We found 5 over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction. We dive into each one to determine whether they work and how to use them.
An overview of OTC Viagra alternatives includes:
Deroepisterone (DHEA)
L-arginine
Ginseng
Yohimbe
Propionyl-L-carnitine
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of individuals worldwide. In the United States30 million men have ED. Men over the age of 75 are more likely to experience it, although men can also suffer from.
ED primarily treated through lifestyle changes and medications. In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra, the first medication to treat ED. Viagra functions by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis to enhance blood flow.
then, the FDA has approved other medications to treat, but they are available only by prescription.
Is there an over-the-counter ED pill similar to Viagra? The short answer is no. However, there are alternatives to prescription ED medications.
To obtain Viagra in the United, Canada, and most other, a prescription is required. Viagra is also available in its generic form, sildenafil, which also necessitates a prescription.
Many medical clinics now offer health services that you to request a prescription online without visiting doctor in person.
Numerous online companies claim to sell Viagra without a prescription, but this is illegal, and many of sites are actually selling counterfeit Viagra. The manufacturers of counterfeit pills likely have very little oversight and may be dishonest about the contents of the pills.
A 2021 review of 131 studies found that some counterfeit versions contained dangerously high levels of sildenafil that far exceeded a typical prescription dosage.
In 2017 the United Kingdom made Viagra available over the counter to increase for people with ED who may be reluctant to visit a doctor.
While you may not be able to get Viagra or other medications or phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors over the counter, there are other you find and try for ED Check them out below.
Learn more about how to get Viagra.
Five over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra and their effectiveness
Before deciding to try an over-the-counter (OTC) ED treatment, consult a healthcare professional about your personal goals and any other medications you may be taking. This is especially important if you:
– Have any health conditions or concerns
– Are undergoing treatment for a health issue
– Are taking medications or supplements, especially related to health
The following five OTC supplements may able to improve ED.
Dehydroepiandroone (DHEA)
According to the landmark Massachusetts Male Aging Study from 1994, low levels of DHEA are associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).
A 2018 research review indicated that DHEA levels with. The authors noted this correlates with the decline of various physiological functions, including erectile function. However, they concluded that it is unclear whether supplementing with DHEA could help prevent or treat age-related disorders.
Similarly, a 2020 review noted conflicting research on whether DHEA was beneficial for sexual function.
If you decide to try DHEA, be wary of products that claim to contain “natural” DHEA. The human body cannot naturally DHEA by consuming sources that contain it. Any claim that a product can provide your body with “natural” DHEA is false.
Learn more about DHEA.
Pros of DHEA supplements
DHEA levels decline with age, and supplements may help increase these levels.
Some research suggests that DHEA may improve ED symptomsCons of DHEA supplements
Other research suggests thatHEA is not effective for EDBecause DHEA affects hormones, it could cause an array of side effects.
HEA interact with certain medications.
L-arginine, an amino acid may help treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by improving blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause mild cramping and nausea.
The body converts L-arginine into nitric oxide, a molecule that acts as a neurotransmitter and causes the blood vessels in the penis to relax, making it easier to achieve an erection.
Experts still do not know how effective L-ine supplementation for ED However, limited research suggests that it may play a role in combination with other ED drugs, such as:
Cialis: A small study of 120 people from 2020 found that pairing tadalafil (Cialis) and L-arginine could significantly increase sexual health and testosterone levels in males over 60 years old, compared with either substance alone. Cialis is available only by prescription in the United States.
Viagra: Another 2020 study found that combining L-arginine and sildenafil (Viagra) worked better for treating ED than sildenafil alone.
Yohimbine: The authors of a 2021 review concluded that yohimbine improved erectile function when combined with certain other supplements. However, they also noted that yohimbine was not effective when taken alone.
French maritime pine bark extract: A 2019 review found that L-arginine paired with pine bark extract was more effective than L-arginine alone.
A 2022 study found that L-arginine could be used successfully as part of hormone level testing. L-arginine could also help treat metabolic alkalosis in children.
More research and larger studies need to be conducted before the FDA can approve L-arginine as an ED treatment. According to the 2019 review mentioned above, current studies are few and have very small sample sizes.
Pros of L-arginine
Since L-arginine improve blood flow, it help cases ED a cause.
Cons of L-arginine supplements
L-arginine cause effects such as cramping, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
It may interact with certain medications.
Research on L-arginine for ED is limited.
Ginseng
Alternative medicine advocates have long celebrated ginseng as a powerful aphrodisiac, meaning it is thought to boost desire and sex drive.
Of particular interest is Korean red ginseng, which is also known as Chinese ginseng ginseng. Some older research suggests that it may treat ED symptoms, but more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Animal research
In an animal study conducted on rabbits and rats, a type of ginseng known as tissue-cultured mountain ginseng 100 was found to help relax penile smooth muscle, leading to improved erectile function. Blood testosterone levels also increased.
Human research
In a 2012 study, researchers divided 119 men with mild moderate ED (and no serious coexisting conditions such as endocrine system disease) into two groups.
One group received a placebo. The group received four ginseng pills per day, with each pill containing 350igrams of Korean ginseng berry extract.
The researchers found taking the Korean ginseng berry extract pills for 4–8 weeks led to improvements in:
erectile function
intercourse satisfaction
orgasmic function
sexual desire
overall satisfaction
However, the men who took the placebo also saw their symptoms improve at similar rates.
A small 2021 study involving 52 people found that a combination of ginseng and vitamin E may help improve ED, especially when compared with a placebo. There were no safety issues or negative effects noted after six weeks.
However, the authors of a 2022 of nine studies comparing ginseng with a placebo concluded that ginseng has a minimal effect on ED, though it may improve men’s self-reported ability to have intercourse.
Overall, ginseng may have a role in helping treat ED, but more research is needed to determine appropriate doses and side effects.
Pros of ginseng supplements
Some research suggests that ginseng may improve symptoms of ED.
Some research also notes that it may self-reported ability to have sex.
Cons of ginseng supplements
Ginseng can interfere with blood clotting. You should not take it if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin.
It may cause mild side effects such as trouble sleeping.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe is another supplement that helps treat ED by stimulating penile blood flow. It promotes the production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to achieving an erection. A 2013 review suggests that it can improve orgasmic function and ejaculation in men as well.
Yohimbe is also known by the name of its most active ingredient, yohimbine.
Yohimbe has been linked with several side effects, including:
high blood pressure
increased heart rate
dizziness
nausea
insomnia
anxiety
At very high doses, it can be fatal.
As a result, some medical experts are hesitant to recommend it. Proceed with caution and speak with a doctor before trying yohimbe.
Pros of yohimbe supplements
Some research suggests that yohimbe may be effective for symptoms of ED.
Cons of yohimbe supplements
Side effects of yohimbe can be serious. It may even fatal at very high doses.
Propionyl-L-carnitine
Propionyl-L-carnitine is a chemical that naturally occurs in the body and acts as an antioxidant. It is related to the amino acid derivative L-carnitine.
Because propionyl-L-carnitine is often used to address blood flow and other issues related to the circulatory system, it may have potential as an ED remedy.
Older research has shown that propionyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine also enhance the effects of sildenafil (Viagra). However, research is still very limited.
Pros of propionyl-L-carnitine supplements
A 2021 review of 44 studies suggests that these supplements may improve symptoms of ED when taken in combination with PDE5 inhibitors.
Cons of propionyl-L-carnitine supplements
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and pain in the stomach and chest. These supplements can cause a “fishy” odor in sweat, breath, and urine.
Are over-the-counter ED treatments safe? Warnings and risks
OTC medications for ED have sparked
Hidden Ingredients
Some OTC treatments for ED may be effective, but they may not be safe.
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as OTC or prescription medications. This means there is no evidence or very little evidence to support the manufacturers’ claims. While supplements may help some people, overall effectiveness and safety are generally untested.
Some dietary supplements sold contain that not listed on the label, and these ingredients could be dangerous for some people who take them.
The amount of each of these active ingredients that is present in a product may not be consistent, either.
Potentially Harm Side Effects
The unlisted ingredients may also cause harmful side effects in certain people.
Some herbs that are effective in treating ED in animals may not have been tested in humans and could cause unexpected side effects.
In addition, OTC treatments can have unsafe interactions with medications you may take for ED or for other conditions.
Importantly, taking an OTC drug that contains sildenafil at the same time as a drug that contains nitrates, such as one for heart disease, can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Traditional ED treatments such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), and tadalafil (Cialis) are often also used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
A 2013 review showed that combining ED treatments that contain these medications with nitrates or alpha-blockers can cause problems.