Male sexual enhancement is a widely used term, covering everything from libido to Erectile Dysfunction, even increases in size. The multi Billion dollar market of little blue pills like Viagra and supplements is an overwhelming indicator that men desire the benefits of these products. While they can help increase desire and obtain longer lasting, higher quality erections, they are not without their risks.
The most common pharmaceuticals for erectile dysfunction are Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. These are a class of drugs known as PDE-5 (Phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors. For the sake of this article, we will be discussing Viagra and the knock off, nonprescription, over the counter herbal supplements often found at gas stations and adult novelty stores.
How do PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra work?
A common misconception is ED medications cause a man to be sexually aroused. While they do not cause arousal, they do work when sexual arousal is achieved. This is because sexual stimulation sends a signal to the brain to trigger a release of nitric oxide (NO) in the tissues of the penis.
The nitric oxide stimulates an enzyme that produces something known as a messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), relaxing the smooth muscle cells. Sildenafil selectively blocks PDE-5, allowing the erection enhancing cGMP to remain longer and not be broken down. This increased cGMP allows extra blood flow to the penis. The result: Firmer, longer lasting erections.
Related: If the blood doesn’t flow, the sex is a no go!
To have great sex you need abundant energy, high aerobic capacity, strength, stamina, mobility, health and above all: blood flow. One result of increased nitric oxide is that the arteries in your penis dilate and the blood can flow into your penis more easily. Another result is that the erectile tissue itself fills with blood. Both processes result in an erection. Viagra works by maintaining the level of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells, allowing more blood into the penis.
The Herbal Viagra
The FDA warns: “Sexual enhancement products that claim to work as well as prescription products are likely to contain a contaminant. Use of such products exposes consumers to unpredictable risk and the potential for injury or even death.”
Many over the counter supplements contain non FDA approved sulfoaildenafil, a compound structurally similar to sildenafil. Some even contain sildenafil, which is FDA approved and the active ingredient in the prescription drug Viagra. The trouble is, the source of sildenafil in these OTC supplements is often from an overseas laboratory and not from an FDA approved facility. Both drugs are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and pose the risk of interaction with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin. This interaction may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
Other dangers include undisclosed amounts of the active ingredient (sildenafil or sulfoaildenafil), which in high amounts can lead to a permanent, painful erection, damaging the penile tissues. Some herbal sexual supplements also contain ingredients such as saw palmetto, ginseng, yohimbine and horny goat weed. The amounts of these ingredients are often undisclosed and can pose risk of interaction with other medications as well as raise blood pressure and heart rate to unsafe levels.
Beware of Male Enhancement products that:
- Promise quick results (within 30 to 40 minutes)
- Are advertised as alternatives to FDA-approved prescription drugs
- Are sold in single servings
- Advertise via spam or unsolicited emails
- Have labels written primarily in a foreign language
- Have directions and warnings that mimic FDA-approved products
The right way to treat Erectile Dysfunction
Are you a candidate for oral ED treatments?
With the unknown risks associated with OTC treatments, we strongly advise you do not experiment with them – even if you have taken a prescription ED treatment in the past.
Having a thorough medical examination by a qualified physician is the first step in seeing if oral ED medications are right for you. Cardiovascular health is a top priority in screening for erectile dysfunction. Part of the screening we recommend involves a comprehensive laboratory and exam. We also take a deep look into your lifestyle and read every line of the questionnaires all new patients are required to fill out. If you have a testosterone or growth hormone deficiency, thyroid issue or other hormone imbalance, we formulate a plan to correct them as part of addressing your low libido or Erectile Dysfunction.
Instead of relying on a pill to obtain an erection, there are other methods that are both nonsurgical and long lasting.
The first and most effective is the The GAINSWave™ Procedure which uses pulsating acoustic shockwaves to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. This increases the blood flow to the penis and improves sexual function. In addition, the GAINSWave Procedure stimulates the growth of new nerve tissue in the penis. This process, called neurogenesis, enhances sensitivity in the penis. Because this procedure is non-invasive it is referred to as the “extracorporeal shockwave therapy” or ESWT. The GAINSWave Procedure uses a GAINSWave™ approved low intensity shockwave device that has been FDA approved as safe for sale and use in US.
The other procedure is the Priapus Shot® , also known as the P-Shot®. A specific way of using blood-derived growth factors to rejuvenate the penis. It is a breakthrough, clinically-proven, safe and effective procedure to help you *increase penis size, sexual performance and overall sexual wellness, without the use of any drugs or surgery.
The ultimate way to overcome Erectile Dysfunction: Use the GAINSWave™ Procedure in combination with the Priapus Shot® for increases in size, plus longer lasting, stronger erections.
Do you think you have Low Testosterone? Take The Low-T Quiz to find out!
ReNue Health is located conveniently in Springboro, Ohio with easy access from Dayton International Airport, Cincinnati International Airport or the adjacent Wright Brothers Private Airport (MGY) for those travelling by private aviation.
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm EST. You can reach us by phone at 937-350-5527 or send us an email through our directions and contact information page.
Make sure to check out all the Facial Services offered at Renue Health as well as the Vampire PRP Treatments
Related: Erectile Dysfunction: The Elephant In The Room
References:
The Long List of Tainted Sexual Enhancement Products: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm234539.htm
https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm465024.htm
