Viagra Alternatives

In 2002, the BMJ reported clinical trials in which 45 men benefitted from ‘more successful erections, more sexual desire and lower stress levels.' So even if you don’t get your oats, you’ll be pretty chilled out about it.

7. Rhodiola Rosea

A word of warning from Dobbyn: 'I’ve had complaints from single men taking this, saying they couldn’t sleep for feeling so aroused.' Not one to be taken before speed-dating, then. The Science: 'This powerful amino-acid causes a dramatic spike in levels of the pleasure-enhancing chemical dopamine, with a knock-on aphrodisiac effect that promotes erections,' says Dobbyn. Careful though: it also raises your metabolism and blood pressure. Speak to your GP before taking it, or you might go red in the face for all the wrong reasons. The Science: This purest form of the Asian root increases strength and energy by boosting the nervous system, according to Goddard. The Science: Rhodiola Rosea is a medicinal plant known as an 'adaptogen' — a herbal pharmaceutical that helps to regulate the stress response.

It is said to act on the dopamine system in the brain, which kick-starts those essential sexy vibes. Studies have shown that Rhodiola Rosea also reduces stress and fatigue, two of the biggest obstacles when it comes to erection strength. The Science: A spice found hiding in most kitchen cupboards, Saffron has potential aphrodisiac properties that could benefit those on antidepressants. A study by Tehran University of Medical Sciences found that when men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction took 30mg of saffron daily for four weeks, their symptoms significantly improved.

Best for Chewable ED Medication Options: BlueChew

The Science: Working along the same lines as Viagra, this amino acid increases the body’s production of nitric acid, which is proven to help maintain erections, according to the journal Neurology. 'It relaxes and widens blood vessels,' says Jayney Goddard, president of the Complimentary Medicine Association, 'which means your penis gets a better, more consistent supply of blood.' The Science: 'According to Chinese folklore, this was discovered by a goatherd who noticed his flock became sexually aroused after eating it,' says Goddard. Research carried out by University of Michigan neurologists found that it contains a compound called Icariin, which stimulates nerves and boosts testosterone levels. The Science: Swap ‘Colombian marching powder’ for some of this ‘Peruvian Viagra’ for real endurance. According to the journal Urology, the root extract contains macamides and macaenes — unique photochemicals which restore hormone levels and boost energy in both sexes.

Hidden ingredients

'For men, it’s one of the most potent aphrodisiacs available — it not only helps maintain erections but also increases seminal volume, sperm count and sperm motility,' says Sarah Dobbyn, author of The Fertility Diet. So you could well be seeing the fruits of your labour soon, too. The Science: A double whammy: this mushroom extract boosts testosterone and blood flow, giving it instant sex appeal. The aptly-named sugar ‘fucose’ — also found in human breast milk. 'It’s a natural sugar which plays an anti-ageing role in the body, facilitating cell communication and increasing blood flow to the sexual organs,' says Dr John Briffa of University College London’s Medical School. The Science: The go-to supplement for nursing mothers hoping to increase milk supply, some men take Fenugreek to boost testosterone too.

While the herb has numerous anecdotal health benefits, scientific research regarding sexual function is limited, so proceed with caution.

But according to one small study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, taking 600mg of fenugreek extract daily can boost sexual function in men, so potentially worth a shot!

4. Lifestyle changes

Read 5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. For the people who didn't hear us the first few (hundred) times: struggling to maintain an erection is perfectly normal.

How long do ED medications take to work?

A recent survey claims 58% of men have experienced erectile dysfunction (ED) at least once, while a quarter say it affects more than half of their sexual encounters. So when the little blue pill, better known as Viagra, burst onto the scene in 1998, it became an instant hit. In fact, it still holds the title for the fastest selling drug in history. But like any other medication, it isn't guaranteed to work, and there is the risk of side-effects like headaches, dizziness and stomach pain. So, unsurprisingly, there's been a boom in searches for natural alternatives to sildenafil, the drug that actually does all the hard work. If you're a tad nervous about the natural side of things, there are some other routes to a stronger, longer-lasting erection.

Who Should Not Take These?

Let's be clear though — there is no science confirming whether these supplements have a positive effect on your member. ‘The supplements to treat erectile dysfunction do not appear in any medical guidelines,’ warns Doctor Mafe Peraza Godoy, Co-Founder and Head of Sexual Medicine at Healthy Pleasure Group. ‘However, there are some studies that show certain botanical products and other amino acid-type supplements are approved to treat ED.' To save you a session of incessant googling, the MH team have collated a list of the best natural viagra currently on the shelves, and the science behind each. So read on for all the necessary info — and a round up of which rose to the occasion. Here are the best sex supplements at a glance — keep scrolling for the full list.

Oral medications

It’s worth getting to grips with what’s really going on down there. ‘Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty of getting or maintaining an erection for long enough to have penetrative sex,’ says Dr Mafe. 'It is only labelled ED when it has occurred for at least three months and happens at least half of the time a man tries to get an erection.' It's not uncommon for ED to coincide with a loss of libido. However, depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times. ‘It can happen from a variety of biological, medical and psychological reasons, from alterations of the blood flow due to heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight or habits such as alcohol use,' says Dr Mafe. Supposedly Chinese farmers came up with the first cock ring back in the 1600s, using goat eyelids to restrict blood flowing back down the penis, resulting in a stronger erection.

8. Viagra can cause side effects

To have sex more than once a day, Cialis is your best bet. The most common side effects of ED drugs, in order of most to least common are headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, vision problems, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash. A man who has an erection that lasts four hours or more needs to get to a hospital or risk permanent damage. None of the ED drugs is safe to take with cardiac drugs called nitrates because it could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Drugs that many men take for urinary symptoms, called alpha blockers, can also lower blood pressure, so take them at least four hours apart from ED drugs.

Penis pumps

Your doctor may start you on a smaller dose of the ED drug if you already take an alpha blocker or may recommend the alpha blocker tamsulosin (Flomax), which affects blood pressure less. ED is often an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, such as clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). "It can predate a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease by at least a few years," Dr. Liou says. We don't have strong proof yet that starting to live a healthier lifestyle can reverse erectile problems, but it can't hurt. Now, following the sex (viva la) revolution, these rings of fire often come fitted with mini-but-mighty motors, nubs and rabbit ears to provide added clitoral stimulation during penetrative play.

• Topical PDE5 inhibitors provide local erection support.
• Herbal teas like kava kava may have mild aphrodisiac effects.
• Maca root is claimed to increase sexual desire naturally.
• Saw palmetto may support prostate health, indirectly aiding ED.
• Gingko biloba enhances blood flow, possibly improving erections.
• L-arginine combined with pine bark extract shows promise.
• Butea superba, a Thai herb, is traditionally used for ED.
• Horny goat weed (Epimedium) increases sexual desire effects.
• DHEA supplements might help age-related libido decline.
• Coenzyme Q10 supports mitochondrial function, potentially enhancing stamina.
• Vitamin D deficiency may impair libido; supplements might help.
• Herbal blends with multiple plants aim to support male vitality.

A dual-action treat you'll keep circling back to.

• Catuaba bark is used in Brazil as a natural stimulant.
• Muira puama is thought to improve erectile function.
• Ashwagandha may reduce stress, improving sexual performance.
• Korean red ginseng is believed to increase stamina and libido.
• Sarsaparilla root has traditional use as an aphrodisiac.
• Damiana herb is used for sexual health and energy.
• Tribulus terrestris claims to boost testosterone levels.
• Saffron may improve mood and sexual satisfaction.
• Cordyceps mushrooms are believed to enhance energy and libido.
• Yohimbe supplements are sometimes used for ED support.
• Fenugreek seeds may support healthy testosterone.
• Ginkgo biloba can be taken for circulation improvement.

Penis pumps are essentially a vacuum for your member that could help strengthen your erections by encouraging blood flow and an expansion of your erectile tissue.

Simply slide your shaft inside the plastic tube (after lathering it in lube) and pump away. Then use a cock ring to maintain the effects during solo or accompanied play.

• Proper sleep is essential for maintaining healthy testosterone.
• Regular exercise boosts energy and improves erectile function.
• Maintaining a healthy weight supports sexual health.
• Stress management reduces performance anxiety.
• Quitting smoking improves blood flow.
• Limiting alcohol intake prevents sexual dysfunction.
• Staying hydrated keeps blood circulation optimal.
• Balanced diet rich in vitamins promotes libido.
• Mindfulness practices can reduce performance anxiety.
• Pelvic floor exercises strengthen erectile muscles.
• Vitamin B complex enhances energy levels.
• Consistent communication with partner improves intimacy.

Another for men wanting a natural solution, erection creams claim to harden and boost feelings of arousal.

Your Voice Matters

'In the end, anything that carries a risk factor that compromises the functionality of the blood vessels can be a cause of ED.' It can also have a psychological origin, so Dr Mafe advises that any long-term ED treatment should be accompanied by psychological and emotional support. ‘Erectile kamagra oral jelly canada dysfunction rarely comes without an anxiety or stress-related component that either causes or accompanies it,’ she says. ‘There is no case of ED that is purely biological, there is always a reactive psycho-emotional component that can either cause or maintain the dysfunction over time.’ Natural Viagra is the term used to describe any naturally derived product that claims to treat male sexual function problems. You can also buy the real thing in the form of Viagra Connect from your local pharmacy. Anecdotally, certain herbal supplements have shown to be successful for some men, but it pays to do your research before you start popping pills.

How Effective Are Herbal Remedies & Supplement Alternatives to Viagra?

If you occasionally struggle to maintain an erection then a supplement might do the trick. But if you experience persistent erection struggles, your first port of call should be your GP. ‘It’s also undeniable that the placebo effect explains much of the success of these supplements,' continued Dr Mafe. 'But you should always take precautions and seek specialist supervision.’ Now you know the official line, here are some Viagra alternatives that might serve to improve and strengthen your erections. But, as mentioned, if you have serious concerns then you should seek professional medical advice.