The use of male enhancement pills has skyrocketed in the last few decades. Currently, it is easier than ever to have easy access to a host of products that promise to make the sex lives of males more exciting and sexual functioning more effective. The messaging of men’s sex pills and related products promises grandiose and immediate effects, showing pictures of positive results, using sciencey language to convince the audience of the effectiveness of their ingredients, and sharing testimonials of satisfied customers. But, do they really work? And more importantly, can they do more harm than good?
What are male enhancement pills?
Men’s sex pills can be found over-the-counter (OTC) or you can even buy male enhancement pills on Amazon. These can promise various results, from curing ED to helping produce and maintain erections to even helping with ejaculation and orgasm. Some may go as far as promising increases in penis size.
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Do male enhancement supplements really work?
Consumer expectations are high when it comes to male enhancement products. However, caution must be exercised when pondering on using any OTC supplements that promise too-good-to-be-true effects. Some male enhancement supplements have ingredients that have weak science behind their performance.
Studies have shown that ingredients like ginseng, pygnogenol, L-arginine, and Tribulus terrestris show promise and warrant further research to understand their effectiveness and mechanism of action. Since these supplements and the products made of combining multiple ingredients are not widely studied with rigorous scientific research protocols, what you get in the bottle may not be effective at all or have very little effect on your intended issue. Needless to say, products that promise penile length increases do not work.
The risks of taking men’s sex pills
Besides problems with the strength of the science behind each ingredient and the lack of evidence regarding the potency and delivery of the formulations, there are more important issues to be concerned about when taking these products: undisclosed ingredients and their interactions with medications.
The most common added undisclosed ingredients in male enhancement products are PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil and tadalafil (known for their brand names Viagra and Cialis). FDA approvals of Viagra and Cialis are restricted to the use of these drugs by prescription and under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
Unbeknownst to the user, these undeclared ingredients in some sexual enhancers may interact with some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, especially for those who take nitrates, which may include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Moreover, since the user may not be aware of the presence of these drugs in their sex supplements, they may take medication for ED not knowing that some of it is already in their system, thus making them have more in their bodies than the recommended therapeutic levels, increasing the risks of adverse effects. Click here for a list of products that have made it to the FDA report of tainted sexual enhancement and energy products.
Can sexual enhancers cause ED?
Many of the OTC products for male enhancement in the market are sold to help with erectile dysfunction (ED). Although the current science shows some promise in the use of natural ingredients for male enhancement, results are mixed, and further studies are needed. Luckily, there is no evidence that these sexual enhancers or supplements will cause ED if used; however, they may not help at all or have a negligible effect on sexual performance.
Based on all the uncertainty around male natural supplements, OTC sexual enhancement products, and their actual results, caution should be exercised when considering adding any supplements to your health regimen. Remember that nothing beats a healthy lifestyle, consisting of good nutrition, stress management, adequate rest, exercise, weight management, good mental health, and the prevention or treatment of health conditions that are known to be erection killers. A healthy mind and body are fertile ground for good erections.
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