacy. Doctor consultations and diagnostic blood tests are generally claimable to Medicare.
What is the most affordable way to treat ED in Australia?
The most affordable way to treat your ED in Australia would be to visit a bulk billing GP, and this will give you the possibility of obtaining a prescription without an out-of-pocket expense and have access to the GP's services.
Is there any other way to treat ED besides visiting a GP?
One of the most cost-effective long-term ways to treat your ED will be through an AHPRA-registered telehealth service for the provision of generic oral ED medication, their ongoing management, and treatment of your condition, which would generally cost between $360-$960 per year.
Is penile implant surgery covered by private health insurance?
It could provide partial coverage under certain circumstances. If the procedure is covered by an approved MBS item, then some costs may be reimbursed through Medicare. If you use Private hospital Insurance, the cost of both your anaesthetic and facility fees will be reduced; however, there may be out-of-pocket (additional) expenses that remain. Therefore, you should always check costs with your urologist, your health fund, and your Hospital prior to committing to this procedure.
Is generic oral medication for erectile dysfunction as effective as the brand-name product?
Yes! The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requires all generic products to be equal to their brand-name equivalent by having the same active ingredient in the same dose and having the same quality and effectiveness as the brand-name medication. When you choose to use a generic product, the outcome will be the same as that of the brand-name product at a dramatically lower cost.
Can I get treatment for erectile dysfunction via an online doctor without having to physically go to a general practitioner’s office?
Yes! There are a number of AHPRA-registered Australian telehealth services that will conduct confidential online consultations with doctors who are licensed to practice in Australia. They will assess your suitability for a prescription, write you a prescription, and send it to your home in a discreet manner; thus, you do not need to ever visit a physician's office.
Is generic tadalafil effective?
Yes. All generic medication according to the TGA must be bio-equivalent (same active ingredient, same dose) to the branded equivalent. Generic tadalafil will have the same effect as Cialis at a fraction of the cost.
Does the public health system pay for penile implant surgery?
It can, to an extent. If it is prescribed on an MBS approved item number, Medicare will pay back a portion of the cost. A portion of anesthetic and facility costs will be paid back by private hospital insurance. Confirm out of pocket costs with your surgeon, health fund and hospital.
What can a concession card save on ED treatment?
If the ED is secondary to low testosterone and you receive TRT through the PBS, then the cost per script with a concession card will be $7.70. For oral ED drugs, you are unable to obtain these at a reduced cost using a concession card. Generic oral ED treatments will achieve savings.
