Libido-Boosting Supplements For Males
However, many antidepressants can lower sex drive. For both men and women, relationship counseling or sex therapy is sometimes recommended and helpful. If you experience a low libido and natural remedies don’t seem to help, it’s important to see your doctor sooner than later to make sure you don’t have a more serious underlying physical or psychological issue. It’s also important to know the side effects of any and all medications you currently take to make sure they’re not causing your low libido.
- Viagra (sildenafil) enhances blood flow to improve erections and libido in men.
- Cialis (tadalafil) increases erectile strength and duration, boosting sex drive.
- Levitra (vardenafil) helps treat erectile dysfunction and may improve libido.
- Spedra (avanafil) quickly improves blood flow, supporting increased desire.
- Testosterone therapy boosts hormone levels, enhancing male sex drive.
- DHEA supplements may increase libido by raising androgen levels.
- Yohimbine is a natural supplement believed to improve erectile function and desire.
- Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is used for improving blood flow and libido.
- Maca root is an herbal supplement reputed to increase sexual desire.
- L-arginine supports nitric oxide production, aiding erections and arousal.
- Ginseng may enhance energy and libido, improving overall sexual function.
- Kangaroo hormone complex combines multiple herbs for male libido enhancement.
If you see a health care professional and seek advice on how to increase libido, hopefully he or she will suggest some healthy lifestyle choices.
How oral medicines differ
There are various essential oils for libido that may help increase sexual and mood arousal and act as natural aphrodisiacs. Using jasmine oil as part of a libido-boosting aromatherapy blend may help increase behavioral arousal, alertness and positive mood. If you’re a woman struggling with low libido due to menopause and issues with mood, clary sage oil might be a good option. It may help improve the signs of depression and regulate cortisol levels, supporting more healthy libido. Neroli essential oil (used aromatically) has been shown to help relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire and lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
How Effective Is hCG?
Fennel oil has positive estrogen-like effects that make it another female libido booster, both scientifically and historically. These effects, however, do not seem to negatively impact fertility or reproduction like some endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Let’s talk about how to increase libido naturally with some easy lifestyle changes. Too little exercise can be a cause of low libido, but you also don’t want to overdo it either. Low libido is one of the risks of overtraining or “female athlete triad.” Studies among women indicate that exercises that increase human growth hormone, like weight training and HIIT training, can greatly improve blood flow to the genitals, mood and body perception. Low libido is a problem affecting a large portion of the population, although the embarrassing nature of it can make it a difficult topic to broach with your health care professional.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra 100 mg | 100 mg | 32 Pills | 121.24€ 115.47€ | |
| Cialis Black | 80mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 89.11€ 84.87€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 40mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 74.97€ 71.40€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 10mg | 20 Pills | 48.23€ 45.93€ | |
| Levitra Original | 20mg | 12 Pills | 81.99€ 78.09€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 201.34€ 191.75€ | |
| Levitra Soft Tabs | 20mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 241.31€ 229.82€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 125.19€ 119.23€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 20 Pills | 55.02€ 52.40€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 84 + 4 Pills | 233.05€ 221.95€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 20 Pills | 62.99€ 59.99€ |
However, your diet affects your sex drive. There are foods that directly impact libido, either positively or negatively, and supplements/essential oils that can benefit those struggling to work up the desire for sexual intimacy.
Conventional Treatment
Many people do turn to conventional treatment when it comes to how to increase libido, so let’s see what some of the common low libido treatments are in the conventional medicine world. For men, testosterone replacement therapy is a common conventional treatment, although it’s controversial. Some common options typically tadalista professional include sildenafil (VIAGRA®) and tadalafil (CIALIS®). Many men might think that a prescription drug to induce erection is the simple answer, but be aware that these drugs do not boost your libido — they only help you to get and keep erections. A forced erection will not get to the root of your low or nonexistent sex drive, and these drugs are not without concerning side effects, like memory problems, back pain, loss of hearing and many more.
What are signs of low libido?
If a woman has a low libido and has already gone through menopause, vaginal estrogen creams are commonly recommended to treat vaginal dryness. Testosterone therapy in the form of pills or patches is also conventionally recommended for women. If a medical condition like a fibroid is causing sexual issues, it might likely be recommended that you surgically remove the fibroid(s). If your birth control pill is lowering your desire for sex, your doctor might prescribe a non-hormonal option. Other conventional treatments for low libido in both men and women include a change in medication or the prescribing of antidepressants if depression is believed to be the cause. Every year before Valentine's Day, we get a surge of people asking us what supplements they can take to crank up their libido and boost their testosterone. In other words, they’re looking for evidence-based aphrodisiacs. Named after the Greek goddess of love and pleasure, Aphroditē, aphrodisiacs are supplements marketed to improve your sex life. Even more than with other supplement categories, it takes research to figure out which might work, and which are a waste of money. Libido essentially means “sex drive”, and when sex drive goes down, most people don’t know exactly why. Whether the root cause is stress, hormonal issues, or a variety of other factors, supplements are often sought to give some immediate boost. Specifically, Panax ginseng, fildena super active 100 tribulus terrestris, zinc, horny goat weed, B-complex vitamins, fenugreek, L-arginine, maca, dehydroepiandrosterone (aka DHEA), ginkgo biloba, and yohimbine have all been advertised as “libido-enhancing” supplements. But such supplements rarely undergo rigorous scientific examination.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Typical Dosage | Onset of Action | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 50-100 mg | 30-60 minutes | Headache, flushing |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 10-20 mg | 30 minutes | Muscle pain, back pain |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 20 mg | 30-60 minutes | Dizziness, nasal congestion |
| Stendra (Spedra) | Alprostadil | 100 mg | 15-30 minutes | Burning sensation |
Though some of the supplements listed below have evidence to support their effects, even the very best options have only been tested in a handful of studies. While many supplements are marketed as “libido-enhancers”, few have enough research behind them to support such claims. People often assume that in order to increase libido you must increase testosterone. While testosterone level does play a role in libido, it is not the only factor. Take for instance the herb maca (Lepidium meyenii), which can affect your libido yet have no effect on testosterone levels. Vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc can help support healthy testosterone levels, but do not necessarily boost them if intake is already sufficient.
1. Tribulus
Iron supplements can cause constipation — therefore, it’s important to confirm with your health care professional that your anemia is being caused by iron deficiency. Using ashwagandha in supplement form may help women treat female sexual distress. A pilot study published in BioMed Research International set out to determine the efficacy and safety of 300 milligrams of ashwagandha root extract supplementation twice daily for eight weeks for improving sexual function in 50 healthy women. Researchers found that the treatment group displayed significantly higher improvements, compared to placebo, in sexual function scores, specifically in areas of arousal, lubrication and orgasm. For similar reasons it works for men, gingko biloba works as a way for how to increase libido in women as well.
Health News
The most significant result so far has been a potential for treating sexual dysfunction induced by psychotropic drugs used to treat depression — specifically SSRIs. The first open clinical trial, ginkgo biloba significantly improved sexual function (especially in women) for those unable to perform due to SSRI side effects. The oil from vitex (also referred to frequently as “chasteberry”) is another great option for reducing menopausal libido problems in women. Some of its other benefits include alleviation of PMS symptoms, increased fertility, clearing acne and promotion of lactation in breastfeeding moms. Wondering how to increase libido with essential oils? If you are looking for a primer on increasing your testosterone levels, check out our infographic on what testosterone is, and how you can increase it naturally. Ensuring sufficient intake of magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc will help support testosterone production.
| Herb Name | Traditional Use | Active Components | Common Forms | Efficacy (Scientific Evidence) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yohimbine | Erectile dysfunction & libido boost | Yohimbine alkaloids | Capsules, extracts | Some evidence, caution advised |
| Tribulus | Male virility and strength | Saponins | Tablets, powders | Anecdotal, limited clinical data |
| Tongkat Ali | Increase testosterone, libido | Eurycomanone | Capsules, extracts | Some positive studies |
And while optimal testosterone levels can help improve libido, that is far from the only factor at play. Maca and cocoa extract are two of the more well-researched libido-enhancing supplements. Both require at least a week of supplementation to provide benefits. Maca, specifically, may not reach full potency until two months of consistent supplementation.
- Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of low libido.
- Blood tests help diagnose hormonal deficiencies.
- Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment.
- Proper diagnosis ensures targeted and effective treatment.
- Addressing underlying health conditions improves libido.
- Managing chronic diseases like diabetes benefits sexual health.
- Medication side effects can reduce libido, requiring adjustments.
- Age-related hormone decline often leads to decreased desire.
- Nutritional support can naturally elevate hormone levels.
- Herbal supplements may aid in balancing hormones.
- Lifestyle modifications can mitigate hormonal imbalances.
- Consulting endocrinologists offers specialized care options.
[1][4] Research into Maca has also shown promise for postmenopausal women,[5] an oft-overlooked population when it comes to libido enhancement.
| Brand Name | Main Components | Recommended Dose | Expected Effect | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VigRX Plus | Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Bioperine | 2 capsules daily | Increased sexual desire | Consult doctor if on medication |
| MaxMan | L-Arginine, Ginseng, Maca | 1-2 capsules daily | Better blood flow | Not FDA-approved |
| ExtenZe | Herbal Blend | 3 capsules daily | Improved libido & stamina | May cause allergic reactions |
The effects of cocoa extracts on libido are more indirect.
- Combining medications should only be done under medical supervision.
- Side effects of ED pills include headaches and nasal congestion.
- Natural supplements may cause allergic reactions in some users.
- Overuse of stimulant-based products can lead to health risks.
- Consultation with a healthcare provider ensures safe treatment.
- Monitoring for adverse effects is vital when using ED pills.
- Not all pills work equally; efficacy varies among individuals.
- Some herbal supplements may interact with medications.
- Regular medical check-ups improve safety and effectiveness.
- Using counterfeit medications risks serious health complications.
- Ensuring dosage adherence prevents unnecessary side effects.
- Report any unexpected reactions to your doctor promptly.
Low nitric oxide (NO) levels can lead to poor circulation, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Flavonoids in cocoa can help bolster NO levels, improving blood flow and possibly alleviating erectile dysfunction.
Side effects
Regular exercise also enhances sexual satisfaction indirectly. A study of men and women shows that small bouts of exercise can drastically improve sexual functioning. Also, try yoga, which can help combat fatigue and stress and reduce depression and anxiety. If you smoke, here is yet another reason to stop smoking. Smoking not only decreases sexual desire and satisfaction, but it also decreases fertility.
Vitamin C
According to one group of researchers, smokers reported having sex less than six times a month while nonsmoking men were having sex nearly twice as often. There can be a physical or psychological cause of low libido, or it could be both. Fifteen percent of men and up to 32 percent of women report lacking sexual interest for a period of several months throughout the previous year, which means this is clearly an important issue for a large number of people. The two clinically diagnosable conditions for low libido are hypoactive sexual desire disorder and sexual aversion disorder. The latter of these is a more drastic problem and is characterized as an “extreme aversion to and avoidance of” all sexual behavior. Similar supplements include Tribulus terrestris and Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, though there have been very few human studies done on each of these herbs. Currently, the animal evidence does support the preliminary results found in human trials, suggesting these herbs might be useful supplements to improve libido. Supplements that are able to improve libido immediately after oral supplementation are rare and often come with unwanted side effects. Yohimbine has been shown to help those with orgasmic or erectile dysfunction,[7][8] but because it’s also a stimulant, yohimbine should not be supplemented by people using medication for heart and brain conditions. Alcohol can also be an effective spur-of-the-moment libido-enhancer for some people (in moderate doses).