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National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

4 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements Marketed for Sexual Enhancement

You may have seen dietary supplements promoted for sexual enhancement or treating erectile dysfunction on the internet or in a store. However, none of these products has been shown to be safe and effective, and some have serious safety concerns. Here are 4 things to know about dietary supplements for sexual enhancement.

  1. Many supplements promoted for sexual enhancement or erectile dysfunction have been found to be adulterated with drug ingredients or related substances. You can’t tell whether these ingredients are present because they’re not listed on the product label. Some products contain multiple ingredients or high doses, both of which can be dangerous.

  2. The drug ingredients in some sexual enhancement supplements may interact with prescription drugs. For example, some may interact with drugs that contain nitrates, leading to a dangerous decrease in blood pressure.

  3. There is no definite evidence that any herbal products are safe or effective for erectile dysfunction. Researchers have studied a variety of herbs, but the amount of research on each herb is small, and much of the research has been done in animals rather than people.

  4. Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you’re using or considering, including dietary supplements for sexual enhancement or erectile dysfunction. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.