A Guide to Non-Prescription Erectile Dysfunction Products
Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43(3), 223–225.
What happens if I miss a dose?
The Journal of Urology, 168(5), 2070-2073. The effectiveness of zinc supplementation in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10, 44.
Hidden ingredients
Antidepressant-Like Behavioral, Anatomical, and Biochemical Effects of Petroleum Ether Extract from Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Mice Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress. Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study. Translational Andrology and Urology, 7(2), 266-273. Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction. FDA warns consumers to avoid certain male enhancement and weight loss products sold through Amazon, eBay and other retailers due to hidden, potentially dangerous drug ingredients.
A note about sex and gender
Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Intracavernosal sildenafil facilitates penile erection independent of the nitric oxide pathway. Iron and Physical Activity: Bioavailability Enhancers, Properties of Black Pepper (Bioperine®) and Potential Applications. Effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors on blood pressure. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(12). Physical Activity to Improve Erectile Function: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies. Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected? Penile traction therapy and Peyronie’s disease: a state of art review of the current literature.
| Dose (mg) | Suitable For | Onset of Action | Duration of Effect | Maximum Daily Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Mild Erectile Dysfunction | 30-60 mins | 4-6 hours | 25 mg | Not commonly available OTC |
| 50 | Moderate Erectile Dysfunction | 30-60 mins | 4-6 hours | 50 mg | Most common OTC dose |
| 100 | Severe Erectile Dysfunction | 30-60 mins | 4-6 hours | 100 mg | Usually prescription-only, but some OTC variants exist in certain markets |
Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 5(1), 59-65.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 158.82€ 151.26€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 198.48€ 189.03€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 180 + 6 Pills | 436.79€ 415.99€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 330.74€ 314.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 125.56€ 119.58€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 54.26€ 51.68€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 201.34€ 191.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 149.50€ 142.38€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 84 + 6 Pills | 264.44€ 251.85€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 10 Pills | 26.87€ 25.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 379.76€ 361.68€ |
The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Modulation of American ginseng on brainstem GABAergic effects in rats.
- The legality of OTC sildenafil varies widely by country.
- Always check whether a product is approved for over-the-counter sale locally.
- Labels should clearly state the active ingredient: sildenafil citrate.
- OTC sildenafil is not intended to replace consulting a doctor.
- Beware of "miracle" cures or exaggerated claims in OTC products.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 62(3), 215–222. Ginsenoside Rg1 improves male copulatory behavior via nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway.
Mechanism of action
MacKay D., Verma S., & Srivastava S. (2022) Effect of a Polyherbal Dietary Supplement on Semen Characteristics: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Improving BPH symptoms and sexual dysfunctions with a saw palmetto preparation? A Clinical Study Report VigRx Plus in Male Sexual Health. Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Sperm Parameters with a Focus on DNA Fragmentation: A Literature Synthesis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(2 Pt 1), 743–750.
About the Reviewer
Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 36(5), 849–859. The effect of Emblica officinalis diet on lifespan, sexual behavior, and fitness characters in Drosophila melanogaster. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Effects of Panax ginseng on glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression and spermatogenesis in rats.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Typical Dosage | Additional Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil Citrate | Active PDE5 inhibitor | varies (25-100 mg) | None |
| L-Arginine | Supports nitric oxide production | 50-200 mg | Often included for enhanced effect |
| Ginseng Extract | Boosts libido | 100-200 mg | Traditional herbal supplement |
| Yohimbine | Improves blood flow | 5-10 mg | Some products combine with sildenafil |
| Vitamins (e.g., B12) | Overall circulation health | Varies | Often added in formulations |
Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 25(2), 308–311.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
Check out our guide to the best penis extender for more information. Innerbody uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Relationship between age and erectile dysfunction diagnosis or treatment using real-world observational data in the United States. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 70(12), 1012.
Drug form and strengths
American Journal of Men's Health, 13(2). Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes. Safety and Tolerability of Panax ginseng Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial in Healthy Korean Volunteers. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(11), 1061-1069. A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults.
How long does it take Viagra to work?
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262. Effect of oral administration of high-dose nitric oxide donor L-arginine in men with organic oral sildenafil erectile dysfunction: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Medicinal plants as a potential source of Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: A review. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(4 Pt 1), 1518. A Double-Blind Crossover Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Preliminary Report. Niacin in the Central Nervous System: An Update of Biological Aspects and Clinical Applications.
Be wary of 'herbal viagra'
Ashwagandha as a Unique Cause of Thyrotoxicosis Presenting sildenafil pills With Supraventricular Tachycardia. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Advances in Nutrition, 12(3), 744-765. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Physiology of Penile Erection. Association between homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(4). Structure/function analyses of human sex hormone-binding globulin: effects of zinc on steroid-binding specificity.
- Some OTC sildenafil products are marketed as "sexual enhancement" supplements.
- Never use OTC sildenafil if you are taking medications containing nitrates.
- Always read customer reviews for insight on effectiveness.
- OTC sildenafil can be found in health stores or online marketplaces.
- Make sure the product has proper certification or approval.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 85(2-5):195-200.
- Over-the-counter sildenafil is often produced by small supplement companies.
- Check the expiration date before purchasing OTC sildenafil products.
- Many OTC options are advertised as natural or herbal supplements.
- Use OTC sildenafil responsibly to avoid adverse health effects.
- Keep records of purchase and usage for future reference.
Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study.
Be cautious and talk with your healthcare professional
And it doesn’t preclude you from utilizing any of the other methods we discuss here. The best thing you can do for ED is to combine diet and exercise with one or more of the products or methods included in our guide.36 To be clear at the start: penis pumps are not designed to increase your penis size. They’re actually mechanical devices designed to draw blood to the penis using vacuum pressure, resulting in an erection of sufficient hardness for penetrative sex. Some also have settings allowing you or a partner to use them for pleasure and foreplay. You can read all about the pumps we consider best in our 2024 guide.
Off-label use for Viagra
Men who have undergone radical prostatectomy in response to prostate cancer form a common group of men in penis pump research. These men often develop erectile dysfunction, and some experience a phenomenon in which the penis retracts slightly into the body, making it appear shorter. Studies suggest that penis pumps can both restore erectile function and prevent or reverse this size loss.47 However, this is not an indication that penis pumps will increase penis size; it’s a result specific to this group of men. If you’re hoping that male enhancement products will increase the size of your penis, a penis extender would be a far better option. Admittedly, they’re a lot more tedious to use than popping a couple of pills in the morning, with regimens involving several hours of daily wearing for several months in order to see growth.
Patient resources
Still, they can actually produce results that no male enhancement pill can claim.37 Penis extenders gradually create microtears in the penile tissue, not unlike the muscular tears you create by lifting weights. Over time, those tears heal and add tissue to the penis. But with penis extension (unlike time at the gym), gains can be permanent. You won’t see the ancillary benefits of boosted semen levels or increased energy and mental focus like you might with some male enhancement pills. Still, if the other results are what you’re after, these might be a great choice. International Journal of Impotence Research, 19(6), 564–567. Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Other uses for this medicine
Many men investigate male enhancement as a means to penis growth or a way to alleviate problems like premature ejaculation. There is no pill you can take to make your penis larger, but there are a few approaches to premature ejaculation in the form of sprays and wipes that can definitely delay orgasm in most men. Here’s a look at some of your best alternative options. Male enhancement pills and testosterone boosters share a lot of ingredients. But testosterone boosters often contain fewer components that target erection strength and semen quality.
Best for daily use: Cialis
They also tend to center on one or two testosterone-specific ingredients you won’t often find in male enhancement products such as vitamin D. One study saw significantly increased testosterone levels in men supplementing with vitamin D compared to placebo.34 It’s important to note that if you don’t have low testosterone levels, testosterone boosters aren’t going to make much of a difference in your life unless they happen to contain an ingredient in which you’re deficient, and that deficiency is contributing to sexual dysfunction. There are at-home testosterone tests you can take to check those levels without much hassle. For a thorough look at testosterone boosters, as well as testosterone replacement therapies, consult our comprehensive guide to the best testosterone boosters on the market. Numerous studies indicate that whether you want to improve blood flow or boost testosterone in response to ED symptoms, there are few things you can do that are more powerful than regular exercise and a good diet.35 In many cases, erectile dysfunction actually serves as an early indicator of potential cardiovascular issues.
Dosage questions
And there seems to be a direct link between obesity and poor sexual performance. From a confidence standpoint, losing weight is also one of the few ways you can make your penis appear larger. As pelvic fat decreases, the penis appears to protrude more than it had before. If confidence is part of a mental angle affecting your sexual performance, this might help. That doesn’t mean you have to start training for a 10k immediately.