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Sex Pills: Safe and Effective or Risky Business?

Medically reviewed by Mary Rani Cadiz, MD · Obstetrics and Gynecology


Written by Hazel Caingcoy · Updated Jul 02, 2022

    Sex Pills: Safe and Effective or Risky Business?

    Sex pills are a great way to boost your libido and heighten your sexual performance. But, before you take them, it’s important to understand the risks and where it is safe to get them. 

    Male Enhancement Supplements

    Male enhancement pills are classified as dietary supplements. Their goal is to enhance the duration of an erection by increasing the flow of blood to the penis. These kinds of sex pills also claim to boost performance, endurance, and arousal.

    The majority of male enhancement pills contain natural ingredients. These ingredients include plant extracts from ashwagandha, maca root, Yohimbe, and black ginger.

    Researchers found little scientific evidence to support claims that these products can boost libido, erectile dysfunction, or sexual performance.

    Moreover, they found that some of the allegedly “natural” products contained traces of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitor (PDE5Is).PDE5Is is a compound found in prescription drugs such as Viagra

    PDE5Is should not be used by patients who have advanced heart disease because they may cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. The products should also be avoided by men with severe liver disease or kidney disease.

    Prescription Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

    A prescription drug called Viagra (sildenafil) is used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Originally, sildenafil was developed for hypertension treatment. However, studies found that it wasn’t effective at lowering blood pressure, but one thing it did was to increase erections in men taking it.

    Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Viagra (sildenafil) are all part of a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. This enzyme breaks down the molecule cGMP in cells—the breaking down of cGMP results in the narrowing of blood vessels depriving tissues of blood. 

    In the penis, cGMP relaxes tissues during erections. This results in more blood being trapped in the penis than it would normally be when it is flaccid. When the trapped blood is released, the erection will subside, and the blood flow will return to normal.

    While they do the same thing, tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil differ slightly in their chemical make-up. Minor differences affect the way these medications work, including how quickly they wear off and their possible side effects. Your doctor will also consider other medical conditions you may have and other medications you may be taking when they prescribe you any of these sex pills.

    Sex Pills: Who Shouldn’t Use Them?

    Not everyone is legible to take sex pills due to health concerns. It’s best to seek a doctor’s advice before taking these sex enhancement drugs. People who shouldn’t be using sex pills include:

    • Patients who have had a heart attack
    • Patients who have had a stroke
    • Those who have had an abnormal heart rhythm during the past six months
    • Those who already take nitrate medication or alpha-blockers
    • People who suffer serious liver and kidney diseases
    • People with certain ocular disorders
    • Those with uncontrolled hypertension, high blood pressure, or significant hypotension
    • People with unstable heart disease who were advised not to engage in sexual activity

    Why You Should Not Buy Sex Pills From Illegitimate Sources

    Diagnoses and Treatments Are Necessary

    Chronic illnesses, mental factors, and poor lifestyle habits are among the causes of erectile dysfunction. Medical professionals can assist you in diagnosing the reason for any sexual problems and help you work through these problems.  

    Some medicines prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Uncontrolled and unsupervised usage of these sex pills may result in serious side effects.

    There is a Possibility That They Are Counterfeit

    Prescription sex enhancement drugs should only be purchased through legitimate pharmacists and doctors. Buying these products through shady sources can be dangerous. Because many of these sellers are not regulated, there is no telling if they are selling fakes. Other sellers will attempt to sell “duped” versions of these products. They might sell you products that are contaminated or do not contain the right ingredients. 

    Contains Undeclared Ingredients

    In addition, they are often contaminated with undeclared medicinal ingredients or toxic substances in varying amounts. These products might also include ingredients not listed on the package, which can be harmful, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.

    You Cannot Count on Them to Work

    In the case of illegal products, the claims made regarding their effects should be taken with caution since they lack scientific or clinical studies to back up their claims.

    Conclusion

    There are many sex pills available in the market today. Many of them are marketed as food supplements, and there are also sex pills that you can get from your doctors. Prescription sex enhancement drugs are relatively safe to use, provided that they are recommended by your doctor. Sex enhancement supplements, however, are not backed up by studies and research and do not guarantee that they work. 

    When using sex pills, make sure to seek a doctor’s advice. Avoid buying from illegitimate sources, as these pills might cause more harm than good. 

    Learn other Sex Tips here

    Disclaimer

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Medically reviewed by

    Mary Rani Cadiz, MD

    Obstetrics and Gynecology


    Written by Hazel Caingcoy · Updated Jul 02, 2022

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