Promising more sexual output and enjoyment, the male energizing market is really big these days. Yet, along with it, there’s been a sharp rise in the number of scams and fake goods that are available, directed at helpless men looking to improve their sexual lives. This has raised the question of whether the male enhancement market is saturated with fakes or whether the products are scientifically based. We examine the male enhancement industry closely in this paper, and investigate both the scam and the science.
The Male Enhancement Marketplace
There are countless pills, creams, pumps, exercises, and devices that line the male enhancement market. Every one of these products touts the bloating, sexual efficiency, and confidence in the bedroom. But not all of them are created equal, some of them dangerous.
Tablets, lotions, and supplements are some of the most prevalent male enhancement drugs on the market. These medications claim to make your penis larger by sending more blood to your genitals and giving you a firmer and longer lasting erection. But the efficacy of these drugs is highly contested, and experts often argue that the effects are purely placebo. What’s more, some of these products might even have hidden ingredients that are potentially harmful because they aren’t licensed by the FDA.
The other popular male enhancement tool is the pumps. These machines produce a vacuum in front of the penis and let blood flow there, resulting in an erection. Pumps may yield instantaneous results, but over time they can injure the blood vessels and nerves in the penis, leading to permanent erectile dysfunction.
Exercises, like Kegels, are often sold as a natural and harmless means to enhance male sexual performance. These are the exercises that relax and contract the pelvic floor muscles, which will increase the flow of blood to the penis and improve control over orgasms. But whether these exercises are effective is a matter of controversy, and the outcome can vary.
Finally, there are various devices including the extenders and weights which can make the penis grow through traction. These implants are positioned to stretch the penis over time, causing micro-tears in the tissue, which will eventually heal and make the penis bigger. While these devices have demonstrated positive results in a handful of studies, they can also be harmful and doctors don’t advise using them.
Scams or Science?
The Scams
Scams are among the top issues facing the male supplement market. Companies exploit men’s insecurities and desires to market unhelpful and even dangerous products. These products typically feature inflated promises of success without scientific evidence to back it up.
Scams often involve making up before and after pictures to advertise their services. These are either manipulated photos, or images borrowed from elsewhere, which mislead you into thinking the product is efficient. A second strategy involves celebrity endorsements, which convince men that if a celebrity is doing the product, it must work. Yet many of these endorsements are gratuitous and unscientific.
Another alert is the inclusion of proprietary mixtures in supplements. These blends never reveal the precise ingredients or the amount of each ingredient, which makes it difficult to determine the safety and effectiveness of these blends. This partiality is one of the many ways that scammers try to mask potentially toxic ingredients.
The Science
There are certainly fakes in the male enhancement world, but there is some science involved. Perhaps the most popular and researched erotic medicine is Viagra, which was approved by the FDA in 1998. Viagra works by boosting the blood flow to the penis, which increases the amount of erectile function. Other over-the-counter drugs, like Cialis and Levitra, also work the same way, and have been clinically tested.
On top of medications available over the counter, there are a few natural supplements that have been scientifically tested and found to be helpful for sex. An amino acid, for instance L-arginine, has also been shown to reduce erectile dysfunction when consumed in large amounts. One other supplement, horny goat weed, was proven to help increase men’s libido and sexual activity.
Apart from medications and supplements, there are other scientifically validated ways to boost sexual health. For instance, aerobic exercise has been shown to help combat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood circulation and cardiovascular function. Psychological treatments, like counselling or therapy, can also help correct underlying issues that can be problematic for sexual disorders.
The Role of Mental Health
As there are legitimate products and techniques on the market, the mental health role in the male enhancement industry must be taken up. Most men buy them because they feel they are not good enough or under duress. But these hidden problems might not be addressed by taking a pill or using a machine.
The pressure to fit in with male stereotypes and male sexual sex shame can have serious negative effects on a man’s mental health. Therapy or counselling can help to remedy these subtleties and increase sexual satisfaction.
Conclusion:
In short, the male enhancement industry is a hugely complex and puzzling place, and there are too many different products and practices promising men a better sex life. Some of them are scientifically supported, but most are rogue schemes that exploit men’s self-loathing. Consumers should be alert and educated before consuming any male enhancement substance or procedure and, of course, seek the advice of a physician. Also, we need to remember that the true sexual fulfilment comes from having a good relationship and communication with your partner and not how large and impressive your penis is.
