Men experiencing problems like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction often feel too ashamed to talk about these issues with their doctor or spouse.
Instead, many will purchase so-called “sex pills” in the hopes of regaining their sexual stamina. These sex pills are usually marketed as a natural and safe alternative to Viagra. They also don’t require a prescription and they’re often dirt cheap.
Unfortunately, the market of sex enhancement supplements is saturated with counterfeit, adulterated, and tainted products putting men at risk of serious health problems. And although some herbal ingredients added to sex pills for men show promising results, men should also be aware of fraudulent sellers of sex pills and make sure that they choose their sex pills wisely.
About Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction can happen to men of any age, but it is much more common in older men. This is simply because older men are more likely to suffer health conditions that can cause sexual dysfunction. Older men who experience andropause after dropping testosterone levels may also experience problems with sexual functioning.
Medical professionals can help these men regain their sexual stamina by treating the underlying health condition or by prescribing medication that directly treats their sexual dysfunction. And while it is true that medication to treat sexual dysfunction such as Viagra does come with its own risks and side effects, this risk tends to be minimal when the medication is taken in accordance with directions that a doctor provides.
The Reality of “Natural” Sex Pills
Unfortunately, men will often choose sexual enhancement supplements over prescription drugs even though many of these products are dangerous. According to an editorial published a few years back in JAMA Internal Medicine, in the course of 5 years, the FDA has identified 330 dietary supplements adulterated with prescription drugs.
Just consider the case of basketball player Lamar Odom who collapsed around a year ago as a result of overdosing on a combination of illicit drugs and adulterated sex pills that contained Viagra.
In Lamar’s case, he took more pills than recommended most likely believing that they were safe because they were labeled natural. And this is exactly where the problem with sex pills lies – the label is far too often misleading.
Why are these Pills Dangerous?
Ahmad Hamidinia, MD explains in NetWellness that sex pills are dangerous because they’re not regulated by the FDA so you never know what is in them. Furthermore, sex pills don’t work by simply targeting your sexual dysfunction alone.
Once you take a sexual enhancement product or even Viagra, the ingredients found in them tend to affect the whole body and not just your sex organs. For instance, many of these ingredients, including herbal ones like pomegranate and Yohimbe increase overall blood flow.
If you’re already taking medication for conditions like high blood pressure or arrhythmias, there’s always a danger that herbal supplements could interact with your prescription medication.
What to Look Out for?
On the plus side, there are many tested and safe natural sexual enhancement products currently sold on the market. However, finding these may be a bit tricky because no-one regulates these supplements. W. Steven Pray, Ph.D. provides a few guidelines to buyers of sexual enhancement pills for men to follow.
According to Pray, men should avoid products claiming to cure erectile dysfunction; claiming to be a breakthrough, products from manufacturers creating phony clinics, products scientifically working; and products that having label herbal or natural but promise quick results.
Instead, men should look for products with modest claims and preferably; which many reputable companies sell with a long history in the supplement industry.
The Benefits of Herbal Aphrodisiacs
On the bright side, an article published in Pharmacognosy Review claims that some herbs have the potential to address common male sexual dysfunctions and with fewer side effects than conventional remedies.
The article lists the research behind botanicals used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction; as TribulusTerrestris, Panax ginseng, Tongkat Ali, Maca root, and others.
According to the authors of this article, all these botanicals exhibit significant pharmacological activity; meaning that they really do work in treating erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunctions. However, the article also points out that there are really not enough studies and clinical trials; to prove their safety and efficiency so follow the caution.
Conclusion
Because so many men want to treat sexual dysfunction easily and naturally; there are a lot of fraudulent sex enhancement products in the market. Men are putting themselves in danger by taking products that cannot guarantee safety and efficiency. This is unfortunate considering that treating sexual dysfunction is now easier than before.
For men who still want to rely on so-called natural sex pills, should follow caution. A good way to ensure that the product you are taking is safe; is to take a look at the company history and if the claims seem too good to be true.