Dangers of Sexual Enhancement Supplements
At $195, that five-month supply is one of the most affordable, bested only by Male Extra’s 5-month deal at $180. Three-, five-, and six-month deals often present consumers with a nice middle ground of lower costs cenforce100 per bottle and a smaller initial investment than 12-month offerings require.
Day 1: ExtenZe Male Enhancement
We took a hard look at the male enhancement pills on the market and whittled the immense field down to a few products we think have the most potential to be effective while offering you the safest experience. They’re not perfect, and they may not make a dramatic difference for most men. But there are men for whom they’ll make a real difference. So we find the products that combine that potential with a money-back guarantee that’s generous enough to protect your money while you give them a try. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top recommendations: Best on a super-tight budget: ExtenZe Best for low testosterone: Testosterone Support by Innerbody Labs Performer 8 includes nine powerful ingredients proven to increase sexual stamina, erection strength, and semen volume.
Why Are They Taken?
Performer 8 is a safe and natural way to revitalize your sexual vitality and is only available directly through Performer8.com. Ingredient effectiveness is supported by clinical studies, and all purchases are backed by a lifetime guarantee. When assessing and comparing male enhancement pills, we rely on clinical research and reports from users. We also order the majority of these products ourselves to test the quality of each company’s website, customer service, privacy experience, and shipping logistics. All told, our team has spent over 200 hours researching the products and services of these companies to provide an accurate, unbiased analysis of how they compare.
What are the alternatives to male enhancement pills?
We reviewed more than 100 scholarly articles pertaining to erectile health and the various ingredients included in common male enhancement supplements. Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this guide was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy. We’ll continue to stay on top of new developments in male enhancement and erectile dysfunction treatment to keep this article up to date. We had to be very careful in evaluating male enhancement products, as so many contain ingredients without enough clinical research to recommend them in good conscience. Among the products we found suitable, our comparative analysis focused on four key areas the average customer would need to consider before choosing one: effectiveness, safety, cost, and customer service. In the customer service department, Performer 8 is the only company offering a lifetime guarantee on its product. Others among our top picks offer 67- or 100-day guarantees, which are admirable but can’t compare to the lifetime promise.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra Soft Tabs | 20mg | 10 Pills | 52.27€ 49.78€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 20mg | 20 Pills | 52.63€ 50.12€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 40mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 477.87€ 455.11€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ | |
| Kamagra Gold | 50 mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 713.95€ 679.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 60.91€ 58.01€ | |
| Cialis Original | 20mg | 48 + 4 Pills | 224.69€ 213.99€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 14 + 2 Pills | 89.03€ 84.79€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 20 Pills | 71.14€ 67.75€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 205.81€ 196.01€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 20mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 807.03€ 768.60€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 326.61€ 311.06€ |
Performer 8 is also the only company with a fully functioning live chat feature that provides interaction with real humans on the other end.
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That might be a good thing for their safety, but without research into how these ingredients may interact when taken together — even at lower doses, and particularly over a long period of time — it would be irresponsible to declare them safe. We are aware of certain side effects that crop up in studies examining these ingredients’ potential to treat ED, but some boast studies specific to their safety. Other ingredients are mainly studied for very different potential benefits — like L-carnitine, which boasts a fair amount of research into its potential as a weight loss supplement.38 As long as the doses in those studies are comparable, we can begin to create a more comprehensive picture of each ingredient's side effect risk. Ginseng is a common ingredient in many male enhancement supplements, but several studies have examined its potential as an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant agent. Some of these studies have looked at doses up to 9g daily and showed few-to-no side effects.3 Other studies showed potential benefits at doses as low as 1g/daily.
Top 9 Dangers of Sex Drive Pills
Performer 8, our preferred male enhancement product in terms of safety, utilizes a 6g daily ginseng dose. Stomach discomfort, flushing, and constipation crop up occasionally in the research, but cases are often mild and resolve quickly.4 Another ingredient we like to see in male enhancement products is ashwagandha. There has been a lot of research into ashwagandha’s anxiolytic effects, but other studies looking at its ability to boost testosterone have been promising, as well. Performer 8 utilizes a well-known brand of ashwagandha — KSM-66. It’s not the most potently concentrated form, but it’s been subjected to multiple clinical studies, many of which show comparable rates of adverse effects as those seen in the placebo groups.5 Lastly, when it comes to pills, one occasionally overlooked aspect of safety is the size of the pill itself; many people have difficulty swallowing pills of any size, but especially larger ones. This is an undeniable convenience for products where nutritional questions can get complicated and require a back-and-forth.
- Sildenafil helps treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis.
- L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide and aids vascular health in sexual function.
- Horny goat weed improves libido and erectile function via icariin.
- Tribulus terrestris is used to mildly increase testosterone and sexual desire.
- Ginseng reduces stress and supports physical endurance during sexual activity.
- Maca root enhances sexual desire and stamina naturally.
- DHEA levels decline with age, supplementation might improve libido.
- Zn supports testosterone synthesis and sperm quality.
- Yohimbine may enhance erectile function but can increase blood pressure.
- Vitamin D sufficiency correlates with better erectile and sexual function.
- Fenugreek supports hormonal balance and sexual function.
Male enhancement pills are nutritional supplements designed to improve various aspects of male sexual health.
Supplement ingredients
Effectiveness may be the most obvious, but safety was just as important for us. Those two criteria carried the most weight in our consideration. As you’ll see, these supplements’ prices fall within a pretty limited range; many of them are considerably less expensive than brand-name ED prescriptions but a lot more expensive than generic prescription alternatives. This reduces the impact of cost and customer service in our final recommendations. You’ll see that Performer 8 outperforms the competition in most categories, with greater doses of ginseng and barrenwort than most competitors.
Health News
There’s even a certain point of view from which it offers the best cost, which we’ll get into below. Since everyone uses male enhancement pills for different reasons, one remedy might not be as effective for you as it is for others. But we don’t think the answer is to cram a bunch of ingredients into a pill and hope it pleases everybody. We’re also wary of any product that makes a big deal out of certain ingredients, only to include them in doses that are significantly smaller than doses used in studies. Many of those studies lack statistical significance as it is, so turning to an inferior dose of a poorly studied ingredient isn’t the way to gain our appreciation.
Erectile dysfunction care at Mayo Clinic
Performer 8 includes a streamlined set premature ejaculation medicine of specific ingredients, and several of those ingredients appear in doses consistent with, or at least approaching, doses used in clinical studies. Its inclusion of ashwagandha allows its formula to address testosterone levels directly and reduce stress and anxiety.2 That can yield positive results in your body’s ability to generate an erection while preventing the psychological factors associated with ED from creating a negative feedback loop in which one or two failed erections create self-doubt and stress that leads to more failed erections. The safety profiles of these various male enhancement products are a mixed bag. Since many of the studies looking into common male enhancement ingredients often lack large enough sample sizes to say anything positive with confidence, it’s also difficult to say how safe these products may or may not be. In many cases, male enhancement pills use doses of individual ingredients that are lower than those seen in studies. Many focus on erectile performance, seeking to improve blood flow to the penis and address certain nutritional deficiencies that might contribute to mild erectile dysfunction.
- Beetroot extract helps relax blood vessels, improving penile blood flow.
- Fenugreek may enhance libido and testosterone levels in men.
- Ashwagandha reduces stress and improves overall sexual health.
- L-citrulline converts to L-arginine, boosting nitric oxide and erections.
- Tribulus enhances androgen receptor activity to increase libido.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to erectile dysfunction; supplementation helps.
- Horny goat weed can improve sexual performance via vasodilation.
- Maca root may improve sperm count and sexual desire in men.
- Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow, potentially helping erectile dysfunction.
- Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 receptors, improving nerve impulses for erections.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) improves vascular health and erectile function.
They typically include botanical ingredients like ginseng and horny goat weed, as well as amino acids like L-arginine and L-carnitine.
Be wary of 'herbal viagra'
If you're one of these people, keep in mind that Performer 8 is a middle-of-the-road size compared to others, while Volume Pills is definitely on the small side. One thing that helps Performer 8 in contrast with others like Semenax, however, is the width — Performer 8 is narrower than some. Considering the practical and potential costs when trying a male enhancement product, we take price into account along with things like shipping costs, money-back guarantees, and bulk purchasing discounts. Shipping from all of our recommended companies is free, so let’s take a look at how the other parameters stack up: Male Extra narrowly claims this category thanks to: A tie for the lowest cost per bottle at the highest bulk purchasing level A narrow edge over Performer 8 in cost at the three-month level, which is kind of a “Goldilocks” quantity for many first-time buyers At the three-month amount, however, Performer 8 only costs $10 more than Male Extra. And Performer 8 could be considered among the best deals at its highest bulk purchasing level of five bottles (technically a three-month supply with two free bottles thrown in). Technically, the category includes the ridiculous and often dangerous types of pills you see sold in gas stations and truck stops around America.
| Age Group | Percentage Using Pills | Predominant Reasons | Most Popular Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-30 years | 10-15% | Performance anxiety, desire boost | Herbal supplements |
| 40-50 years | 35-45% | Erectile dysfunction, libido decline | Prescription medications |
| 60+ years | 50%+ | Erectile issues, general vitality | Tadalafil, herbal remedies |
These are not the types of male enhancement pills we’ll focus on here. It doesn’t guarantee their efficacy, but the supplements in our guide come from more reputable companies than those hawked next to novelty lighters and beef jerky. Other types of supplements exist under the male enhancement umbrella, including volume pills and testosterone boosters.
| Medication Type | Potential Interaction | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrates | Severe hypotension when combined | Dangerous drop in blood pressure |
| Blood thinners | Increased bleeding risk | Caution advised |
| Alpha-blockers | Enhanced blood pressure lowering effects | Monitor blood pressure |
| Antibiotics | No significant interaction with most herbal pills | Consult doctor if unsure |
These products often share several ingredients with traditional male enhancement pills, but their formulas tend to focus on increasing semen output and raising testosterone levels, respectively.
| Customer Rating (out of 5) | Percentage of Users | Product Examples | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | 70-80% | Viagra, Cialis | Quick effect, reliable |
| 2-3 | 10-20% | Herbal supplements | Mild effects, safer for daily use |
| 1 | 5-10% | Some herbal pills | No effect or adverse reactions |
Ultimately, even the best male enhancement pill can only go so far in addressing things like erectile dysfunction. If you have only mild symptoms (e.g., the ability to get mostly erect but not enough for penetration, or your erectile performance is mostly reliable but a tad inconsistent), male enhancement pills may be able to help.
- Sildenafil treatment helps with erectile dysfunction by increasing penile blood flow.
- L-arginine is an amino acid precursor to nitric oxide, critical for erections.
- Horny goat weed contains a compound that may improve erectile function.
- Tribulus terrestris may raise testosterone levels and improve libido.
- Ginseng acts as an energy booster reducing sexual fatigue.
- Maca enhances libido and may improve sperm count.
- DHEA supplementation can assist with hormone balance and libido restoration.
- Zinc supports testosterone synthesis and male reproductive health.
- Yohimbine blocks receptors to improve blood flow to erectile tissue.
- Fenugreek supports sexual desire and testosterone production.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to erectile dysfunction, supplements help.
But most men — especially those with moderate-to-severe ED — would do better to seek out prescription-strength assistance.
- Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
- L-arginine works as a precursor to nitric oxide, enhancing blood flow.
- Ginseng acts as a natural adaptogen improving stamina and sexual vigor.
- Horny goat weed improves libido and sexual function through icariin content.
- DHEA naturally declines with age, and supplementation may restore libido.
- Zinc deficiency can impair testosterone production, supplements help restore it.
- Tribulus terrestris may improve sexual desire by modulating hormones.
- Yohimbine shares benefits for ED but can cause side effects like anxiety.
- Maca root is used for increasing sexual desire and reducing fatigue.
- Fenugreek is investigated for boosting testosterone and sexual function.
- L-citrulline enhances nitric oxide, promoting stronger erections.