The male dysfunction (usually concerning the capability of achieving a hard and of sufficient duration erection) is not a rare condition as you or most of the people think.
On the contrary, it involves a large (not the largest) part of male population, as nearly all men experience dysfunction problems, at a certain stage of their lives.
The assumption that the problem refers to older men (over 65 - 70 years), not acceptable as absolute and safe. In the late years, the erectile dysfunction seems to "decline" gradually on the age bracket affected, resulting in present problems in ages as young as the 30 years of age.
Many questions on the table, on trying to identify the reason. Could it be, per example, today’s lifestyle responsible for this?
Surely, may be an explanation supported by experts as well, however, what can a modern man do to protect his sexual health from stress and bad habits of his daily routine?
This article brings a discussion on the 5 Most Active Nutritional OTC Pills and Ingredients against Erectile Dysfunction, all of them safe and of the highest quality, legally sold "Over The Counter" (OTC).
Below, the list of the 5 Most Effective Over The Counter Ed Pills / Supplements against Erectile Dysfunction, as analyzed individually:
No.1: VigRX Plus
No.2: Viasil
No.3: MAX Performer
No.4: L-Arginine
No.5: Ginseng
Note: All 5 mentioned above are of natural origin and as mentioned safe, not requiring a prescription, being a natural treatment (and a method of prevention) for erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, poor ejaculation and poor sperm quality.
No.1: VigRX Plus
VigRX Plus (product of the well-known company Leading Edge Health) is an effective and safe natural Ed Pill for those men facing "difficulties" in their sexual performance.
VigRX Plus with a new ingredient formula (enriched with Bioperine), offers a solution protecting the potential user of resorting to prescription treatments and chemical pills, which may cause a variety of side effects (some of them quite serious).
Affordable, but also extremely easy to use (in pill form), this supplement against erectile dysfunction (ED: Erectile Dysfunction), brings real results with no side effects (according to the testimonials of its users).
Benefits:
- improves sexual desire (libido)
- increases sexual drive
- enhances physical energy & strength
- relieves stress and performance anxiety
- improves erection
- improves sexual performance
- promotes quality ejaculation (in volume / quality / quantity / speed of sperm)
- increases natural testosterone production
- improvement of orgasms
ATTENTION – Use of the pill for adults only – not allowed for children and teenagers.
No prescription required for its use by adult men (over 18 years).
Special care necessary for persons already under medication, as administration of the supplement may cause side effects, adverse conditions or health complications.
Ingredients :
- Korean Red Ginseng root 200 mg
- Saw Palmetto berry 200 mg [1]
- Hawthorne berry 200 mg
- Damiana leaf 200 mg
- Ginkgo Biloba leaf 200 mg
- Tribulus Terrestris vine 150 mg [2]
- Bioperine 10 mg
- Epimedium Leaf 4: 1 extract 30 mg
- Cuscuta Seed 4: 1 extract 50 mg
- Catuaba Bark 4: 1 extract 100 mg [3]
- Muira Pauma Bark 4: 1 extract 100 mg
Possible Side Effects :
- As mentioned, the use of the supplement is not recommended for minors, people suffering from a serious illness or people under medication.
- Besides, the use of the VigRX Plus supplement - though 100% natural - can in rare cases cause headaches to the user. Usually these headaches are short and transient not presenting any risk. However, in similar cases it would be wise to discontinue the administration of the supplement and inform the doctor, to indicate if it is safe to continue its use).
This supplement manufactured in facilities tested and certified by FDA, is a safe physical treatment for erectile dysfunction and male sexual dysfunction in general.
Disadvantages :
Consistent use of the supplement is required (actually for a satisfactory period) for achieving the desired results. The natural supplement VigRX Plus does not function with the logic of the well-known "blue pill" Viagra. Systematic use is required to fight malfunctions (unlike similar chemicals such as Viagra), however, is non-chemical, safe and with no side effects.
Recommended Daily Dosage (RDD) :
Each package carries 60 pills. The company recommends administration of 2 pills / day with water and never on an empty stomach.
Ideally, administration takes place in the morning (after breakfast) and evening (after dinner).
Better absorption of the active ingredients and therefore maximum effectiveness requires a full stomach.
No particular cause for concern even if you miss a dose, or skipping 1 entire day. It is sufficient to continue again the doses consistently, up to the point you see the desired results.
The company warns never to exceed the RDD of 2 pills, as this dose can offer the full potential of the ingredients involved in the supplement, with no risk of side effects.
A recommendation for best results includes a balanced life and diet, to enable the overall health of the individual.
VigRX Plus is available via its official website.
No.2: Viasil
Another product with strong presence among the male enhancement nutritional supplements against erectile dysfunction (ED) problems. This is a natural OTC pill, legal and tested by thousands of users around the world (reporting very positive results).
Do you want a hard erection and a wild and long lasting sex experience?
Viasil gives the solution.
A pill intended for oral administration promising a significant "elevation" of men’s sexual life at all ages (from 18 to 108).
Increases sexual desire, enhances blood circulation to the male genitals and ultimately promotes a hard and lasting erection.
Nevertheless, helps on the quality and quantity of ejaculation as well, an equally important factor for a complete sexual intercourse and for the fertilization process as well).
The composition of Viasil helps its function. Though 100% of natural origin shows a very satisfactory performance.
Many supplements present false claims about their action and benefits offered, aiming at confusing any person with false clinical trials, untrue user reviews and a large number of not real claims.
Viasil is not one of them.
Its action is real and carries an explanation.
The concept of this particular pill relies on the enhancement of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) produced by the male organism.
This is how it achieves increased available energy, improved blood circulation (better perfusion of the genitals), enhanced quality and efficiency of erection, and certainly improved quality of ejaculation (in volume, quality, momentum and temporality).
Benefits :
This pill offers an important innovation. Its double action ensures an improvement not only in terms of sex performance (endurance, energy, momentum, desire, and libido), but in terms of better organism functioning to ensure:
- better and harder erection
- improved erection duration
- higher sperm quality
- optimum speed of semen during ejaculation
Ingredients :
- Actiful 700 mg
- Zinc (from Zinc Picolinate) 1.5 mg [4]
- Gingko Biloba Extract 50: 1 (equivalent to 240 mg of whole herb) 4.8 mg
- Tribulus Terrestris Extract 12: 1 (equivalent to 300 mg of whole herb) 25 mg
- Panax Ginseng Extract 20: 1 (equivalent to 400 mg of whole herb) 20 mg
- Horny Goat Weed Extract 10: 1 (equivalent to 1000 mg of whole herb) 100 mg
- Citrus Sinensis
- Pomegranate [5]
Possible Side Effects :
Although in general Viasil has not been associated with specific side effects, either its reckless use (exceeding company's instructions), or use with no medical consent by minors or people with health problems is not recommended.
Thanks to a very strong natural aphrodisiac ingredient included, the Horny Goat Weed shows an extremely effective capability.
This is an herb with a long history, used for many centuries for its aphrodisiac action in traditional Chinese medicine.
However, high dosage or continuous long-term use can lead to health problems.
ATTENTION - people with blood disorders, serious injuries or people undergoing surgery / intending to have surgery (as increases the possibility of a bleeding episode) should not use Supplements with this particular herb (such as Viasil).
Not recommended for persons suffering from cancer, related to hormonal factors, due to affected estrogen concentration in the organism.
Experts recommend the regular oral administration should not exceed 2 consecutive years.
Disadvantages :
Certain people consider it as somewhat expensive (as recommended for daily use over a long period - exceeding 1 month – so results may be desirable).
No.3: MAX Performer
MAX Performer is a high performance natural supplement (as high as your sexual performance in the end).
This particular nutritional supplement of 12 high quality natural ingredients is a safe alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction. A legal product (OTC) is a proposal (non-pharmaceutical) even accepted by doctors. A Product of a well-known and reputable company (Silver Blade Nutrition Limited) is definitely one of the most effective natural products found today in the global (legal) market of supplements.
Benefits :
- significant increase in testosterone levels
- enhancement of libido
- increase of physical strength and energy for optimal sexual performance
- stronger, bigger and more effective erection
- more dynamic and rich ejaculation
Ingredients :
Its dynamic composition including 1000 mg of each group of very strong herbs and natural elements enhancing male performance, leaves no room for failure.
- Horny Goats Weed 1000 mg
- Maca 1000 mg
- Selenium 120 mcg | 218% of SDR
- Cordyceps 1000 mg
- Bioperine 15 mg [6]
- Red Korean Ginseng 1000 mg
- Zinc 24 mg 240% of RDA
- Pantothenic Acid 40 mg | 660% of SDR
- Pyridoxine HCL 10 mg | 714% of SID
- Iron 14 mg | 100% of the SID
- Niacin 32 mg | 200% of the SDR
- Riboflavin 10 mg | 714% of SID
- Cyanobalamin 10 mg | 400% of the SDR
Possible Side Effects :
The MAX Performer supplement contains only high quality ingredients of natural origin. Ingredients specially selected to enhance male sexual desire and performance.
However, it is very important to understand that its use by minors is not appropriate and may cause complications.
Medical consent is also required for the use of supplements (such as the MAX Performer) for people suffering from chronic diseases, cancer, other diseases or by people receiving concomitant medication.
However, as a 100% natural product - not containing steroids, synthetic hormones, synthetic stimulants and other dangerous chemicals and possibly addictive substances - belongs to the nutritional supplements against erectile dysfunction unreservedly recommended.
MAX Performer active capsules manufactured exclusively in specially equipped cGMP-certified facilities strictly follow all safety standards protected by current legislation.
Disadvantages :
We have to admit that no negative found for this particular dietary supplement, apart from some reports regarding its purchase (since it is only available via its official website); the majority of users have reported a very positive experience concerning its effective capability.
In any case, this is self-evident, as the composition of the MAX Performer is enhanced (easily verified following a quick look at the ratios of the active ingredients contained).
Recommended Dosage :
This supplement comes in a pack of 60 capsules of enhanced composition.
Essentially - and according to company instructions these capsules are sufficient for intensive treatment of 1 month, meaning a daily use of 2 capsules / day.
Ideally, for achieving the desired benefits to your sexual health, the intensive use of the supplement for at least 4 months, is necessary.
Both capsules administered about 30 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach, so the intestine and the other absorption centers of the organism had better absorb the active ingredients.
However, if a person so wishes, the one dose of the two pills may give 2 doses of 1 pill each (before breakfast and lunch) and always 30 minutes before the start of any meal.
No.4: L-Arginine
This is a chemical, member of the amino acids group. It may be received via various foods, however in the market can be found in a variety of supplements, due to multiple benefits offered to organism. First, let's mention its very important action regarding the production of proteins in the organism. We meet L-Arginine in products such as fish, meat, poultry and dairy, but often (due to habits of any individual) the amount received is not enough.
Many Male Enhancement Pills include L-Arginine in their composition as it provides significant boost / assistance to the organism’s function.
Supplements involving this ingredient are aiming at treating:
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- angina
- blood pressure
- even for specific pregnancy complications
Benefits :
L-Arginine entering the organism via the diet, is converted to nitric oxide, causing the blood vessels to dilate, allowing elevated blood flow.
This has significant benefits for a man's erection capability, bleeding the genitals better (penis and testicles) allowing a harder erection and stimulating the production of valuable hormones by the testicles.
Testosterone, insulin, growth hormone are produced in larger quantities bringing a higher number of health benefits to the entire organism.
Recommended Dosage :
The dosage of a supplement varies depending on the individual's condition, as well as the goal to achieve. However - and especially in the case of erectile dysfunction - experts recommend using 2.5 to 5 grams of L-Arginine daily administered orally.
In fact, studies show that using synthetic L-Arginine may have better results against erectile dysfunction (or other sexual performance problems) if combined with an appropriate drug.
Disadvantages :
Though the L-Arginine supplement has shown to help on the enhancement of sexual performance and the fight of erectile dysfunction, no sufficient evidence exists to actually increase a person's athletic performance. Therefore, if you expect to help you have a lower level of gasp during intercourse, not getting tired so easily or have a longer duration, this is not certain to happen.
There is evidence that it may help improve physical endurance and strength, but again no official proof is available.
Finally, another disadvantage is that, while it enhances cardiovascular function it cannot prevent heart attacks, neither can work well in treating a heart attack or stroke.
Side effects :
The use of L-Arginine following a recent heart attack is strictly contraindicated, as there is a possibility to present complications on the already serious health condition of the person.
Although generally a safe supplement (for most people), it may cause some temporary side effects, which subside as soon as the administration of the supplement is discontinued.
Below the most common:
- diarrhea
- bloating
- pain in the abdomen
- allergy
- low blood pressure
It can also deteriorate the condition of a person with asthma.
High administration of L-Arginine to minors and children can cause serious complications, or even death. Not recommended for people with serious health problems without medical consent.
L-Arginine may interact with drugs such as:
- antihypertensives [7]
- nitrates and drugs increasing blood flow to the heart
- Viagra
No.5: Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant with incredibly beneficial properties, this being the main reason for its use by humans for centuries, as a treatment for a variety of diseases and ailments.
Indigenous people in Asia and North America have incorporated Ginseng into their traditional medicine for centuries, contributing to the herb's worldwide popularity today.
Types of Ginseng :
There are 2 basic types of Ginseng:
- Asian or Korean: Asian / Korean Ginseng (also known as Panax Ginseng) - (Testogen Supplement Contains Korean Ginseng)
- American: American Ginseng (also known as Panax quinquefolius)
Though both are members of the same family, they do not seem to provide exactly the same benefits to organism (with American Ginseng lagging behind Korean Ginseng, which is clearly more potent). You may have heard of another category of Ginseng - Siberian (Siberian Ginseng) - but actually this plant does not contain the active ingredient of Ginseng (the substance ginsenosides).
Benefits :
- fights erectile dysfunction in men
- increases sexual desire / performance
- strengthens the organism’s immunity
- controls the blood sugar levels
- promotes focus
- controls blood pressure
- promotes the good heart function (also used as a treatment for heart disease)
- fights fatigue / increases available energy
- fights the symptoms of menopause
Recommended Dosage :
There is no officially recommended or appropriate Ginseng supplement dosage for any condition. Sometimes may be found as a nutritional supplement on its own, or in combination with many other ingredients. Even the amount in which you will find it in each supplement is different.
However, purchase of supplements from a reputable company secures that you avoid undesired surprises and side effects.
Possible Side Effects :
Ginseng as a natural ingredient is safe to use, however it can cause mild side effects in a small group of sensitive people, with symptoms as:
- insomnia
- dizziness
- headache
- stomach pain or agitation
The use of Ginseng supplement (or any other herbal or non-dietary supplement) by people suffering from a disease or taking medication should be generally avoided.
Especially people suffering from diabetes and receiving treatment should first consult their doctor, as Ginseng can affect blood sugar levels and deteriorate the user’s health status.
Ginseng can also react with a substance known as Warfarin (Coumadin) and with antidepressants.
Tip: Some experts recommend that administration of Ginseng supplements should not exceed the 3 months to avoid side effects.
The meaning of "Erectile Dysfunction"
Erectile dysfunction defined as the inability of a man to maintain a satisfactory erection, may be continuous or temporary.
In fact, in some cases appears periodically (at regular intervals), relating to an individual's lifestyle & psychology.
However, though the term "erectile dysfunction" clearly refers to a male erectile dysfunction, this condition now includes other types of sexual disorders relative to different phases of sexual / erotic act as:
- lack of sexual desire
- lack of orgasm
- inability to ejaculate
- poor quality ejaculation
- premature ejaculation
- disorders in sexual satisfaction
Why is it still a taboo?
No matter the age erectile dysfunction occurs in a man, it still remains a taboo subject even in the 21st century. This has to do mainly with the primordial need of the man to confirm his masculine nature, to satisfy a woman and to have children.
Especially the younger the man suffering from this type of dysfunction, the greater the feeling of shame. In fact, failing to treat the problem at an early stage - according to official scientific statistical studies - is the reason for referring to chronic erectile dysfunction very often.
The cause is known, as the person suffering from the problem feels ashamed to seek a doctor’s advice for dealing with it.
Age groups presenting erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction once thought as a condition associated only with aging and in particular relating to ages over 60 years.
In recent days, this theory does not apply anymore.
According to research, almost 1 in 20 men between the ages of 40 and 60 now have sexual dysfunction. Even people under the age of 40 show problems, probably proving to be a serious issue in the modern way of life.
In the age group from 30 to 50 years, usually the causes are not organic but psychological (this not being absolute).
Actually, most of them - refusing to believe that the problem has psychological causes and that a bad erection can result from bad psychology - do not deal properly with the situation perpetuating the problem, which is gradually escalating.
The most common psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction
- fatigue
- anxiety
- new partner
- family responsibilities
- professional weights
- economic problems
- guilt about an issue
- alcohol overdose
- spatio-temporal difficulties in sexual intercourse (restriction of space or time)
The most common organic causes of erectile dysfunction
- cardiovascular diseases
- injuries to genitals
- high blood pressure levels
- high levels of bad cholesterol
- high levels of triglycerides
- diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- depression
- hormonal disorders
- neurological diseases
- obesity
- prostate cancer
Furthermore, many times certain medications lead to sexual dysfunction problems (related either to erection problems or to a total lack of sexual desire).
Here are some:
- radiation therapy for cancer
- chemotherapy
- antidepressants
- hormonal treatment
- antipsychotics
- antihistamines
- diuretics
- antihypertensives
Finally, the use / abuse of tobacco, alcohol, drugs or even surgery in the affected area of the genitals, but also in the pelvis, intestine, bladder or even the prostate, may cause erectile dysfunction.
Could dietary supplements cause side effects?
Even in the case of using natural remedies to fight erectile dysfunction (such as these 5 Active Nutritional Supplements & OTC Pills for Erectile Dysfunction mentioned above) there is the possibility of allergic reactions, interaction (with another substance) or side effects with some of the active substances contained. For example, a high dose Asian Ginseng (ingredient found in VigRX Plus supplement) or prolonged use (for more than 6 months) may cause nervousness, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, mood swings, loss of appetite or sleep disorders.
However, this ingredient found in the VigRX Plus supplement is in a ratio not causing side effects (except mild side effects and this only to people with sensitivity).
For more information visit https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1000/panax-ginseng
Another case is that of the herb Horny Goat Weed.
Cases of reacting to this herb reported showing heart problems (changes in heart rate, tachycardia or irregular heartbeat).
These complications, however, usually involved specific commercial products (multi-ingredient supplements) such as Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals Enzyte.
The side effects attributed to this particular herb are not officially confirmed.
The Enzyte product related to the case of liver toxicity developed by a man following its use after using it. More information at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-699/horny-goat-weed.
Note that following the Recommended Daily Dosage suggested by the manufacturer of Viasil (the natural nutritional supplement containing the herb Horny Goat Weed) poses absolutely no risk to the user.
In general - whatever dietary supplement mentioned, requires the attention to the instructions for use. The active ingredients of each supplement are likely to interact with other medicines administered, causing health complications and dangerous side effects.
Therefore, in case you are under medicines, or you suffer from a disease or even have an inheritance / predisposition for a disease, it is good to inform your doctor before taking a dietary supplement (harmless for most, but could turn fatal in certain cases).
Diagnostic tests for treating the erectile dysfunction
In most cases, the causes are psychosomatic, caused by intense stress.
A simple history informing the physician may help on the diagnosis of the problem and suggestion of the treatment.
In more specific cases, however - and when the causes are not obvious - the doctor, trying to distinguish organic or psychological reasons leading to the malfunction, may suggest tests such as:
- general blood test
- triplex in the vessels of the penis
- recording of night (involuntary) erections with a special machine
- psychological examination by a specialist (psychologist or psychiatrist)
Could a doctor diagnose whether the causes are psychological or organic?
Yes. Using the special device to record the person's involuntary nocturnal erections could investigate the specific problem. If the involuntary erections are correct (every healthy man has about 2 to 6 strong & hard erections per 8 hours of sleep at night), not showing a problem, then it is absolutely certain that the person does not perform in sexual intercourse with his partner due to psychological factors.
The device used to record erections is called Rigiscan ™ and is usually applied for 3 nights to record the nocturnal function of penis.
In case the recording does not give satisfactory results then the doctor usually suggests a triplex of penile vessels.
Prescription Drugs available for treating erectile dysfunction
The medicines found today (in 2021) in the market for fighting erectile dysfunction are:
Avanafil: PDE5 inhibitor | Stendra & Spedra
Sildenafil: selective PDE5 inhibitor | Viagra
Tadalafil: selective & reversible PDE5 inhibitions | Cialis
And Vardenafil: selective PDE5 inhibitor | Levitra, Staxyn & Vivanza
Most cases of erectile dysfunction are not serious, not requiring prescription medication or special treatment. The effective nutritional supplements against erectile dysfunction that you will now find on the market (legal & non-prescription) are able to solve any problem with 100% success.
Treatment methods for erectile dysfunction (other than oral medications and supplements) available today
- use of shock waves [8]
- treatment with a special vacuum pump device applied to penis
- treatment with intravenous injections to penis
- hormone therapy
- surgical intervention (penile prosthesis)
