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Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a person’s ability to get or keep an erection. While many companies advertise “natural” male enhancement pills online, these are often more dangerous than prescription alternatives.
Male enhancement pills are over-the-counter (OTC) pills that claim to help people have and maintain an erection. Instead of prescription medications, these products use herbs with very little scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
Some common ingredients in OTC pills include ashwagandha, saw palmetto, and horny goat’s weed. Many manufacturers use proprietary blends, meaning they do not disclose the exact herbs or amount they use in the ingredients list.
While OTC male enhancement pills are available online and in some stores, people should avoid using them unless they have discussed this with a healthcare professional. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that these pills can often contain undisclosed sildenafil, the main ingredient in Viagra. Sildenafil can interact with prescription medication and supplements, causing unintentional and dangerous side effects.
A 2021 study found that some common ingredients, such as ginseng and tribulus terrestris, show promise and require more research.
However, there is little evidence that the other ingredients in the products are effective. One analysis states that there are limited human studies on the effects of supplements on ED.
Additionally, another 2021 study found that all of the OTC products the researchers examined contained undisclosed sildenafil. This ingredient can interact with other medications and cause side effects such as dangerously low blood pressure.
The researchers recommended that OTC products containing undisclosed sildenafil should be withdrawn from the market immediately due to health concerns.
The FDA does not regulate OTC male enhancement supplements.
The organization has tested many male enhancement products available to purchase online and found over 410 contained hidden prescription ingredients such as sildenafil.
Taking products that contain undisclosed ingredients may cause unintentional side effects and interact with other medications. Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors.
When a person takes a PDE5 inhibitor alongside nitrates, such as nitroglycerine, it can cause dangerously low blood pressure. Some eye conditions, such as ischemic optic neuropathy, can worsen when taking sildenafil.
FDA-approved prescription medication is available for ED.
Sildenafil received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1998. Since then, more PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil (Cialis), have also received FDA approval.
PDE5 inhibitors are common drugs that are widely used in managing ED.
When a person becomes aroused, their body releases enzymes that cause the smooth muscle in the blood vessels to relax. This allows blood to flow through these vessels and into the penis, causing an erection.
When these enzymes degrade, they cause blood flow to decrease. PDE5 inhibitors block the degradation of these enzymes, enabling increased blood flow and an erection.
A person does need to experience arousal for the drugs to produce the desired effect.
Learn more about buying ED pills online safely here.
Pills that contain sildenafil citrate are generally safe to use. However, some side effects may occur, including:
A person should avoid taking ED pills while taking certain medications. These include:
Medical News Today chooses ED products that meet the following criteria:
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.
Roman, formally known as GetRoman, is a US healthcare technology company offering several products dedicated to male health. Its products all carry approval from the FDA.
To order online with Roman, a person must go through an online assessment with a healthcare professional. The company’s physicians will prescribe medication if they decide it is safe and appropriate.
When a person orders from the Roman Pharmacy Network, the company provides free shipping in discreet packaging. Roman can also ship to local pharmacies for a small added fee.
The manufacturer offers male enhancement pills such as:
The manufacturer recommends that a person take these medications without food around 30–60 minutes before sex. The effects can last up to 8 hours.
In addition, Roman offers both the generic and branded versions of tadalafil (Cialis).
Learn more about Roman here.
Hims & Hers Health is a US telehealth company providing online access to prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as sildenafil pills for ED.
The medications come in varying doses, depending on a person’s specific requirements.
The manufacturer recommends taking sildenafil 30–60 minutes before sex. The following versions of the pill are available:
In addition, a person can also purchase the following medications from Hims:
A qualified medical professional will assess a person’s specific requirements online and answer any questions they may have.
Once the assessment is complete, the healthcare professional will prescribe the ED treatment that best suits the person’s needs. Hims then delivers these products directly and discreetly to the person’s door.
Learn more about Hims here.
Lemonaid is a telehealth medication service based in the United States. It offers a range of ED pills that vary in price and type. It offers the following sildenafil versions:
In addition, a person can purchase branded and generic Cialis (tadalafil) from Lemonaid.
A person can buy medication through Lemonaid only after completing an online assessment with a doctor or nurse.
Once a person has completed the medical review, the medical professional will prescribe them a suitable ED treatment. Lemonaid then sends the prescription to a partnered mail-order pharmacy for free delivery.
Learn more about Lemonaid here.
GET STARTED WITH REX MD
REX MD is an online supplier of ED treatments in the United States. It provides a variety of ED pills from several different manufacturers. The available doses are:
In addition, a person can buy Cialis from this service.
REX MD offers a consultation service that involves an evaluation from a healthcare professional. The doctor then makes a recommendation based on the person’s specific needs. The assessment generally takes place online.
If the physician writes a prescription, REX MD’s pharmacy partner will ship the pills straight to the person’s door. The company offers free 2-day delivery as part of its service.
Learn more about REX MD here.
GET STARTED WITH BLINK HEALTH
Blink Health is another online pharmacy service that can help people get the medication they need online.
A person can pick up their prescription at their local pharmacy or receive it by mail.
They can order generic sildenafil from Blink Health, which is available in 25, 50, and 100 mg doses at a starting cost of around $10. The fee applies when a person gets their prescription from a Blink Health clinician. With an outside clinician, the starting cost is $23.95, which includes the medication and free shipping.
Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (generic Levitra) are also available for purchase should a doctor recommend them over other prescription drugs.
SHOP NOW AT OPTUM STORE
Optum Perks is a healthcare company that works with drug companies to provide consumers access to discounts on prescription medication. Pharmacies across the U.S. accept coupons and discounts from Optum Perks.
Through Optum Perks, a person can get discounts on six different types of medication for erectile dysfunction:
Prices on 10 tablets of 25 mg sildenafil, generic Viagra, through Optum Perks are as follows through these pharmacies:
Prices on 30 tablets of 5 mg tadalafil, generic Cialis, through Optum Perks are as follows through these pharmacies:
All these medications require prescriptions. The company does not have a telehealth option, so a person must obtain a prescription from their physician before using Optum Perks. Then a person looks for their medication on the Optum Perks website, finds a nearby pharmacy that works with Optum Perks, and presents their discount coupons when they purchase the medications.
A person does not need to become a member or pay a fee to use Optum Perks. This service appears to work only with in-person purchases.
Learn more about Optum Perks here.
Below, we compare the ED medication providers described in this article.
Below are some of the most common questions about male enhancement pills:
No research has confirmed that male enhancement pills improve sexual performance or increase penis size. However, some prescription products, such as Viagra, may help treat ED.
No research has confirmed that male enhancement pills improve sexual performance or increase penis size. However, some prescription products, such as Viagra, may help treat ED.
Viagra (sildenafil) works for around 4 hours, whereas Cialis (tadalafil) can work for up to 36 hours.
Nonprescription medication, such as delaying wipes, contain de-sensitizing ingredients that help keep people harder for longer.
Viagra (sildenafil) works for around 4 hours, whereas Cialis (tadalafil) can work for up to 36 hours.
Nonprescription medication, such as delaying wipes, contain de-sensitizing ingredients that help keep people harder for longer.
The best medicines to help improve sexual performance are ones that doctors prescribe or pharmacies provide and contain ingredients that the FDA has approved.
Examples include PDE5 inhibitors. These prescription drugs include sildenafil, Viagra, Cialis, and tadalafil, and can help people maintain an erection for longer.
The best medicines to help improve sexual performance are ones that doctors prescribe or pharmacies provide and contain ingredients that the FDA has approved.
Examples include PDE5 inhibitors. These prescription drugs include sildenafil, Viagra, Cialis, and tadalafil, and can help people maintain an erection for longer.
No, Rhino pills are not safe to use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that these pills contain undeclared and hidden prescription medication, including PDE5 inhibitors.
The FDA states people have been hospitalized and had to have surgery after using these pills due to side effects such as prolonged erections and extreme drops in blood pressure.
No, Rhino pills are not safe to use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that these pills contain undeclared and hidden prescription medication, including PDE5 inhibitors.
The FDA states people have been hospitalized and had to have surgery after using these pills due to side effects such as prolonged erections and extreme drops in blood pressure.
Male enhancement pills are OTC pills that people can purchase online and in-store. However, there is little evidence that these products can help ED. Rather, they can be dangerous as they often contain undisclosed prescription medication that can interact with other drugs.
FDA-approved ED treatment is a safer way to have and maintain an erection. These treatments are only available via a prescription from a healthcare professional. Several telehealth companies make accessing ED treatment safe, quick, and affordable.
Last medically reviewed on December 6, 2023
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