Dangers of Sexual Enhancement Supplements
That said, I experienced zero boner effect that night.
Believe Tribulus 90 caps
Certain herbal supplements used to increase libido may actually have a positive impact on sperm health. Ashwagandha: A 2013 study showed that three months of ashwagandha supplementation increased sperm counts by 167%, motility by 57%, and semen volume by 53%. Ashwagandha has also been proven to increase seminal concentrations of testosterone, LH, and FSH. Fenugreek: Studies show that fenugreek also improves testosterone levels, with increases of up to 46% after three months of supplementation. This is shown to benefit sperm parameters such as count and morphology, while also boosting libido.
3 uncommon but severe side effects
Maca root powder: Research from 2011 found that in addition to “significantly” improving libido, maca root also increased sperm count and sperm motility. View our guide to male fertility supplements. Making matters complex is the fact that supplements are not regulated or routinely tested in the United States. Periodic analyses have shown that some “natural” male enhancement supplements, such as ExtenZe, can contain testosterone-boosting hormones such as DHEA that are known to adversely affect sperm count and quality — potentially long term. Additionally, the FDA has found that a number of sexual enhancement supplements that are marketed as “herbal” or “natural” actually contain sildenafil or other active ingredients from prescription erectile dysfunction medications. Despite the package's promises of
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis Generic | 2.5mg | 10 Pills | 28.51€ 27.15€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 60 + 2 Pills | 146.74€ 139.75€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100 mg | 21 Sachets | 95.92€ 91.35€ | |
| Cialis Soft Tabs | 20mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 471.40€ 448.95€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 40mg | 20 Pills | 59.47€ 56.64€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 149.50€ 142.38€ | |
| Kamagra Gold | 50 mg | 84 + 6 Pills | 224.77€ 214.07€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 180 + 20 Pills | 521.59€ 496.75€ | |
| Kamagra Gold | 50 mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 713.95€ 679.95€ | |
| Cialis Soft Tabs | 20mg | 20 + 2 Pills | 66.98€ 63.79€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 20 Pills | 86.09€ 81.99€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 20mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 254.09€ 241.99€ |
delivering "erotic pleasure", "stimulating arousal," (plus
Day 3: PowerZen Triple Gold
Had I taken it right before having sex, it would have likely kept me up until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., twitching like a horny hummingbird and annoying my wife. I couldn't find any FDA warnings about this specific product, so I assumed it was likely on the safer side. But just fifteen minutes after taking it (again, in the morning, per the instructions on the package instructions), I felt a strange buzz that can best be described as a cerebral sensation, combined with the urge to projectile vomit. I was quite nauseous after breakfast, but it didn't last long. The strange effects seemed to wear off pretty quickly, much faster than they had with ExtenZe. my favorite, "really works"), I had a soft and soggy penis.
- Sildenafil citrate increases blood flow to help achieve erections in ED patients.
- L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide, essential for penile vasodilation.
- Horny goat weed icariin inhibits PDE5 and improves erectile response.
- Tribulus terrestris is claimed to increase androgen levels and libido.
- Ginseng is an adaptogen that supports energy, endurance, and sexual function.
- Maca root enhances sexual desire and energy levels.
- DHEA supplementation may restore libido by balancing hormones.
- Zinc supports testosterone synthesis and improves sperm quality.
- Yohimbine enhances nerve impulse transmission for erectile function.
- Fenugreek may boost libido through increased testosterone.
- Vitamin D supports sexual health by improving hormone balance and mood.
I suspect this is because Vigor-A took full effect in the morning, then wore
Stiff Nights
Pectin, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Citric Acid, MCT Oil, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor, FD&C Red No.40, FD&C sex medicine Yellow No.6, FD&C Blue No.1, Purified Water; Proprietary Libido Blend 500mg, DHEA, Panax ginseng, L-Arginine, Horny Goat Weed, Yohimbe, Tribulus, Ashwagandha, Maca, Tongkat Ali, Nettle, Proprietary Female Libido Blend, Niacin, Black Pepper. Supplement Facts Servings per container: 30, Serv. size: 2 Pieces (6.6g), Amount per serving: Calories 20, Sat. 4g Added Sugars, 7%* DV), Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium brevicornum) (leaf) (from 25mg of 4:1 extract) 100 mg †, Beets (from 30mg of 7:1 extract) 210 mg †, L-Arginine 50 mg †, Longjack Root (from 2.5mg of 10:1 extract) 25 mg †, Yohimbe (from 25mg of 8:1 extract) 200 mg †, Ashwagandha (from 25mg of 8:1 extract) 200mg † *Percent Daily Value (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Other Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Syrup, Water, Pectin, Citric Acid, Natural Sodium Citrate, Organic Pineapple Flavor, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Organic Flavor, Salt, Stevia, Natural L-Malic Acid.
Erectile dysfunction care at Mayo Clinic
May contain trace amounts of Organic Carnauba Wax. Last year, it was reported that professional MMA fighter Jon Jones failed his UFC 200 drug test, leading to him being banned from the event and missing out on a rumored eight-figure payday. A drug similar to the erection pill Cialis, a.k.a. a "generic boner booster," according to MMAMania. Since Jones's ban, I've been a bit curious about whether these male lady era tablets sexual enhancement drugs are really all they’re cracked up to be, or if their effects are merely the stuff of lore. off by the evening, leaving my nether
| Claim | Common Marketing Phrases | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid onset | "Works in 15 minutes" | Typically 30-60 minutes, varies |
| 100% effectiveness | "Guaranteed results" | No medication works for everyone |
| Natural ingredients are safer | "Herbal and safe" | Some herbal ingredients can interact or cause side effects |
| Enhances libido and performance | "Boosts your desire and stamina" | Effect varies, psychological factors also play a vital role |
regions exhausted from shuttling about all that blood.
- Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used widely for erectile dysfunction treatment.
- L-arginine serves as a nitric oxide precursor enhancing penile blood flow.
- Horny goat weed's icariin acts similarly to PDE5 inhibitors aiding erections.
- Tribulus terrestris is thought to enhance testosterone and sexual desire.
- Ginseng increases stamina and reduces physical and mental fatigue.
- Maca boosts libido and may improve mood and sexual function.
- DHEA supports hormonal balance which can affect sexual performance.
- Zinc deficiency can lead to decreased testosterone and libido.
- Yohimbine promotes blood circulation and nerve signaling for erections.
- Fenugreek impacts testosterone and sexual desire positively.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to erectile dysfunction and supplementation helps.
The FDA advises consumers not to purchase PowerZen Triple Gold
- Sildenafil citrate boosts erectile function by increasing penile blood flow.
- L-arginine supports nitric oxide production for vascular relaxation.
- Horny goat weed contains icariin which aids erectile quality.
- Tribulus terrestris may enhance testosterone and sexual desire.
- Ginseng reduces stress and improves endurance in sexual activity.
- Maca root supports increased libido and energy levels.
- DHEA helps restore hormone balance affecting sexual function.
- Zinc is important for testosterone production and fertility.
- Yohimbine improves blood flow and nerve function.
- Fenugreek may enhance testosterone and libido.
- Niacin helps improve vascular health necessary for erections.
because of it contains three hidden ingredients: sildenafil, tadalafil and dapoxetine. (The dapoxetine in this supplement is an active ingredient
Treating sexual problems with prescription medications
(If it works like Viagra, it’s probably actually Viagra.) While the dosage is likely far lower in these supplements than if someone was using prescription medications, it’s still possible that these active ingredients could impact male fertility in the same way Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra do. If you are considering taking a male enhancement pill to improve sexual desire or performance, pay attention to the ingredients to avoid potentially harmful effects on fertility, and choose a legitimate manufacturer (avoiding those on the FDA’s bad list). In addition to choosing herbal supplements supported by clinical data, following a healthy lifestyle is important. View our guide to sperm improvement for lifestyle tips to support sexual and fertility health. Explore at-home sperm testing & freezing options for every path to parenthood.
7 possible side effects of male enhancement pills
Spoiler Alert: Ingredients for the supplements that may appear in this box are listed below for those with allergies and sensitivities. Don’t read further if you want your box to remain a mystery. Proprietary Blend - Male Formula (500mg); Maca Root Powder, Horny Goatweed Leaf Powder, Panax Ginseng Root Powder, Tribulus Terrestris, Ginkgo Biloba, Damiana Extract Leaf Powder, Tongkat Ali Powder, Caffeine, Guarana, Yohimbe Bark Extract, Citrulline Malate, Beta Alanine. Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Pectin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Fruit and Vegetable Juice for Color, Proprietary Blend - Female Formula (500mg); Horny Goat Weed Leaf Powder, Panax Ginseng Root Powder, Tribulus Terrestris, Maca Root Powder, Ginkgo Biloba, Damiana Extract Leaf Powder, Dandelion Whole Plant Extract, Caffeine, Guarana, Yohimbe Bark Extract, Citrulline Malate, Beta Alanine. Maca Root Powder, Horny Goatweed Leaf Powder, Panax Ginseng Root Powder, Tribulus Terrestris, Ginkgo Biloba, Damiana Extract Leaf Powder, Tongkat Ali Powder, Caffeine, Guarana, Yohimbe Bark Extract, Citrulline Malate, Beta Alanine. not approved by the FDA, so its safety and efficacy
- Sildenafil improves erections by relaxing blood vessels in the penis.
- L-arginine enhances nitric oxide production aiding blood flow.
- Horny goat weed contains icariin to improve sexual function.
- Tribulus terrestris is often used to increase libido and testosterone.
- Ginseng reduces fatigue and enhances sexual performance.
- Maca root boosts sexual desire and stamina naturally.
- DHEA supports hormone balance for better sexual health.
- Zinc is vital for testosterone production and reproductive health.
- Yohimbine increases blood flow and enhances erectile response.
- Fenugreek supplementation may raise testosterone levels.
- Niacin improves blood vessel dilation aiding erections.
haven't yet been established.) For PowerZen, I decided to change
| Risk | Description | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Dependency | Psychological reliance on pills | Use as directed, psychological counseling |
| Tolerance Development | Reduced effectiveness over time | Consult doctor, rotate therapies |
| Side effect accumulation | Increased chance of adverse effects | Regular medical check-ups |
| Impact on health conditions | Exacerbation of cardiovascular issues | Medical supervision required |
my strategy of consuming my dick pill in the morning.
Day 1: ExtenZe Male Enhancement
Nonetheless, I decided to carry on with my experiment. Armed with my FDA warnings, my gas station dick pills, and a mild amount of nervousness twitching in my nether regions, I proceeded with five consecutive days of gas-station dick pill-chugging. Below are my home lab notes, in all their glory. In 2013, the FDA issued a consumer warning about a counterfeit version of ExtenZe supplements labeled “ExtenZe Maximum Strength” (also known as Extended Release). In its warning, the FDA said the counterfeit product contains sildenafil, which could potentially interact with nitrates found in fildena purple pill some prescription drugs, putting men with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease at risk.
Why do doctors recommend male enhancement pills?
Even the original ExtenZe has been purported to be potentially harmful as it contains Yohimbe bark extract, which has been associated with heart attacks and seizures. An hour after I popped this bright blue capsule, my dick felt sensitive, but not in a good way — rather, in an achy, something-doesn’t-quite-feel-right-down-there sort of way. Perhaps the achiness was due to the massive amounts of blood surging into my crotch, but whatever it was, I didn't enjoy the feeling. Also, within an hour of taking it, I got disturbingly hyperactive, almost the way I would feel after 3 or 4 cups of coffee. Per instructions on the label, I took it in the morning, but that night my bedroom performance didn’t seem much different at all. Instead, I popped this one right before my big weekly evening date with my wife.
Check with your doctor first to reduce risk of complications
As a journalist, I feel it is my duty to try every self-improvement, self-enhancement, and self-experimentation method out there: in the past, I've tried drugstore hangover treatments, used acoustic sound wave therapy on my junk, and even injected my penis to get stronger erections. Why would trying these supplements be any different? So, armed with a baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a hoodie, I ventured out into my hometown of Spokane, Washington to purchase a few of these so-called “gas station dick pills” myself. I figured that, for the good of men everywhere, I would be willing to put my liver, kidneys, and crotch on the line. Note: Men's Health does not endorse taking any supplements or medication without approval from your physician.) 6 Things Every Man Should Know About His Penis: First, I started looking up whether these drugs were actually safe to use.
A Safer Solution
For the most part, the answer appears to be "nope": in 2017, for instance, the FDA actually issued alerts for six different male sexual enhancement products, all of which contained potentially harmful ingredients, with zero mention of said ingredients appearing on the actual product labels. These alerts were added to the list of many other sexual enhancement products that contain hidden ingredients, including tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, and sildenafil, the active ingredients in Viagra. This is in addition to all the other "natural" ingredients on the labels of these supplements, which also happen to be untested, unstudied, and certainly not FDA-approved. I reached out to various labs to ask if they'd do a chemical analysis of these pills, just to find out what, exactly, I'd be putting in my body. Every lab I spoke to refused, but I did discover one useful set of guidelines from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which warned consumers to beware of ED/sexual enhancement products that "promise quick results (within 30 to 40 minutes),""advertise via spam or unsolicited emails," or "have labels written primarily in a foreign language." Unsurprisingly, every item in my little plastic bag satisfied each and every one of these criteria.