Male enhancement supplements have long been marketed to improve your performance in bed, but do they really help?
Men are always looking for ways to take their sexual performance and sex drive to the next level. While there are tons of products in the market, here’s the million-dollar question: do they all work? As you probably guessed, there are a lot of scams out there that claim to cure erectile dysfunction. A lot.
The pool of sex enhancement supplements is a murky one. If you are having problems in the bedroom, you may be tempted to try some over-the-counter stuff. However, most of these products are merely selling dreams and are money-making gimmicks.
We know that you may feel a bit embarrassed to talk about your sexual performance, but that’s what a men’s health doctor is for. He will also be able to advise you about what works from an informed perspective about your challenges.
Can sex supplements and herbs really solve sexual performance issues?
When you start exploring what is out there regarding sex enhancement supplements in Singapore, you may find yourself tumbling down the rabbit hole. There are herbs, pills, teas, and powders... enough to make your head spin.
Most of these products promise to raise your testosterone levels or access the testosterone already in your body.
The question is: are they effective?
The truth is while testosterone supplements cannot be discounted out of hand, they have not been studied enough to know if they are truly effective.
Sure, there may be anecdotal evidence and testimonies from people who claim that they have achieved results. But solid studies are sorely lacking when it comes to testosterone supplements.
Let's be very clear, you should only opt for testosterone therapy under the supervision of your doctor.
What is L-arginine used for?
So firstly, L-arginine is an amino acid that you can find on the market in supplement form. It is not a testosterone supplement. Usually, your body makes its own L-arginine.
L-arginine works by opening blood vessels. So, if you think your performance issues might be due to some physical issue, you may want to speak to your doctor to explore L-arginine as an option.
One of the reasons that we will always recommend consulting your doctor instead of going it alone is that L-arginine can interact with other drugs that you may be taking.
Is L-arginine safe to take daily?
While there is no recommended daily amount for L-arginine consumption, it may interfere with:
- Viagra - lowering your blood pressure.
- Diabetetic drugs - your blood sugar may drop too low. If you are on meds, your dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Blood pressure medication - The interaction may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
- Heart disease medication - L-arginine and these medications may drop your blood pressure.
- Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs interaction may increase your risk of bleeding.
Does Maca Root improve sexual performance?
Maca root, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is quite the potent natural remedy when it comes to sexual woes. There is also some research that backs this supplement — 5 small studies show that Maca Root improves sperm quality and production, giving guys a pretty decent fertility boost. Do note that it is not a testosterone supplement and works differently.
Some men have also reported an increase in their libido with the use of Maca Root.
There is some evidence that Maca Root can actually reduce prostate size. An enlarged prostate can affect your sexual performance.
Some studies have shown that the Maca Root contains glucosinolates which have been known to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Maca root is considered safe, but you should still consult your doctor before using it. Caution is recommended for people who have thyroid issues.
Does Long jack root (tongkat ali) increase testosterone?
Well, there is data that Long jack root, also known as tongkat ali, has the potential to increase your testosterone levels.
It is believed that it may be able to help with erectile dysfunction, infertility, and a lack of libido.
Long jack root is considered to be safe for adults. 200-400 mg per day is the recommended amount. However, you should be aware that the supplement may also contain mercury. So, exceeding recommended dosages may be harmful.
Talk to your doctor before considering using Long jack root.
How effective is Horny goat weed when it comes to boosting sexual performance?
If there is one sex enhancement supplement in Singapore that you have probably heard of, it is Horny goat weed.
Horny goat weed is not a testosterone supplement, but it is believed to help with erectile dysfunction. There was a study that revealed Horny goat weed contains a substance called Epimedium and scientists suspect that it helps keep a good blood flow to the penis.
There is no scientific evidence that suggests Horny goat weed really affects your libido, but that does not stop guys from trying it.
While Horny goat weed is safe for the most part, it is not without its side effects.
Some guys have reported that it left them with a dry mouth and stomach troubles. On the more serious side, it has been documented that it can lower your blood pressure, cause an irregular heartbeat, and nose bleeds.
You should also speak to your doctor if you decide to give Horny goat weed a go since it has been known to interact with certain medications.
If you are on aspirin, antidepressants, and medications for hypertension, thyroid issues, immune disorders, and cholesterol should avoid taking Horny goat weed.
Oh, and special red alert if you are using nitroglycerin for high blood pressure or any other health issue, you SHOULD NOT USE Horny goat weed. Mixing these two can be fatal.
The takeaway today should be if you are experiencing difficulties in your sex life, you should speak to your doctor instead of buying sex enhancement pills off the market.
Sexual performance or the lack thereof could be linked to physical causes or psychological. And the truth is most sexual enhancement supplements might not be worth your time!
References
- Chiang J, Yafi FA, Dorsey PJ Jr, Hellstrom WJ. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Feb;6(1):12-19. doi: 10.21037/tau.2016.10.04. PMID: 28217446
- Balasubramanian A, Thirumavalavan N, Srivatsav A, Yu J, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. J Sex Med. 2019 Feb;16(2):203-212. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.008. PMID: 30770069
This article was written and medically reviewed by Dr Ben, M.D on 02/07/21
