Natural Viagra: Everything you need to know

We rise to the occasion and dive into the world of sex drugs

By Men’s Health Posted on October 22, 2018

Struggling to maintain an erection? You are not alone. Recent figures state that one in five men, that's almost 4.3million of you, are thought to have experienced some form of erectile dysfunction (ED). But why are so many men going limp in the sack? According to one study, conducted by Texas A&M University, there are five main causes of erectile dysfunction:

1. Medical Conditions: Serious medical conditions, such as heart diseases, could be the origin of erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis, the narrowing of blood vessels throughout parts of the body, is believed to be the most common cause of erectile dysfunction and a warning sign of a future heart attack or stroke.

2. Medications: Certain medications like antidepressants, antihistamines or blood pressure tablets can make it difficult to maintain an erection.

3. Emotional distress: Stress such as relationship problems or even financial worries can lead to erection problems and reduce sexual arousal.

4. Lifestyle choices: Men who are overweight, habitual smokers, heavy drinkers or substance abusers are more prone to experiencing erectile dysfunction.

5. Physical injury: Be cautious of any physical activity that could injure your lower half, as injuries to these areas of the body can cause erectile dysfunction.

Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Luckily, it's never been easier to sort out the 'problem'. Healthy lifestyle choices and relaxation techniques will help, but if you’re looking for something with more of a kick, you can now buy Viagra, without a prescription, over the counter from your local pharmacy. After a brief consultation with your pharmacist and completing an assessment form, you can get your hands on the little blue pill – in the form of Viagra Connect – for 35 quid.

However, for a lot of men, talking about such a sensitive subject can be a problem; many guys are embarrassed to talk about erectile dysfunction. What’s more, there are also potential side effects from taking Viagra. And when it comes to man’s best friend, it’s a risk a lot aren’t willing to take.

Symptoms include: Dizziness, blurred vision, hot flushes, nausea, chest pains, loss of vision and seizures – if this occurs, go to A&E

6 Best Natural Viagra Alternatives

Thankfully, if you are worried about the risks or lack the confidence to seek help, there are some natural Viagra alternatives that have been shown to improve and strengthen erections. What’s more, they won’t arouse suspicion from across the counter.

1. L-Arginine

The Science: Similar to the principles on which Viagra raises your main sail. This amino acid increases the body’s production of nitric acid, which is proven to help maintain erections, according to the journal Neurology. “It relaxes and widens blood vessels,” says Jayney Goddard, President of the Complimentary Medicine Association, “which means your penis gets a better, more consistent supply of blood.” Giving you a better, more consistent supply of sex.

The Application: 500mg daily

The MH Rating: “Nuclear strength – don’t expect much shut-eye with this one:”

2. Horny Goat Weed

The Science: The Ronseal of sexual supplements, this does exactly what it says on the tin. “According to Chinese folk law this was discovered by a goatherd who noticed his male goats became sexually aroused after eating it,” says Goddard. According to research by University of Michigan neurologists, it contains a compound called lacariin, which stimulates nerves and boosts testosterone levels. Just steer clear of goats afterwards.

The Application: Take 200mg 90 minutes before any ‘herding.’

The MH Rating: “Makes you feel tingly and pleasantly focused on the task in hand”

The Science: Swap ‘Colombian marching powder’ for some of this ‘Peruvian Viagra’ for real endurance. According to the journal Urology, the root extract contains ‘macamides’ and ‘macaenes’ – unique photochemicals, which restore hormone levels and boost energy in both sexes. “For men, it’s one of the most potent aphrodisiacs available – it not only helps maintain erections but also increases seminal volume, sperm count and sperm motility,” says Sarah Dobbyn, author of The Fertility Diet (Simon & Schuster, £12.99). So you could well be seeing the fruits of your labour soon, too.

The Application: 500mg twice daily.

The MH Rating: A smoother hit that keeps the main sail raised for hours

4. Cordyceps

The Science: A double whammy: this mushroom extract boosts testosterone and blood flow, giving it instant sex appeal. It’s secret? The aptly named sugar ‘fucose’ (also found in human breast milk). “It’s a natural sugar which plays an anti-ageing role in the body, facilitating cell communication and increasing blood flow to the sexual organs,” says Dr John Briffa of University College London’s Medical School. A word of warning from Dobbyn: “I’ve had complaints from single men taking this, saying they couldn’t sleep for feeling so aroused.” Not one to be taken before speed-dating, then.

The MH Rating: “Produces a jittery, rather anxious sensation – along with the requisite boost”

5. L-Tyrosine

The Science: “This powerful amino-acid causes a dramatic spike in levels of the pleasure-enhancing chemical dopamine, with a knock-on aphrodisiac effect that promotes erections,” says Dobbyn. Careful though: it also raises your metabolism and blood pressure. Speak to your GP before taking it, or you might go red in the face for all the wrong reasons.

The MH Rating: “Definitely produces more energy, but no noticeable change in lasting power”

6. Korean Red Ginseng

The Science: This purest form of the Asian root increases strength and energy by boosting the nervous system, according to Goddard. In 2002, the BMJ reported clinical trials in which 45 men lapped up the benefits of ‘more successful erections, more sexual desire and lower stress levels’. So even if you don’t get your oats, you’ll be pretty chilled out about it.

Application: 0.5-2g daily. “Best results are seen with a two-week-on, two-week-off cycle,” says Goddard.

The MH Rating: “Less animal than intimate; top notch sleep after main event”.

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