Men, who are using over-the-counter sexual enhancement supplements to improve libido, improve sexual performance or erectile dysfunction, might be putting themselves at risk. A recent study found out that more than not being effective, some of these supplements are potentially dangerous to health.
"While certain natural supplements we reviewed show promise for improving mild sexual dysfunction, they lack robust human evidence," said study senior author Dr. Ryan Terlecki, an associate professor of Urology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston, Salem, N.C., as per NewsHealth.
During the course of the study, researchers also discovered that some of the products contain dangerous ingredients like those that can be found in Viagra. And these ingredients can put men at risk, especially those with certain health problems.
The researchers further looked onto the sexual enhancement supplements, including those identified as top-selling products that promise to improve sexual performance and erection. At the end of it, researchers discovered that most of the products they analyzed do not have any scientific evidence to support their claim that they can provide all their customers' desire -- neither they can maintain an erection sufficiently nor can help improve libido or boost sexual desire.
Published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the study also found out that some of the supposedly natural brands contain traces of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors (PDE5Is) -- an ingredient that can also be found in Viagra. Dr Terlecki said products that contain this type of ingredients are not advisable for men who are suffering from health problems such as heart disease, severe liver impairment or any chronic kidney disease. Likewise, men, who are taking medications like Flomax, doxazosin, terazosin or any medicines to treat enlarged prostate, are more likely to expose themselves to the same health risks.
The researchers said, "Because of concerns that some products are impure or weak, we do not routinely recommend these products to our patients." After all, health should always be a priority.
