Getting help for erectile dysfunction (ED) can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably seen ads for trial packs-Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil-all in one box. They promise to help you find what works without buying multiple prescriptions. But are they really the best starting point? And what about other options that aren’t in those packs? Let’s cut through the noise.
What’s actually in a Trial ED Pack?
A trial ED pack usually contains three pills: one dose each of Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra). Each works the same way-by boosting blood flow to the penis-but they’re not identical. The differences matter more than you think.
Sildenafil kicks in about 30 to 60 minutes after you take it. Its effects last 4 to 5 hours. It’s the oldest of the three and the most studied. Many men find it reliable, but it doesn’t play well with fatty meals. Eat a heavy burger before taking it? You might wait longer-or not feel much at all.
Tadalafil is the long-haul option. It starts working in about 30 minutes too, but it sticks around for up to 36 hours. That’s why some call it the "weekend pill." You don’t need to time it perfectly. Take it once, and you’re covered for two days. But if you’re on blood pressure meds or have heart issues, this longer window can be risky.
Vardenafil is similar to Sildenafil in timing and duration, but it’s a bit more potent by weight. Some men report fewer side effects like facial flushing or headaches. It also handles food better than Sildenafil. Still, it’s the least common of the three, so it’s harder to find outside of trial packs.
These aren’t magic pills. They only work if you’re sexually stimulated. No amount of Sildenafil will do anything if you’re not turned on. And they don’t fix the root cause-whether it’s stress, low testosterone, diabetes, or poor circulation.
Why trial packs are popular-but not always the best
Trial packs make sense on paper. Try three drugs at once, see which one clicks. It’s efficient. But here’s the catch: you’re not testing them under the same conditions.
If you take Sildenafil on a full stomach, Tadalafil after a light dinner, and Vardenafil with a glass of wine, you’re not comparing apples to apples. You’re comparing chaos. That’s why some men think one drug didn’t work-when really, they just took it wrong.
Also, trial packs often come with fixed doses. You might get 25mg of Sildenafil, 10mg of Tadalafil, and 10mg of Vardenafil. But what if you need 50mg of Sildenafil? Or 20mg of Tadalafil? You won’t know until you refill-and by then, you’ve already spent money on doses that might’ve been too low or too high.
Another issue: side effects. If you get a headache after the first pill, you might assume Sildenafil isn’t for you. But maybe it was the alcohol you drank, or the lack of sleep. Trial packs don’t give you room to adjust variables. You get one shot, then move on.
Alternatives to trial packs: what else works?
There are other paths-some better suited to your lifestyle, health, or budget.
Generic versions are the most straightforward alternative. Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil are all available as generics. They cost 70-90% less than brand names. A 30-day supply of generic Sildenafil can cost under $20 in Australia with a prescription. You can start with one drug, adjust the dose, and give it time.
Alprostadil is a different kind of treatment. It comes as a tiny pellet you insert into the urethra (MUSE) or as an injection into the side of the penis. It works in 5 to 20 minutes and lasts up to an hour. It’s messier, yes-but for men who can’t take oral meds due to heart conditions or stomach issues, it’s a game-changer.
Penile implants are surgical. Not for everyone. But if pills and injections have failed, or if you have severe vascular disease, implants offer a permanent solution. They’re reliable, private, and don’t need timing or planning. Recovery takes a few weeks, but success rates are over 90%.
Testosterone therapy might be the hidden factor. If your testosterone is low (below 12 nmol/L), no ED pill will work well. A simple blood test can check this. If your levels are low, replacing testosterone can improve libido and make ED meds more effective.
Lifestyle changes are the most underrated alternative. Losing 5-10% of body weight can improve erectile function as much as a pill. Quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, and walking 30 minutes a day all help. A 2023 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who combined exercise with ED medication saw 40% better results than those who took pills alone.
Real-world comparison: trial pack vs. alternatives
| Option | Onset Time | Duration | Cost (AUD, 30-day supply) | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial ED Pack (Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil) | 30-60 min | 4-36 hours | $40-$80 | Trying all three at once | Fixed doses, no flexibility, mixed conditions |
| Generic Sildenafil | 30-60 min | 4-5 hours | $15-$25 | First-time users, budget-conscious | Less effective with high-fat meals |
| Generic Tadalafil | 30-60 min | 36 hours | $20-$35 | Spontaneous activity, long-term use | Longer side effect window, interacts with nitrates |
| Alprostadil (injection) | 5-20 min | 30-60 min | $60-$100 | Men who can’t take oral meds | Injection discomfort, risk of priapism |
| Penile Implant | Immediate | Permanent | $12,000-$18,000 (surgery) | Failed other treatments, severe ED | Surgery required, irreversible |
| Testosterone Therapy | Weeks to months | Long-term | $50-$150/month | Low testosterone confirmed by blood test | Not for ED alone, needs monitoring |
When to skip the trial pack
You should avoid trial packs if:
- You’re over 65 and on multiple medications
- You have heart disease, low blood pressure, or take nitrates
- You’ve had a stroke or heart attack in the last 6 months
- You’re already taking other ED meds or supplements like L-arginine or yohimbine
- You’re looking for a long-term solution, not a test drive
For these men, seeing a doctor first isn’t optional-it’s necessary. ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease. A 2024 study in The Lancet found that men under 50 with ED had a 50% higher risk of heart attack within 5 years if untreated.
What to do next
Don’t start with a trial pack just because it’s convenient. Start with a plan.
- Get a blood test: Check testosterone, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- See your GP or urologist: Talk about your medical history and current meds.
- Ask for a prescription for generic Sildenafil 25mg or 50mg.
- Try it once a week for 2-3 weeks, ideally on an empty stomach.
- Track results: Did it work? Any side effects? How did you feel?
- Adjust dose or switch to Tadalafil if needed.
If you’ve tried everything and still struggle, don’t give up. Penile implants or therapy for performance anxiety can help. ED isn’t just a physical problem. It’s emotional, psychological, and relational. The right solution isn’t always a pill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take two pills from a trial pack on the same day?
No. Never combine Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Vardenafil. Taking more than one at a time increases the risk of dangerous side effects like low blood pressure, fainting, or priapism-a painful, prolonged erection that needs emergency care. Stick to one at a time, and wait at least 24 hours between doses.
Is a trial ED pack covered by Medicare or private insurance in Australia?
Generally, no. Trial packs are considered experimental or non-standard. Medicare only subsidizes generic Sildenafil and Tadalafil under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if you have a diagnosed medical condition. You’ll pay full price for trial packs, even if they’re sold through Australian pharmacies.
Do ED pills work for men with diabetes?
Yes, but less reliably. Men with diabetes often have nerve or blood vessel damage that makes ED harder to treat. Studies show about 50-70% of diabetic men respond to oral ED meds, compared to 80% of non-diabetic men. Combining medication with blood sugar control, exercise, and weight loss improves results significantly.
Can I buy real ED meds online without a prescription?
You can, but it’s risky. Many websites sell counterfeit pills with incorrect dosages, toxic ingredients, or no active drug at all. In 2025, Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) raids seized over 200,000 fake ED pills. Always get prescriptions from registered Australian pharmacies or telehealth services that require a medical review.
How long should I try one ED pill before switching?
Give it at least 4 to 6 attempts under the right conditions: no heavy meals, no alcohol, enough time, and proper stimulation. ED meds aren’t instant. They’re tools that work best when used consistently. If nothing works after 6 tries, talk to your doctor about other options like injections or implants.
Final thoughts
Trial ED packs aren’t bad. They’re convenient. But convenience doesn’t mean better. The best approach is the one that’s safe, personalized, and sustainable. Start with a doctor, get tested, try one generic pill, and build from there. Your body will thank you more than any trial pack ever could.