SUPPLEMENTS ARE EVERYWHERE these days, and many claim to enhance your libido and improve the longevity of your erections. If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, it’s understandable that you might consider trying them.
But do these supplements actually work? And, more importantly, are they safe to use?
Dr. Nathan Starke, a urologist and head of the Men’s Health Clinic at Houston Methodist, notes that he frequently receives inquiries from his patients about these supplements. While most are generally safe for the average person, he advises caution when considering their use.
“My usual advice to men asking about these supplements is to try them out; if you feel they help, it’s likely benefiting your mental state,” Dr. Starke explains, while emphasizing that these supplements do not tackle the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction.
However, some products may be questionable. The term “herbal Viagra” is often used to describe natural supplements marketed for enhancing your erection, warns Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health.
If you find something like “Boner Blaster 5,000” at a convenience store, you can be sure it’s not a legitimate product. “Even if you purchase them from a reputable retailer and they boast ‘natural’ ingredients, proceed with caution,” Dr. Brahmbhatt advises. “There is no oversight on these items.”
This lack of regulation is alarming. It’s uncertain what substances you could be ingesting, and there’s always a risk they could negatively impact your overall health, including your sexual health. Here’s what you need to know about supplements that claim to enhance your sexual life.
The Best Supplements for Sexual Health
SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY promote your overall health, potentially benefiting your sexual health as a result. However, others might have negligible effects. Here’s what the experts suggest.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS are somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to supporting heart health and erectile function. Research has shown varying results regarding whether fish oil supplements truly benefit the heart. If they do positively affect heart health, it may also enhance your erections, according to Dr. Brahmbhatt. This is because heart-healthy changes can improve blood flow and increase the size of blood vessels.
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The penis contains some of the smallest blood vessels in the body, making them more susceptible to blockages. Poor blood flow can hinder erections, so anything that enhances blood circulation is beneficial.
This might seem puzzling since numerous blood pressure medications list erectile dysfunction as a side effect, Dr. Brahmbhatt points out. These medications can affect how blood vessels open and close, potentially decreasing blood flow, particularly to the penis.
In contrast, omega-3 fatty acids may promote better blood flow by lowering inflammation that could be affecting blood vessels, as well as decreasing blood clotting. Although you can obtain omega fatty acids through supplements, the best sources are from foods like fatty fish.
L-Arginine
L-ARGININE IS AN essential amino acid that may benefit both cardiovascular health and erectile function, according to Dr. Brahmbhatt.
A study published in the journal Andrology revealed that men with severe or complete erectile dysfunction had significantly lower levels of L-arginine compared to those with milder cases. The body converts L-arginine into nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes smooth muscles and enhances blood flow to the penis—crucial for achieving erections. (Medications like Cialis and Viagra work by inhibiting the breakdown of nitric oxide, resulting in higher levels available for erections.)
L-arginine can be found in various protein-rich foods, including red meat, poultry, beans, and dairy, according to the Mayo Clinic, which considers it generally safe but advises that individuals taking blood pressure medications should consult a physician before use.
This caution extends to all supplements for those on blood pressure medications, Dr. Brahmbhatt stresses. L-arginine can lower blood pressure, which is beneficial if it’s elevated, but it can be dangerous for those already on medication, potentially causing a dramatic drop in blood pressure that could lead to fainting or, in severe cases, a stroke.
If you’re not on these medications and wish to try L-arginine, Dr. Brahmbhatt suggests starting with a daily dose of around six grams to gauge your tolerance. Some individuals might experience side effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and bloating.
L-Citrulline
IN ADDITION TO L-arginine, L-citrulline might also contribute to stronger erections. This is because L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine in the body, explains Dr. Peter Tsambarlis, a urologist at Northwestern Medicine.
L-citrulline can also support the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is essential for vasodilation—the process of widening blood vessels that initiates and maintains erections. According to Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urologist at Stanford Medicine, nitric oxide is a key player in relaxing the smooth muscle of the penis, a vital factor in achieving an erection.
Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, as noted by Dr. Brahmbhatt. This deficiency often correlates with conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease, which can adversely affect blood circulation and potentially lead to ED. While food sources like salmon and eggs, along with sunlight exposure, can provide vitamin D, many people in the U.S. still lack adequate levels, especially those residing in northern states.
When considering vitamin D supplements, recommended dosages vary. The National Institutes of Health suggests 600 IU, while the Endocrine Society goes up to 2,000 IU daily. It’s wise to consult a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage based on your individual vitamin D levels.
Furthermore, folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, shows promise in enhancing sexual performance by reducing homocysteine levels, which are often elevated in men with erectile dysfunction. However, it’s crucial to remember that lifestyle modifications—maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, enjoying sufficient sleep, and managing stress—are vital for improving both overall and sexual health.
While supplements can offer benefits, they are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals and may carry potential side effects. It’s essential to select supplements that have been third-party verified and to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen, particularly if you have pre-existing health concerns. Ultimately, focusing on a balanced lifestyle is paramount for enhancing sexual performance and overall health.
