Does Vicks VapoRub Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
Vicks VapoRub has gone viral as an ED 'remedy'. A UK pharmacist explains why it doesn't work, why applying it to genital skin is risky, and what does.
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Key Takeaways
Vicks VapoRub does not treat ED. Applying it to genital skin causes burning and pain, and camphor can be absorbed systemically on broken skin. Licensed treatments like sildenafil and tadalafil are safe, effective, and widely available in the UK.
No, Vicks VapoRub does not help with erectile dysfunction. There is no clinical evidence that it treats ED, and applying it to genital skin can cause real harm. The myth circulates on TikTok and Reddit, but searching for a shortcut is understandable. This article explains why the idea has some surface logic, why the logic falls apart, and what actually works.
Why the myth sounds plausible#
Vicks VapoRub contains levomenthol (2.75% w/w), camphor (5% w/w), and eucalyptus oil (1.5% w/w) in a petrolatum base. The UK formulation is licensed by the MHRA for external use on the chest, throat, and back only to relieve cold and cough symptoms.
The ED myth is loosely tied to menthol's effect on blood flow. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Physiology showed that topical menthol can widen small blood vessels in the skin. Since erections depend on blood flow, the leap seems logical.
But there is a critical problem. That blood flow effect happens in the tiny vessels of the skin surface, not in the deeper penile arteries that drive an erection. The menthol concentration in Vicks (around 2.75%) has not been shown to affect deep vascular tissue at all. An animal study found that TRPM8 channels, which menthol activates, exist in a key penile artery, but the research is preliminary and has not been tested in humans. No clinical trial has found that Vicks or any similar menthol product produces erections.
There is also no evidence that Vicks helps with prostate problems. The product was never designed or tested for any urological purpose.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
What happens if you apply it to genital skin#
Genital skin and mucous membranes are far more sensitive than chest skin. Camphor and menthol activate cold-sensitive nerve receptors (TRPM8 channels) intensely on delicate tissue. The result is burning, pain, and significant irritation rather than pleasure or arousal.
On intact genital skin, the risk is a chemical-type irritant reaction. On broken or inflamed skin, camphor can be absorbed systemically. Camphor can cause nausea, dizziness, and — particularly with ingestion or exposure through broken skin — seizures. The MHRA product licence explicitly prohibits use on sensitive areas, broken skin, or mucous membranes.
Vicks also contains a petrolatum base, which degrades latex. Using it near or on a condom significantly raises the risk of the condom splitting.
If you have already applied Vicks to genital skin: rinse the area thoroughly with lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use soap aggressively as this can worsen irritation. If burning is severe, skin blistering occurs, or symptoms do not settle within an hour, seek medical advice.
What NICE says about treating ED#
NICE guideline CG171 (Erectile dysfunction: aetiology and management) recommends that men with ED receive a proper clinical assessment because ED is often an early sign of cardiovascular disease. A GP can check your blood pressure, blood sugar, and hormone levels, all of which matter for both erections and heart health.
For most men, the first-line treatment is a PDE5 inhibitor. These medicines work by relaxing smooth muscle in the penile arteries, letting blood flow in when you are aroused. They do not cause automatic erections. Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) typically works within 30 to 60 minutes — and is best taken on an empty stomach for the most reliable onset — and supports erectile response for up to 4 hours. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, which suits men who prefer not to time a tablet closely.
Sildenafil is available on NHS prescription and has been since 2014. If you prefer not to wait for a GP appointment, Viagra Connect 50mg is available from pharmacies, but only after a pharmacist consultation confirms it is suitable for you. It is licensed for men aged 18 and over, though the pharmacist will assess individual suitability — including cardiovascular health — before supply. It is not suitable for everyone, so the pharmacist check matters.
If you want to explore licensed prescription options online, Totiva (GPhC registration 9012997) offers a free consultation with UK-registered clinicians. You only pay if treatment is approved. Sildenafil starts from £1.37 a tablet and tadalafil from 54p a day for a daily dose (or from £1.56 a tablet for as-needed use). There is no subscription required.
For a full breakdown of how these medicines compare, see the Totiva ED treatment hub, or read the tadalafil dosage guide if you want to understand how daily versus as-needed options differ.
The short answer: put the Vicks back in the medicine cabinet and use it for what it is designed for.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Medical Information: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
