Natural male enhancements have been on vogue over the past few years and millions of men are hooked on them to gain more sex performance and happiness. Some of the advertised products are said to bulk up the penis, get better erections, and make you more libido. Yet whether these supplements are effective or not is an open question. We’ll check out the ingredients and the science behind these supplements to see if they work as well as they claim to.
Historical Context
Natural medicine has been used to boost men’s sexual performance for millennia, and civilizations around the world used herbs, plants and other natural ingredients for that purpose. In China, for instance, ginseng was popular as a potent aphrodisiac, and in India, ashwagandha was said to enhance masculinity. Likewise, the Greeks and Romans utilised herbs such as horny goat weed and maca to stimulate libido and enhance sex.
The market for natural male enhancement products has grown in recent years, thanks partly to the rise of internet marketing and the need for remedies for sexual disorders. This has paved the way for companies to sell everything from pills and creams to patches and devices containing supplements promising to boost male sex performance. But whether or not these supplements are any good is still debated and many specialists doubt their safety and effectiveness.
In the first place, you should note that the word ‘natural’ can be misleading when it comes to male enhancement products. These might have natural components, but they may not be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may not be as rigorously tested as prescription medications. This means that the safety and effectiveness of these supplements cannot be guaranteed.
Most commonly used ingredients
L-arginine is one of the most popular ingredients found in natural male enhancement pills. This amino acid is thought to amplify blood flow to the penis for better erections. Yet evidence for its utility is skewed. One study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that L-arginine did not fare much better than a placebo in terms of erectile function. Another study found that, while L-arginine increased blood circulation, it didn’t enhance erectile function at all.
Another widely used male enhancement supplement is yohimbine, a substance derived from the bark of an African tree. It is thought to boost circulation and enhance erections. But a review of research published in the Journal of Urology concluded that evidence for yohimbine’s efficacy is sparse and inconsistent. It is also associated with increased heartrate, hypertension, and anxiety.
Another common ingredient in these supplements is Ginkgo biloba, which is believed to stimulate sexual function by boosting blood flow. Yet one study in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy reported that ginkgo biloba, unlike a placebo, did not impact erectile function. Another thing to keep in mind is that ginkgo biloba might interact with certain drugs, including blood thinners, and can lead to side effects including headache and dizziness.
A second common ingredient in male enhancement pills is Tribulus terrestris, which can boost testosterone and sex performance. But a systematic review of research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that there is not enough evidence to endorse tribulus terrestris for male enhancement. It can even lead to stomach pain and sleeplessness.
Do They Work?
Although not much science is available about natural male enhancement products, men are using them with varying success rates. The answer to the question of whether or not these pills work is to know what’s in them and how they might affect sexual function.
The majority of natural male enhancement products contain blood-flow and circulation stimulants like ginseng, L-arginine, and horny goat weed. These ingredients will relax the blood vessels and boost blood supply to the penis, which increases erectile function and stimulates sexual desire.
There are also supplements that contain ingredients that are rumored to improve testosterone production like tribulus terrestris and maca root. Testosterone is a hormone that’s essential to male sexual function and low testosterone can diminish libido and sex drive. These supplements can boost testosterone, which in turn could increase sexual performance and appetite.
However, the success of these supplements can vary widely from one person to another. Although some men report vastly improved sexual function, others report a lack of change. Moreover, the effectiveness of taking these supplements can also vary depending on the individual’s overall health and lifestyle.
Are They Safe?
The first major advantage of natural male enhancement supplements is that they are generally safe to take. These supplements are not subject to the same stringent rules and regulations as prescription drugs. This doesn’t necessarily make them risk-free.
Some natural male enhancement supplements may interact with other medications or produce unwanted side effects. For instance, ingredients such as yohimbe and maca root have been associated with headaches, nausea and elevated heart rate. Make sure to read and follow the label of the supplement and speak to a healthcare provider if you have any preexisting conditions or are taking any medication.
Conclusion
That is, there is scant and inconsistent evidence to show that natural male enhancement supplements work. There’s not much to suggest they do in the way of enhancing sexual function; generally, though, evidence is just too sparse to justify its application. In addition, these products are not regulated by the FDA and they cannot be deemed safe. You’ll always want to consult a physician before using a new supplement, especially if you have a history of illness or are on other medications. We’ve all heard that there is no more effective way to improve libido than through a healthy lifestyle: consistent exercise, a balanced diet, and open communication with your partner.
