In many cases, the companies creating these formulations use ingredient doses that are well below what clinical research suggests could be effective. And very little of that research has been repeated in enough studies to reach statistical or clinical significance. The general idea behind male enhancement formulas is that combining multiple ingredients can increase the odds of success by working on slightly different potential problems (i.e., hypogonadism, performance anxiety, and circulation issues).

GAINSWave® Shockwave Therapy: One of Today’s Most Advanced ED Treatments

It can act as a modest phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor — the same essential function as Viagra and Cialis.7 However, most studies look into icariin, a component extracted from epimedium, at doses around 1,000mg.8 Epimedium in male enhancement pills contains about 10% icariin, so a 1,000mg dose of epimedium leaf extract is only worth one-tenth of the amount that succeeds in studies. Many studies link zinc with testosterone levels.10 Since men lose testosterone production as they age, supplementing with zinc and other testosterone-boosting ingredients can improve various sexual functions. Evidence supporting muira puama’s role in sexual health is severely limited, and most of the studies looking into its potential in humans involve multi-ingredient supplements.13 At this time, we can’t say that this ingredient should sway your decision one way or another. This is one of the most reliable testosterone-boosting ingredients you’ll find in men’s supplements.2 It isn’t in many male enhancement pills, but you should take note when it is. Ashwagandha has apparent effects on testosterone production, but it’s also remarkably good at regulating stress and anxiety.

4 Commonly Used ED Medications

So, if your performance issues have you feeling tense, this could play two essential roles in fixing the problem.17 Claims around MSM’s ability to grow your penis or cure erectile dysfunction are significantly overblown. There is little clinical evidence to support them, though there is some oblique evidence linking sulfur (which you can derive from MSM) to the relaxation of the corpus cavernosum.18 Some companies include a black pepper extract, sometimes labeled as piperine or under the brand name Bioperine. Studies show it can increase your body’s ability to take in more nutrients from a given supplement.19 It doesn’t have direct benefits to male sexual health, but it may increase the degree to which a given pill works. As you can see, several ingredients in male enhancement pills are there to address low testosterone directly, like zinc and ashwagandha. Some testosterone boosters are built around ingredients like this, while other male enhancement pills include them to create a more comprehensive approach to sexual health than just directing blood to the penis.

Follow a healthy eating plan

If you have any reason to believe that your problems in the bedroom are related to low T, we recommend taking a testosterone test. Fortunately, there are inexpensive and accurate at-home tests available from a number of reputable companies. You can find the right blue pillmen test to fit your needs by visiting our guide to the best at-home testosterone tests. We’ve done our best to bring you a collection that meets a high bar for safety with minimal adverse effects. But not all male enhancement pills are safe, and there are ingredients in even some of the safest options that could pose a danger to you. Leading Edge Health — the parent company behind VigRX, Semenax, ExtenZe, and Volume Pills — has conducted small-scale double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for a few of its products, including Semenax and VigRX Plus.

Product Dosage Quantity + Bonus Price
Cialis Super Active20mg270 + 30 Pills661.49€ 629.99€
Cialis Soft Tabs20mg20 + 2 Pills66.98€ 63.79€
Viagra Generic25mg270 + 8 Pills184.26€ 175.49€
Cialis Black80mg60 + 4 Pills150.98€ 143.79€
Cialis Generic60mg10 Pills41.22€ 39.26€
Tadalista Super Active20mg20 + 4 Pills92.35€ 87.95€
Viagra Generic150mg20 Pills55.02€ 52.40€
Cialis Generic2.5mg180 + 10 Pills154.86€ 147.49€
Cialis Generic10mg360 + 10 Pills388.49€ 369.99€
Kamagra100mg12 Pills55.64€ 52.99€
Viagra Generic100mg360 + 10 Pills330.21€ 314.49€
Viagra Soft Tabs100mg10 Pills36.93€ 35.17€
Cialis Black80mg20 Pills71.83€ 68.41€

These illustrate successes in participant groups smaller than 100 men. This is certainly hopeful, though not enough to be considered definitive. Insider Tip: If you can afford the expense at the outset, buy at least a three-month supply rather than just one month, regardless of brand. This makes sense for a few reasons.

Product Name Onset Time Duration Special Features Price Range
Viagra 30-60 min 4-6 hours Widely available $30-$50
Stendra (Avanafil) 15 min Up to 6 hours Fastest-acting prescription $40-$75
TadaXX 20 min 4-6 hours Herbal blend $20-$50

First, you’ll likely need longer than one month to discover whether male enhancement pills work for you.

Oral ED Medications (Viagra and Cialis)

These are relatively mid-range prices among male enhancement pills, with products like Max Performer and Male Extra offering deeper savings with their 12-month supplies. But it’s worth remembering that those two companies offer 100-day guarantees to Performer 8’s lifetime promise, and neither of them contains ashwagandha. Shipping from Performer 8 is free and discreet, and it takes about a week. Credit card statements will show “P8” for the purchase, making it difficult for anyone to figure out what you ordered. Potent pomegranate extract may improve erectile performance Up to a 12-month supply available at a deep discount L-Arginine may be dangerous for men with blood pressure issues Two of Male Extra’s most important ingredients are zinc and vitamin B3, also known as niacin.

5 Best Treatments for ED

Niacin has a litany of health benefits, many of which begin with its ability to provide cellular energy.42 Male Extra also recently upped its zinc dose, taking it from 14mg to 45mg of zinc citrate and increasing the likelihood that the supplement can help men with low testosterone or a zinc deficiency.43 One unusual ingredient in Male Extra is methyl sulfonyl methane. Simply put, this provides the body with sulfur, which some research shows can positively influence sexual performance.23 It’s generally recognized as safe by the FDA and appears to have minimal side effects.44 However, you don’t see it in too many other male enhancement pills, and Male Extra is the only product in our guide to employ it. Whether that speaks to its efficacy, safety, or cost in production is unclear, but it’s an interesting point to note. You’ll also find pomegranate extract in Male Extra, which has improved erectile performance among men in at least one small study.45 And no other pill on this list includes it. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in Male Extra: The most disappointing dose in the bunch is likely the 25mg of cordyceps.

Quit smoking

There aren’t a lot of relevant studies looking at the mushroom’s potential to treat male sexual dysfunction, but there are several available animal studies. In one rodent study, doses ranged from 100mg/kg of body weight to 1,000mg/kg. In a 220lb male, that’s the equivalent dose range of 10-100g, much larger than Male Extra’s 25mg. But even if you disregard animal studies and only look at the competition, you’ll find a 1,000mg cordyceps dose in Max Performer, which greatly eclipses Male Extra’s offering. Second, you’ll get more product for your money if you discover that the product does work for you. And third (and most importantly), all of our top picks have at least a 67-day money-back guarantee protecting you. The bigger bulk packages are harder for lots of people to afford out of the gate, but two-month or -three-month packages are often within reach and bring greater value.

Start your treatment journey

Prescription ED medications (PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra, specifically) can lower blood pressure.20 This is why any prescriber needs a recent blood pressure reading and knowledge of your cardiovascular health history before prescribing them. Supplemental male enhancement pills often employ ingredients that aim to act in similar ways. That makes them potentially dangerous for men with low blood pressure or men taking medication that affects their blood pressure. Other ingredients in supplements may have unexpected consequences for certain men. For example, ashwagandha has been linked to increased thyroid hormone production, which could lead to hyperthyroidism in some.21 Some ingredients bring the possibility of mild adverse reactions, but they’re worth knowing.

Your questions answered

Epimedium leaf: irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure Take a close look at the ingredients in the pills you have your eye on, and talk to your doctor before starting it to make sure there are no unexpected risks to your health or potential contraindications with any of your current medications. Insider Tip: There are many counterfeit male enhancement supplements on the market that use packaging nearly identical to the real thing. In one test run, the FDA found “undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients” in 100% of the products it purchased through Amazon and 86% of the products it purchased through eBay. Be sure to buy your enhancement pills directly from the supplier. Sellers on Amazon and other platforms may provide you with dangerous goods.16 51 Best overall and best for low testosterone High doses of its most promising ingredients Does not include zinc to help boost testosterone Claim of “zero known side effects” is disingenuous Performer 8 uses some of the more thoroughly researched ingredients to address different potential causes of ED or other sexual performance issues.

3. Urethral suppository

It’s the only supplement in our guide containing ashwagandha, an extract that studies show can increase testosterone levels and reduce anxiety. Specifically, Performer 8 uses KSM-66, a branded form of ashwagandha that’s a high-quality, standardized extract. That means you get the same potency in each dose, and Performer 8’s ashwagandha dosing is in line with the amounts used in clinical studies. Performer 8 also boasts one of the highest doses of ginseng of any pills that made our cut.22 Special Offer: 35% OFF a 1-Month Supply from Semenax Here’s a closer look at Performer 8’s ingredient list: You can purchase Performer 8 in 1-, 3-, and 5-month supplies for the following prices: The monthly cost at the highest bulk tier is $39. One- and 3-month supplies also come with free e-books covering nutritional approaches to improving sexual performance and exercises you can do to improve your stamina in the bedroom. Here’s a look at some key ingredients you’ll find in many male enhancement pills: This amino acid is a popular ingredient in male enhancement pills to help men get and maintain firm erections. It enables the body to produce nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the penis.6 Studies indicate it may improve sexual function in men, but often with higher doses than seen in supplements, often between 2g and 5g daily. This ingredient is also called barrenwort or horny goat weed. It can act as a modest phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor — the same essential function as Viagra and Cialis.7 However, most studies look into icariin, a component extracted from epimedium, at doses around 1,000mg.8 Epimedium in male enhancement pills contains about 10% icariin, so a 1,000mg dose of epimedium leaf extract is only worth one-tenth of the amount that succeeds in studies.

  • Safety Measures: Avoid combining ED pills with alcohol or certain drugs.
  • Popularity Trends: Sildenafil remains the most common ED drug worldwide.
  • Market Growth: Increasing availability of natural and herbal ED supplements.
  • Consumer Reviews: Many find generic options effective and affordable.
  • Pharmaceutical Innovations: New formulations aim for fewer side effects.
  • Regulated Quality: Importance of purchasing from reputable sources.
  • Cost Considerations: Generic pills reduce treatment expenses.
  • Lifestyle Influence: Combining medication with lifestyle changes enhances results.
  • Medical Supervision: Monitoring vital for long-term management.
  • Cultural Acceptance: Growing societal openness to ED treatments.
  • Ongoing Research: New drugs and therapies continually under study.

Many studies link zinc with testosterone levels.10 Since men lose testosterone production as they age, supplementing with zinc and other testosterone-boosting ingredients can improve various sexual functions. Evidence supporting muira puama’s role in sexual health is severely limited, and most of the studies looking into its potential in humans involve multi-ingredient supplements.13 At this time, we can’t say that this ingredient should sway your decision one way or another. This is one of the most reliable testosterone-boosting ingredients you’ll find in men’s supplements.2 It isn’t in many male enhancement pills, but you should take note when it is.

About the Reviewer

In many cases, the companies creating these formulations use ingredient doses that are well below what clinical research suggests could be effective. And very little of that research has been repeated in enough studies to reach statistical or clinical significance. The general idea behind male enhancement formulas is that combining multiple ingredients can increase the odds of success by working on slightly different potential problems (i.e., hypogonadism, performance anxiety, and circulation issues). Leading Edge Health — the parent company behind VigRX, Semenax, ExtenZe, and Volume Pills — has conducted small-scale double-blind, placebo-controlled studies for a few of its products, including Semenax and VigRX Plus. These illustrate successes in participant groups smaller than 100 men.

How quickly do ED pills work?

This is certainly hopeful, though not enough to be considered definitive. Insider Tip: If you can afford the expense at the outset, buy at least a three-month supply rather than just one month, regardless of brand. This makes sense for a few reasons. First, you’ll likely need longer than one month to discover whether male enhancement pills work for you. Second, you’ll get more product for your money if you discover that the product does work for you.

The best place to get medications for ED

And third (and most importantly), all of our top picks have at least a 67-day money-back guarantee protecting you. The bigger bulk packages are harder for lots of people to afford out of the gate, but two-month or -three-month packages are often within reach and bring greater value. Here’s a look at some key ingredients you’ll find in many male enhancement pills: This amino acid is a popular ingredient in male enhancement pills to help men get and maintain firm erections. It enables the body to produce nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the penis.6 Studies indicate it may improve sexual function in men, but often with higher doses than seen in supplements, often between 2g and 5g daily. This ingredient is also called barrenwort or horny goat weed. Ashwagandha has apparent effects on testosterone production, but it’s also remarkably good at regulating stress and anxiety. So, if your performance issues have you feeling tense, this could play two essential roles in fixing the problem.17 Claims around MSM’s ability to grow your penis or cure erectile dysfunction are significantly overblown. There is little clinical evidence to support them, though there is some oblique evidence linking sulfur (which you can derive from MSM) to the relaxation of the corpus cavernosum.18 Some companies include a black pepper extract, sometimes labeled as piperine or under the brand name Bioperine. Studies show it can increase your body’s ability to take in more nutrients from a given supplement.19 It doesn’t have direct benefits to male sexual health, but it may increase the degree to which a given pill works. As you can see, several ingredients in male enhancement pills are there to address low testosterone directly, like zinc and ashwagandha. Some testosterone boosters are built around ingredients like this, while other male enhancement pills include them to create a more comprehensive approach to sexual health than just directing blood to the penis.

  • Future oral drugs may target different pathways beyond PDE5 inhibition.
  • Improved topical formulations aim for systemic absorption without side effects.
  • Advanced shockwave devices are being refined for better precision and outcomes.
  • Nanotechnology could enable targeted drug delivery to penile tissue.
  • Brain-computer interfaces are far-future possibilities for stimulating arousal centers.
  • Tissue engineering aims to create functional bioengineered erectile tissue.
  • Personalized medicine may use genetic profiling to predict best treatments.
  • Ongoing research into the role of inflammation and microvascular health in ED.

If you have any reason to believe that your problems in the bedroom are related to low T, we recommend taking a testosterone test. Fortunately, there are inexpensive and accurate at-home tests available from a number of reputable companies. You can find the right blue pillmen test to fit your needs by visiting our guide to the best at-home testosterone tests. We’ve done our best to bring you a collection that meets a high bar for safety with minimal adverse effects. But not all male enhancement pills are safe, and there are ingredients in even some of the safest options that could pose a danger to you. Prescription ED medications (PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra, specifically) can lower blood pressure.20 This is why any prescriber needs a recent blood pressure reading and knowledge of your cardiovascular health history before prescribing them. Supplemental male enhancement pills often employ ingredients that aim to act in similar ways.

Which ED drug should a man choose?

That makes them potentially dangerous for men with low blood pressure or men taking medication that affects their blood pressure.

Product Name Suitable Age Group Key Benefits Side Effects Price Range
MaleExtra 18-40 Increased libido, firmness Mild headache, flushing $50-$70
VigRX 18-40 Improved stamina, erection quality Digestive issues $60-$80
Toniiq Horny Goat Weed 18-40 Boosts energy and libido Minor dizziness $25-$45

Other ingredients in supplements may have unexpected consequences for certain men.

  • Natural doesn't always mean safe; herbal supplements can interact with medications.
  • FDA-approved prescription drugs have proven efficacy and safety profiles from clinical trials.
  • Over-the-counter "herbal Viagra" products are often adulterated with prescription drugs.
  • Supplements are not strictly regulated for purity, potency, or accuracy of labeling.
  • Placebo effect can account for perceived benefits from some alternative ED remedies.
  • Evidence-based medicine relies on large, randomized, controlled clinical trials.
  • Anecdotal reports and testimonials are not reliable substitutes for scientific evidence.
  • Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially with heart conditions.

For example, ashwagandha has been linked to increased thyroid hormone production, which could lead to hyperthyroidism in some.21 Some ingredients bring the possibility of mild adverse reactions, but they’re worth knowing. Epimedium leaf: irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure Take a close look at the ingredients in the pills you have your eye on, and talk to your doctor before starting it to make sure there are no unexpected risks to your health or potential contraindications with any of your current medications. Insider Tip: There are many counterfeit male enhancement supplements on the market that use packaging nearly identical to the real thing. In one test run, the FDA found “undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients” in 100% of the products it purchased through Amazon and 86% of the products it purchased through eBay. Be sure to buy your enhancement pills directly from the supplier. Sellers on Amazon and other platforms may provide you with dangerous goods.16 51 Best overall and best for low testosterone High doses of its most promising ingredients Does not include zinc to help boost testosterone Claim of “zero known side effects” is disingenuous Performer 8 uses some of the more thoroughly researched ingredients to address different potential causes of ED or other sexual performance issues. It’s the only supplement in our guide containing ashwagandha, an extract that studies show can increase testosterone levels and reduce anxiety. Specifically, Performer 8 uses KSM-66, a branded form of ashwagandha that’s a high-quality, standardized extract.

  • Vidalista Tadalafil 20mg: Extended-release medication, effective for both ED and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
  • Suhagra: Sildenafil-based generic pill, reliable for temporary erectile dysfunction.
  • Fildena: Versatile Sildenafil brand, available in different dosages for tailored treatment.
  • Fildena 100: Common dose for quick results, typically taken 30-60 minutes before intimacy.
  • Super P-Force: Combines Sildenafil and Dapoxetine to target ED and premature ejaculation.
  • Zenegra: Generic Sildenafil, offers affordability and fast action.
  • Silagra: Cost-effective Sildenafil option, trusted for consistent results.
  • Eron Plus: Combines ED medication with supplements to boost testosterone and vitality.
  • Penegra: Fast-acting Sildenafil tablet, effective within 30 minutes.
  • Erexil: Herbal and pharmaceutical ingredients combined for natural libido support.
  • Maxman: Herbal supplement that claims to improve erections naturally.

That means you get the same potency in each dose, and Performer 8’s ashwagandha dosing is in line with the amounts used in clinical studies. Performer 8 also boasts one of the highest doses of ginseng of any pills that made our cut.22 Special Offer: 35% OFF a 1-Month Supply from Semenax Here’s a closer look at Performer 8’s ingredient list: You can purchase Performer 8 in 1-, 3-, and 5-month supplies for the following prices: The monthly cost at the highest bulk tier is $39. One- and 3-month supplies also come with free e-books covering nutritional approaches to improving sexual performance and exercises you can do to improve your stamina in the bedroom.

Pill Type Main Action Common Drugs/Pills Effect Duration Notes
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors Increase blood flow by relaxing smooth muscles Viagra, Cialis, Levitra 4-6 hours Most prescribed class; require sexual stimulation
Herbal/Energy Boosters Improve blood circulation and libido VigRX Plus, Horny Goat Weed Varies (hours) Often mild effects; consider safety profile
Testosterone Boosters Increase testosterone levels Tribulus, Fenugreek Varies Not direct erection pills, but can enhance libido

These are relatively mid-range prices among male enhancement pills, with products like Max Performer and Male Extra offering deeper savings with their 12-month supplies. But it’s worth remembering that those two companies offer 100-day guarantees to Performer 8’s lifetime promise, and neither of them contains ashwagandha. Shipping from Performer 8 is free and discreet, and it takes about a week. Credit card statements will show “P8” for the purchase, making it difficult for anyone to figure out what you ordered. Potent pomegranate extract may improve erectile performance Up to a 12-month supply available at a deep discount L-Arginine may be dangerous for men with blood pressure issues Two of Male Extra’s most important ingredients are zinc and vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Niacin has a litany of health benefits, many of which begin with its ability to provide cellular energy.42 Male Extra also recently upped its zinc dose, taking it from 14mg to 45mg of zinc citrate and increasing the likelihood that the supplement can help men with low testosterone or a zinc deficiency.43 One unusual ingredient in Male Extra is methyl sulfonyl methane. Simply put, this provides the body with sulfur, which some research shows can positively influence sexual performance.23 It’s generally recognized as safe by the FDA and appears to have minimal side effects.44 However, you don’t see it in too many other male enhancement pills, and Male Extra is the only product in our guide to employ it. Whether that speaks to its efficacy, safety, or cost in production is unclear, but it’s an interesting point to note. You’ll also find pomegranate extract in Male Extra, which has improved erectile performance among men in at least one small study.45 And no other pill on this list includes it. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in Male Extra: The most disappointing dose in the bunch is likely the 25mg of cordyceps. There aren’t a lot of relevant studies looking at the mushroom’s potential to treat male sexual dysfunction, but there are several available animal studies. In one rodent study, doses ranged from 100mg/kg of body weight to 1,000mg/kg. In a 220lb male, that’s the equivalent dose range of 10-100g, much larger than Male Extra’s 25mg. But even if you disregard animal studies and only look at the competition, you’ll find a 1,000mg cordyceps dose in Max Performer, which greatly eclipses Male Extra’s offering.