Over the Counter Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
Numerous remedies are available to treat erectile dysfunctions, or ED 3. Some of these have been shown to be effective, according to MayoClinic.com, while others are not only ineffective but may even be dangerous. It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs for ED. Since ED is often caused by reduced blood flow from blocked arteries, such lifestyle changes as exercising and keeping weight within a normal range can also improve the condition.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Prelox
Prelox in a drug that combines two blood flow-enhancing ingredients: L-arginine and pycnogenol. According to Drugs.com, both of these increase the blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels, a chemical that expands arteries 45. According to a study published in the March 2008 issue of the “International Journal of Impotence Research,” patients who took Prelox for a month had normal erectile function by the end of the month 1. Some patients even reported having normal erectile function within a day from the beginning of the treatment. Unfortunately, L-arginine also has serious side effects such as worsening of asthma symptoms, increased risk for bleeding and gastrointestinal problems.
- Prelox in a drug that combines two blood flow-enhancing ingredients: L-arginine and pycnogenol.
- According to Drugs.com, both of these increase the blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels, a chemical that expands arteries 4.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Yohimbine vs. Yohimbe
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According to Drugs.com, dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a supplement that may treat erectile dysfunction 45. It has been claimed to enhance sexual desire and functions, improve mental functions, as well as slow down the aging process. Some studies, such as one published in the “Urology” Journal in March 1999 by Dr. W.J. Reiter, showed that erectile function improved after DHEA use. However, some studies have shown no effect, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center 2.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in such western African countries as Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo and Zaire. The bark of this tree contains several alkaloids, the key alkaloid being yohimbine. Yohimbe is popularly used as an aphrodisiac to increase libido. According the Drugs.com, some studies also show that it may be effective in treating erectile dysfunction that is not caused by a physical problem 45. Yohimbe relaxes and dilates peripheral blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to the penis. Yohimbe can also have severe side effects such as hypotension, hypertension, paralysis and abdominal distress.
- Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in such western African countries as Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo and Zaire.
- Yohimbe relaxes and dilates peripheral blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to the penis.
Related Articles
References
- "International Journal of Impotence Research"; Improvement of Erectile Function with Prelox; R. Stanislavov, V. Nikolova, P. Rohdewald; August 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Impotence (Erectile dysfunction) - Lifestyle Changes
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile Dysfunctions, Alternative medicine
- Drugs.com: Yohimbe
- Drugs.com: L-arginin
- Tam S, Worcel M, Wyllie M. Yohimbine: a clinical review. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2001;91(3):215-243. doi:10.1016/s0163-7258(01)00156-5
- Guay AT, Spark RF, Jacobson J, Murray FT, Geisser ME. Yohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2002;14(1):25-31. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900803
- Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R. Sexual Enhancement Products for Sale Online: Raising Awareness of the Psychoactive Effects of Yohimbine, Maca, Horny Goat Weed, and Ginkgo biloba. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/841798
- Colin Anderson, Dan Anderson, Nicole Harre, Norman Wade. Case Study: Two Fatal Case Reports of Acute Yohimbine Intoxication. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. Volume 37, Issue 8. October 2013. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkt057
- Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Database. Professional Monograph. 1/14/2019
- Yohimbe. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. September 2016
- Yohimbe. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products. December 2013
- Mann K et al. "Effects of Yohimbine on Sexual Experiences and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity in Erectile Dysfunction". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 25.1 (1996):1-16.
- Morales A et al. "Is Yohimbine Effective in the Treatment of Organic Impotence? Results of a Controlled Trial". Journal of Urology. 137.6 (1987):1168-72.
- Sax L. "Yohimbine Does Not Affect Fat Distribution in Men". International Journal of Obesity. 15.9 (1991):561-5.
- Vogt HJ et al. "Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Safety and Efficacy Trial With Yohimbine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Nonorganic Erectile Dysfunction". International Journal of Impotence Research. 9.3 (1997):155-61.
Writer Bio
Marie Cheour had her first article published in 1995, and she has since published more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed publications such as "Nature" and "Nature Neuroscience." She has worked as a college professor in Europe and in the United States. Cheour has a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the University of Helsinki.