7 Things to Know about Male Sexual Enhancement Pills
Please note: This article is about pills to enhance male sexual performance. The information here is not medical advice, and you should consult your physician before taking any medications.
After the invention of sex came the products intended to make sex better. Some of them were bogus, like rhino horn, while certain herbs did actually affect the male libido. Viagra and Cialis were game-changers in treating erectile dysfunction, but their availability only by prescription frequently leaves people looking at over-the-counter options for increasing sexual stamina. But do the herbal concoctions promising an all-natural way to improve erections with no side effects really live up to their claims? Here's the 7 things to know about pills for men, and other options for making erections more magnificent.
1) The pills work...for some people.
In general, male sexual enhancement pills work by increasing blood flow through the body. Their effectiveness depends on the pill's ingredients and the person who takes them. Like any other medication, some pills for some people work great, but the same pill can have completely different effects on someone else. It's also hard to know how much of what active ingredient each pill contains (more on that later), so it's impossible to know if a pill will deliver enough of the active ingredient(s) to be effective. Based on what our male customers report, a pill either works great for them or it doesn't work at all, and there's no middle ground. There are pills that get consistently positive customer feedback, but that is not a guarantee that it will work for everyone.
2) The ingredient lists are not helpful.
Herbal sexual enhancement pills are categorized as supplements, and companies are not legally required to disclose a pill's ingredients. The pills may have an ingredient list on the back that often include caffeine, Go Ji extract, and cinnamon, but there is a big category in that list called "proprietary blend" that could literally be anything. The FDA will order companies to stop producing pills if they find off-label Viagra or Cialis in them, which are both currently prescription-only drugs.
Some customers scrutinize the pill packages and buy the ones with the highest numbers on them. "This one has 5000 milligrams!" they exclaim, believing that the highest number on the package will deliver the oomph they're looking for in the bedroom. The question they should ask is, "Five thousand milligrams of what?" but that's a question that the pill companies do not answer.
3) They are safe...for some people.
If a person is healthy, the pills are probably safe to take.These pills affect blood flow, and in healthy men the most common side effects are headache and rapid heartbeat. Anyone with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or other vascular conditions should not take them. There is a risk to taking any medication, so check with your doctor before taking anything.
4) Even if the package says "no headache," you might get a headache.
Any drug can have side effects. Prescription drug companies have to disclose the possible side effects of their products, but herbal penis pills aren't held to the same standards. They can make all sort of claims on their packaging that may not be true. Headaches are the single most common side effect of penis pills (including Viagra). If you experience side effects such as heart palpitations or an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek medical help.
5) They help men get and maintain erections, but don't make the penis permanently longer or bigger.
Male enhancement pills can help get blood into the penis shaft, making it feel thicker, firmer, and bigger. This is great for the person who wants the ability get an erection while spending a fun weekend with their sweetie. However, pills do not make the penis permanently longer or bigger. As of this writing, certain medical devices are the only things that will permanently lengthen the penis, and will only make them longer by about 1/4 inch. Penis pills are pretty much about having fun over a weekend, and they work well for that purpose for some people.
6) Which is fine, because a harder penis may not be the answer.
Some men take herbal erection supplements because they believe their partners need/want long-lasting, penetrative sex to be satisfied in the bedroom. Their partners might disagree with that. Additional clitoral stimulation, creative oral sex techniques, sensual massage, and sex toys can leave a partner fully satisfied without penile penetration of any sort. Also, penis pumps and cock rings are non-drug methods of creating and maintaining erections. Talk to your partner about what they want, and then decide whether male sexual supplements are right for you.
7) See your doctor before taking any male enhancement pills, especially if you take other medicines.
Just because a pill is available in a gas station does not mean it is safe. Herbal supplements can interact with other drugs, and they affect everyone differently. If you have any health issues or if you take prescription drugs, talk to your doctor about how sexual enhancement supplements may interact with your medications.
Please note: This article is about pills to enhance male sexual performance. The information here is not medical advice, and you should consult your physician before taking any medications. These pills are for men only, and not to be taken by those under 18 years of age or those with hormone-related cancers. Use as directed. If you are using any prescription drug, or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before using this product. Discontinue use 2 weeks prior to surgery. If erection lasts longer than 4 hours, please consult your physician. Keep out of reach of children.
- Julia Eckard
