Okay, there’s all this hype about Viagra and such, but they’re quite expensive (and you need a prescription). Can I take natural supplements for sexual enhancement?

Sexual enhancement… you’re quite bold to ask this type of question. But before this question is answered, I want to emphasize that we do have a disclaimer on our site regarding usage of any information we provide here at AskBoard.com.

Now that we got that covered, yes there are natural supplements available in the market to enhance your sexual libido and satisfaction with your sex drive. However, please do ask your doctor’s opinion first and foremost. You also need to find out if any of these are appropriate for you.

What most people are concerned about:
Millions of men and women have impaired circulation, which can reduce the ability to have erections and diminish sexual sensation. Chronic stress diminishes libido and blocks sexual performance. Insomnia and low energy levels can make people too tired to fully enjoy sex.

Specific herbs and other natural nutritionals target these problems and have been used safely and successfully for hundreds of years. Natural nutrient- based remedies, supplemented in combination, can improve sexual energy and performance. They promote better blood flow, increase libido and make erections stronger.

Here are a few that you may consider…

GINKGO BILOBA

• FUNCTION: Dilates blood vessels and improves circulation to the penis or vagina and clitoris. Impaired circulation is the most common cause of ED (erectile dysfunction) in men. In women, reduced blood flow can result in diminished sexual sensation and responsiveness. Ginkgo Biloba is a very effective vasodilator, which functions to open (dilates) blood vessels. In one study, more than 70% of men with ED who took Ginkgo improved their ability to have erections.
  People who are prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, such as Prozac, should consider taking Ginkgo. It offsets the libido-dampening side effect that often occurs in people taking these drugs.
• CAUTION: Ginkgo reduces the ability of blood to clot. Do not use Ginkgo if you are taking coumadin (Warfarin) or other blood-thinning drugs. Patients taking daily aspirin, which also inhibits clotting, should be sure to talk to their doctors before using Ginkgo supplements.
  Combine Ginkgo Biloba (which enhances blood flow) with Ginseng (which improves overall energy). Always check with your medical doctor, health practitioner before taking any supplement.

GINSENG

• FUNCTION: Supports the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that affect genital circulation and the ability to have erections. It helps modulate emotional stress . . . increases overall energy and libido. Ginseng safely increases levels of testosterone, the hormone that stimulates sexual response in men and women. People who take Ginseng usually notice an increase in energy after about one week.
• CAUTION: Ginseng is a mild stimulant that can increase blood pressure. Don’t take if you have been diagnosed with hypertension or heart disease.

ARGININE (Amino Acid)

• FUNCTION: Increases pelvic circulation . . . improves erections . . . boosts libido and clitoral sensation. Arginine is an amino acid that is used by the body to produce nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes blood vessels and promotes better circulation.
• CAUTION: Patients with heart problems who are taking nitroglycerin should not take Arginine. The combination could result in excessive vasodilation. Also, don’t take Arginine if you get cold sores from the herpes virus or have genital herpes. Arginine promotes viral replication and can increase flare-ups.

DHEA

• FUNCTION: Increases sexual arousal in women . . . improves erections in men.
  Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormoe that is converted to testosterone in the body. Testosterone and other adrogens stimulate libido and sexual performance in men and women. The body’s production of DHEA declines by about 1% annually after age 30, which can result in diminished sexual desire, performance and satisfaction.
• CAUTION: Patients should take DHEA only if blood tests show that they have lower-than-normal levels. An excessive amount increases risk of side effects, such as acne, facial hair growth in women and sometimes heart palpitations. It also increases risk of tumors in the prostate gland. Men with a history of prostate cancer should not take DHEA.

WATER

• FUNCTION: Increases blood volume . . . improves erections in men and sexual responsiveness in women. How can good old water be an aphrodisiac? Because millions of Americans are chronically dehydrated - they don’t drink enough water or they consume excessive amounts of caffeine, a diuretic that removes water from the body. Dehydration can result in diminished blood flow to the pelvis and genitals. Adequate hydration improves blood flow and makes it easier for men to have erections. Women who stay hydrated experience greater sexual comfort and satisfaction. Water is definitely a life essential!

Hope this info helped a bit. Please, please, please consult your health provider before doing anything. I know you’re looking for sexual enhancement, but you need to do it safely too!