Continued from Page 1
As you might suspect, there are plenty of folks looking to make a quick buck off a man’s search for increased libido and improved erectile function. Are there any legitimate remedies available? Let’s look at the offerings.
Acceptable Alternative Treatments for Men’s Sexual Problems
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Like Viagra, ginseng relaxes the muscles in the penis and allows it to fill with blood. In one study of 90 men with erectile dysfunction, nearly two-thirds experienced improvement in their symptoms when using this herb. As a point of comparison, only 30 percent of men given a placebo reported better sexual performance. This trial is only preliminary—it was fairly small and took place in Korea and Brazil, where strong scientific standards are not always in place—but it’s promising. Two other small trials have yielded good early results for red ginseng as well.
Ginseng has a few more checks in the "plus" column. Although it hasn’t been subjected to long-term studies, it appears relatively safe when taken for short periods of time. Its cost—about 6 cents per dose— is ginseng’s other great advantage. So why not try this herb before paying through the nose for Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra?
The Discriminating Consumer’s Guide
to Male Libido and Impotence Alternatives
As you might suspect, there are plenty of folks looking to make a quick buck off a man’s search for increased libido and improved erectile function. Are there any legitimate remedies available? Let’s look at the offerings.
Acceptable Alternative Treatments for Men’s Sexual Problems
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Like Viagra, ginseng relaxes the muscles in the penis and allows it to fill with blood. In one study of 90 men with erectile dysfunction, nearly two-thirds experienced improvement in their symptoms when using this herb. As a point of comparison, only 30 percent of men given a placebo reported better sexual performance. This trial is only preliminary—it was fairly small and took place in Korea and Brazil, where strong scientific standards are not always in place—but it’s promising. Two other small trials have yielded good early results for red ginseng as well.
Ginseng has a few more checks in the "plus" column. Although it hasn’t been subjected to long-term studies, it appears relatively safe when taken for short periods of time. Its cost—about 6 cents per dose— is ginseng’s other great advantage. So why not try this herb before paying through the nose for Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra?
Health Tips From Dr. Schneider
Get ideas and advice that can improve your health and quality of life. Check out more from AOL Wellness Coach Dr. Edward Schneider, plus get additional tips and information on better living from all of our AOL Coaches.
- Learn More About Dr. Edward Schneider
- Buy 'What Your Doctor Hasn't Told You ...'
- More Advice and Tips on Healthy Living
- Read Dr. Schneider's Advice About Male Libido
- Learn How to Increase the Male Libido
More Tips and Advice
Dosage and side effects: Take 1 gram of ginseng three times daily. (Unlike Viagra, which is taken as needed, ginseng must be taken on a continual basis.) The safety of long-term use hasn’t been tested.
Ginseng increases the risk of bleeding, so do not take it if you’re using prescription anticoagulants. Ginseng also interferes with the metabolism of certain drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan).
L-arginine
Viagra works by enhancing the action of nitric oxide as it relaxes the muscles in the blood vessel walls in the penis and therefore helps maintain erections. L-arginine, an amino acid that increases blood levels of nitric oxide, has also been marketed to enhance sexual performance.
There have been only three small pilot studies on L-arginine for erectile dysfunction. One showed no effect, but the other two demonstrated a significant improvement. There is some evidence that men with low levels of nitric oxide respond well to L-arginine, but that those with normal levels do not see an effect with this supplement.
It’s too early to say for sure whether L-arginine works; some men may reasonably feel it’s worth a try before paying the big bucks for a conventional drug. Be aware, however, that unlike Viagra, which is taken only as needed, you’ll need to ingest daily doses of L-arginine and keep taking them if you want any effect to continue. Amino acids can be powerful substances, and their effects when taken as supplements are not well understood. Do you really want to put such large quantities of as untested product into your body?
Dosage and side effects: If you want to try L-arginine, you can take 3 to 5 grams per day. In the small, short-term studies conducted so far, the main side effect of L-arginine has been a small but significant drop in blood pressure, so exercise caution and consult your physician while using this product.
Ginseng increases the risk of bleeding, so do not take it if you’re using prescription anticoagulants. Ginseng also interferes with the metabolism of certain drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan).
L-arginine
Viagra works by enhancing the action of nitric oxide as it relaxes the muscles in the blood vessel walls in the penis and therefore helps maintain erections. L-arginine, an amino acid that increases blood levels of nitric oxide, has also been marketed to enhance sexual performance.
There have been only three small pilot studies on L-arginine for erectile dysfunction. One showed no effect, but the other two demonstrated a significant improvement. There is some evidence that men with low levels of nitric oxide respond well to L-arginine, but that those with normal levels do not see an effect with this supplement.
It’s too early to say for sure whether L-arginine works; some men may reasonably feel it’s worth a try before paying the big bucks for a conventional drug. Be aware, however, that unlike Viagra, which is taken only as needed, you’ll need to ingest daily doses of L-arginine and keep taking them if you want any effect to continue. Amino acids can be powerful substances, and their effects when taken as supplements are not well understood. Do you really want to put such large quantities of as untested product into your body?
Dosage and side effects: If you want to try L-arginine, you can take 3 to 5 grams per day. In the small, short-term studies conducted so far, the main side effect of L-arginine has been a small but significant drop in blood pressure, so exercise caution and consult your physician while using this product.
