Highlights
- Many dietary supplements for male enhancement are available over the counter.
- Instead of asking “Can you buy male enhancement pills over the counter?,” ask whether buying them is worth the risk to your health.
- There is no definitive scientific evidence to support claims about the effectiveness of over-the-counter male enhancement pills.
- Prescription medications for erectile dysfunction are a safer alternative for most men, and their success rates are clinically proven.
Can you buy male enhancement pills over the counter? The short answer is yes – products promising to solve men’s sexual problems are easily available at drugstores and gas stations. A more important question to ask, however, is “Should you buy male enhancement pills over the counter?”
Understanding Over-the-Counter Male Enhancement Pills
Male enhancement products you can buy at convenience stores — known as “gas station sex pills” or “herbal Viagra” — claim to improve men’s sexual functioning. Makers of these over-the-counter pills promise improved erections, increased libido and stamina, and sometimes even a larger penis.
Most are dietary supplements. Their official ingredients include natural substances linked to sexual power, such as horny goat weed or maca root. The idea behind them is to offer a “natural” boost of testosterone levels and to improve circulation for better erections and arousal. Some claim to strengthen stamina and increase energy levels.
But do they live up to the hype? In a word, no. While some men swear by one sex pill or another, OTC sex pills are associated with hidden ingredients, deceptive labeling, and a lack of scientific evidence that they work.
The Hidden Dangers of Male Enhancement Pills
In a word, no. Dietary supplements can be more dangerous than you think. An analysis conducted in 63 U.S. emergency departments over the course of a decade revealed that 23,000 emergency department visits were linked to the consumption of dietary supplements. And the market for those products just keeps on growing.
In the best-case scenario, using over-the-counter male enhancement products will add some nutrients to your diet. If you’re lucky and find a genuine herbal remedy, you may even notice some improvement in sexual performance. But real natural treatments are usually found in specialized herbal medicine pharmacies, not in gas stations and C-stores.
Unfortunately, products for natural male enhancement come with risks and side effects. The dangers of over-the-counter pills include potential drug interactions with prescription medications and with other supplements. They can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when taken with prescription ED medications, like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra.
OTC male enhancement pills can cause serious drug interactions
A rare but serious danger linked to over-the-counter pills is priapism (prolonged and painful erection). If untreated, priapism can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction as a result of limited flow oxygen to and from the penis. One case study describes the case of a man with a 120-hour erection after taking an over-the-counter herbal supplement.
A worrying CDC report describes a serious outbreak of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels) linked to a male enhancement supplement. At least 17 Virginia men developed the condition after taking pills bought at a convenience store. Analysis of the product showed it contained a hidden ingredient – the prescription drug glyburide, which was the likely cause of the drop in blood sugar levels.
Hidden Ingredients and Deceptive Labeling
A few years ago, the media reported the health collapse of the former basketball player Lamar Odom. Odom mixed cocaine with Reload, an unsafe male enhancement product, and ended up on life support in the hospital.
Prior to that incident, the FDA had warned against the very pills that Odom took. On analysis, they were found to contain a hidden drug ingredient – sildenafil, the chemical used in genuine Viagra pills. Authentic, doctor-prescribed ED medication is safe for most men, but not everyone can take it. For example, men using prescription drugs with nitroglycerine should avoid sildenafil. This makes the discovery of this unlabeled ingredient very serious.
“FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that “Reload” contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription drug Viagra (…) This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.”
According to an analysis published in “The Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis,” 61 of 150 herbal supplements advertised for sexual enhancement were adulterated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (the active ingredients in genuine ED medication). On top of that, 34 percent contained slightly modified versions of these substances.
“Only 31 percent of the samples could be considered as herbal/natural products.”
To make things worse, unsafe male enhancement products contain contaminants which are used as bulking agents. Product analyses revealed some of those pills contained harmful substances like gypsum, amphetamine, or even…commercial grade paints!
Some male enhancement pill labels fail to mention important or unsafe ingredients
Lack of Scientific Evidence
Makers of dietary supplements promise ultimate sexual performance and satisfaction. Their advertising and product packaging screams of “bull power,” “bigger and longer” penises, and the ability to turn you into an “alpha male.” In spite of marketing tricks like these, the reality is much different.
In fact, do a Google search for any well-known male enhancement pill, and chances are you will find only phony “reviews” that were actually published by the manufacturer of the product.
The truth is, there is little definitive evidence that herbal supplements for male sexual enhancement are effective. Small studies have been done on the effects of using natural ingredients to manage erectile dysfunction or improve libido, but results were inconclusive or the studies were of low quality.
On top of that, many studies manufacturers cite were conducted on animals. No drug is considered safe by the FDA until it has passed the final stage of clinical research, multiple rounds of testing on humans.
“No complementary health approaches have been shown to be safe and effective for sexual enhancement or treating ED. Safety is a serious concern with regard to dietary supplements promoted for ED or sexual enhancement.”
Safe and Effective Alternatives for Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Since the safety of male enhancement supplements is highly questionable, proven and FDA-approved medications are your best bet for treating sexual concerns.
Modern erectile dysfunction treatments are available as prescription medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, and Stendra. These pills work by increasing blood flow into the penis, helping you get and maintain an erection.
In contrast to over-the-counter products, the safety and effectiveness of prescription medications has been proven in multiple, large-scale studies. For example, sildenafil, the active ingredient of Viagra, has an average success rate of 82 percent, with some studies showing effectiveness in over 90 percent of users.
Prescription treatments for ED have high success rates and are clinically proven
Don’t Risk Your Money or Your Health
Buying male enhancement pills over the counter is a risky business — and you’re not just risking your money. These drugs can cause serious health problems, and you may even end up in the hospital.
Dietary supplements and herbal remedies can support overall health, as long as you’re getting them from a trusted source. Always consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.
Your Online Source of Authentic ED Medication
Modern treatments for erectile dysfunction are safe for most men. The pills are easy to use and act quickly. When you buy from eDrugstore, you can be sure you’re getting authentic, FDA-approved prescription medications.
No doctor’s prescription? We offer complimentary telemedicine consultations with U.S.- licensed physicians. Delivery is discrete and always free. Find out more about treating your erectile dysfunction the right way.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.