Over-the-counter medications are available for a wide variety of ailments such as common colds and sore throats. Typically they are easy to come by and inexpensive.

So, what about over-the-counter erectile dysfunction medications and supplements?

Over-the-counter supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). Many of these products contain other chemicals, some of which have not been tested. It is important to remember that even if products are described as “natural” or as an “herbal remedy” on the label, that doesn’t mean they are safe. Health claims like this are not closely regulated and there is no official FDA-approved definition or requirement. When it comes to over-the-counter male enhancement supplements, the risks are simply too high to justify the lower price tag compared to a prescription ED medication.

The FDA has issued a warning for these types of over-the-counter ED supplements. The problem is with the purity and safety of the ingredients. For example, Man Up Now is made with Sulfoaildenafil, a chemical similar to the active ingredient in Viagra, Sildenafil. Though similar in chemical structure, Sulfoaildenafil has not undergone the same degree of clinical testing as Sildenafil and it has the potential to cause serious drug interactions. The FDA demanded that the manufacturers of Mr. Magic Male Enhancer recall the product because the two main ingredients (Hydroxyhomosildenafil and Sulfoaildenafil) were not included on the list of ingredients.

What Should You Try Instead?

If you are concerned about the severity or frequency of your erectile issues, your first step should be to speak to a physician that specializes in erectile dysfunction. With your doctor’s help, you can identify the underlying cause of your ED and determine the best course of treatment. In cases where vascular issues or other health problems are to blame, doing a treatment such as Wave Therapy or taking erectile dysfunction medication might be the best option. If you choose to take an ED medication, there are several options to choose from at Victory Men’s Health.

With a prescription from one of our healthcare providers, you can try Sildenafil (Viagra) Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardinafil (Levitra), or a Combo Pill of both Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Some of these drugs are intended for daily use to improve long-term erectile function and some are intended for use as-needed. ED drugs come in several different dosages as well.

What about natural remedies?

If you are looking for a nutritional supplement for ED, you may be able to find this at your local drug store or at Victory Men’s Health. An example would be Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which has been identified by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as “possibly effective” for the treatment of ED. The human body naturally produces this hormone, but your levels decrease with age, particularly once you hit 30. Taking 25-50mg per day may help improve your erectile function.

Another supplement that may benefit your erectile function is L-arginine, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide plays a role in relaxing the blood vessels to improve circulation and studies have shown that daily doses up to 1,000mg may produce a significant improvement in sexual function.

If you prefer not to take prescription medications for your erectile dysfunction, or if you are looking for a long-term solution to your problems, hands down the best natural remedy to treat erectile dysfunction is Wave Therapy. It is safe, natural, and helps restore your erections without the use of medications.

Do a lot of men struggle from ED?

Erectile dysfunction is no small matter. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study conducted in 1994 reported a 52% prevalence for erectile dysfunction among men – the study also demonstrated that the condition becomes increasingly prevalent with age.

Because ED is such a widespread issue among men of all ages, it is no wonder that there are so many medications and supplements out there to treat it – both prescription and over-the-counter. Unfortunately, not all ED drugs are created equal and not all of them are effective. Over-the-counter ED drugs may seem like an affordable and convenient alternative to prescription medications, but there is little concrete evidence to suggest that most of these products are effective. You must also consider the risks of taking a supplement made with ingredients that have not been tested or approved.

It is better to be safe than sorry, so avoid OTC male enhancements and go for the real deal.