Sexual Supplements

 

In my practice, I  have discovered many herbal and natural supplements that enhance sexual passion in my patients. I’ve listed a few below that I would recommend.

 

Herbal supplements are effective, but must be taken with caution because certain side effects may arise or they may potentially react with other medication. It is always advised that a physician be consulted before taking any herbal supplement!

 

Yohimbine (Yocon) – Is approved by the FDA. Both natural and prescription. Oral treatment for erectile dysfunction. Comes from the bark of a West African evergreen tree bark. Works by opening blood vessels in the skin and mucus membranes. Effectiveness not clearly established. Believed to stimulate the release of norepinephrine from the adrenal glands. This improves genital circulation in men and women. Yohimbine is fast acting should be taken 1-2 hours before sex. Side effects include anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, nervousness, irritability, and dizziness.

 

Ginkgo biloba – Chinese herb that can improve libido and erectile dysfunction. Available in pill form. Works by opening blood vessels and increases blood flow in men and women. Side effects are headache, stomach upset, dizziness, diarrhea, and skin reaction. It also has a blood thinning effect, therefore should never be used with anticoagulant medications or before surgery. Suggested dose is 40mg three times a day, usually takes 3 weeks to work.

 

DHEA – is a dietary supplement that is converted to testosterone and estrogen. It can improve libido, female arousal and orgasm and erectile dysfunction in men. Little evidence exists. Side effects include growth of facial hair in women. High doses can cause depression, jaundice, and an increase in liver cancer. Should be taken under a physicians care as it could promote tumors of the prostate. Suggested does is 5mg once daily 3 times a week.

 

Zestra – is plant based arousal oil for women made from a blend of borage seed oil, evening promise oil, vitamin E, and other herbs. The oil is applied to a women’s clitoris and labia during foreplay. It has been shown in small clinical trials to enhance sexual function in women with sexual arousal disorder.  It works by increasing blood flow and improvers the working of the genital sensory nerves. Side effects when used as directed are few. Some women who already had yeast infections at the time of usage developed skin irritations.

 

Arginine – An amino acid that is involved in the production of the neurotransmitter nitric oxide. It is effective by relaxing the blood vessels. I here 1,200 – 1,500mg on and empty stomach. Side effects include vasodilatation. Heart patients should avoid taking this. In addition arginine can promote viral replication and can increase flair ups of cold sores and herpes virus.

 

Ashwagandha – herb used in India to improve libido in men and women. It acts as a relaxant and offers a calming effect by mimicking the action of the neurotransmitter GABA. It also boosts nitric oxide production, which increases genital blood engorgement increasing sensitivity. Suggested dose is 300 – 500mg one or two times daily on an empty stomach. Main side effect is drowsiness.

 

Ginseng – Herb that supports Adrenal glands. The Adrenals produce hormones, which affect genital circulation, modulate emotional stress and increase over all libido and energy. Ginseng can increase levels of testosterone in men and women. Suggested dose is 10 mg twice a day. It usually takes 1 week to work. Side effects are an increase in blood pressure.

 

Horney Goat Weed – Herb increases libido in both men and women. It is thought to influence the neurotransmitter dopamine that enhances mood and pleasure. It also contains flavonoids that dilate blood vessels. Typical dose is 500 – 2000mg daily. Side effects are restlessness and insomnia.

 

Muira Puama – A herb that is believed to increase libido, orgasm intensity and skin and genital sensitivity in men and women. It has also been associated with increased fantasies in men and women. It is from the bark and root of the potency tree in the Amazon. Suggested dose is 500 – 1,000mg 3 consecutive days a week and only in the morning. Side effects are insomnia and restlessness.

 

Tribulus – Is a herb that increases libido and energy in men and women. It also may enhance erections. This weed contains protodiosin a chemical compound that is thought to increase production of testosterone in men and women. It also ids believed to dilate the blood vessels in the penis. Suggested dose is 500 – 1,000mg daily. On one week and off for a week. Side effects are restlessness and an increase in body temperature.

 

WOMEN

Over the counter lubricants for vaginal dryness are astroglide, K-Y-Silk-E, Replens, Vitamin E suppositories and Gyne-Moistrin.

A physician can prescribe hormone treatments which are very effective in treating vaginal dryness.

There is an FDA approved by prescription clitoral therapy pump like device called Eros-CTD, assists in bringing blood to the genital area.

 

MEN

MUSE – intra urethral pellets. Penile Bands, Vacuum erection devices, Surgical Implants and Vascular Surgery.