Viagra Alternatives that may be used alone or
together with the pharmaceutical impotence drug
August 29 2018 by
Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Anyone who wishes to enhance their
sexual performance or find a natural Viagra alternative has many options to choose from. There are
pharmaceutical sex pills and natural Viagra alternatives, often
called an aphrodisiac. Although many people are skeptical that natural Viagra
alternatives
work, I am 100 percent convinced that they do have a significant effect on
sexual enjoyment, stamina, erection and performance. This impotence pill is very popular,
and its cousins Levitra and Cialis are also quite popular.
Viagra works very well in most users to improve vasodilation
(dilation of blood vessels) and
increase erection quality. However, some people prefer to use
natural herbs since these herbs address the issue of libido and genital
sensation which Viagra is not able to do. Some people like to take aphrodisiac
herbs for general sexual enhancement, and then take Viagra on the day they plan
to have sexual activity. We do not suggest using sexual herbs the same day as
Viagra since unexpected side effects may occur. If you do use aphrodisiac herbs,
your dose of Viagra may be half as much since the herbs already have made a
positive influence of your sexual function and erectile potential.
What about natural Viagra alternatives, how effective are they, are they a
substitute for the medications, can they be taken together?
There are quite a number of herbal and natural
Viagra
alternatives
that I consider to have
aphrodisiac qualities. In fact, I am personally familiar with several dozen.
Some of my favorites herbs are included in Passion Rx. You could also read a comprehensive book
called Natural
Sex Boosters which devotes a chapter to each nutrient and herb.
As medical science has given us a greater understanding of human sexuality and
our own chemical processes that put us in the mood, research has uncovered how some
well-known and not so well-known
natural Viagra alternatives
actually work with our body chemistry to
lead to arousal and excitement. Various substances of animal and plant origin have now
been identified, allowing for testing and scientific understanding of their chemical
composition and mechanisms of action.
Herbal enhancers are not a precise natural Viagra alternative in the sense that they do not work exclusively as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Rather, the dozens of compounds in these plants and herbal blends have an influence on a number of natural chemical processes in the body and brain that influence sexuality.
The potent herbal extracts that increase libido include ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium monnieri, coleus forskohlii, epimedium, maca, mucuna pruriens, muira puama, passion flower, pfaffia paniculata, rhodiola, shilajit, tribulus terrestris, tongkat ali. Passion Rx is also available with yohimbe. These herbs can be taken together with lower dosages of prescription ED drugs.
Q. Thank you for your videos and advice, they are very
informative and practical. Is it safe to take prescription Viagra if your
cycling on tongkat Ali? Also do you feel tongkat could cause hair loss?
A. I have no reason to believe tongkat ali causes hair loss. Since
it takes two or three days for tongkat ali to work, it can be taken two or three
days in a row and then on the day of sexual activity, one can stop the herbal
aphrodisiac and instead take Viagra, perhaps a little lower dose than usual.
Impotence drugs currently available on
the market
Viagra,
Levitra, and
Cialis. Viagra is not just for
old men. The blockbuster impotence pill is being used by a growing number of men
under the age of 55.
The study of more than 5 million insured adults from 1998 to 2002 found the
fastest-growing segments of users was men aged 18 to 55 years. And fewer of
these men are using Viagra because they need to for impotence. These findings
suggest increased use of this prescription medication as an enhancement or recreational agent.
However, most Viagra users are over 56.
Popularity
Viagra and fertility
Laboratory studies conducted at Queen's University Belfast, UK suggest
that taking the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra may negatively affect sperm
function and possibly male
fertility. Dr. David R. J. Glenn
observed that exposure of cultured sperm to Viagra, compared to no exposure, led
to a "sustained enhancement of motility," both in numbers of progressively
motile sperm and their velocity. Exposure to Viagra -- at concentrations
equivalent to the average maximum total blood concentration present 30 minutes
after a single oral dose of 100 milligrams -- also caused a premature "acrosome
reaction." Acrosomes are structures that cover the head of the sperm and contain
a variety of enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the outer membrane of the
egg. Fertility and Sterility, May 2007.
Hearing loss
Men who take Pfizer's sildenafil or similar drugs for erectile dysfunction
increase their chances of hearing impairment. A study, based on a national
sample of American men over 40, found that slightly more than one in six of
those who did not take Viagra-like drugs -- for instance, Eli Lilly's Cialis --
were deaf or hard of hearing. Among those who took the drugs, however, almost
one in three had hearing loss, Gerald McGwin, an epidemiologist at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health says even after
accounting for other factors linked to hearing loss, hard-of-hearing men still
had twice the odds of taking Viagra. Drug makers already include a "black box"
warning about potential hearing loss on these products. Archives of
Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery, 2010.
Use for PTSD not effective
Sildenafil, aka Viagra, does not benefit vets who have erectile dysfunction (ED)
related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Viagra is often effective for ED
related to various causes -- including heart disease, high blood pressure and
diabetes. But studies indicate that as many of half of men who try the
medication do not respond adequately. Iranian researchers looked at whether
Viagra was helpful for combat veterans who were suffering from post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) as well as ED. Dr. Mohammad Reza Safarinejad, of Shahid
Beheshti University Research Center in Tehran found that the drug appeared no
more effective than placebo pills at improving the men's sexual function: 10
percent of Viagra patients reported normal erectile function by the study's end,
compared with 8 percent of men given a placebo, or dummy pill. Dr. Mohammad Reza
Safarinejad, of Shahid Beheshti University Research Center in Tehran says that
while about half of people with PTSD recover completely in a few months, many
others have symptoms that become chronic and debilitating. BJU International,
2009.
Natural Viagra Alternative Update
As many as half of the Viagra anti-impotence pills sold on the Internet
could be counterfeit. British scientists analyzed samples of Viagra
sold on web sites and found that some of the little blue pills contained
different components or less of the active ingredient than the top-selling drug
made by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc.
Study links impotence drugs to eye damage risk,
Optic nerve problems more likely in people with a history of heart disease
Impotence drugs such as Viagra and Cialis can increase the risk of eye damage in
men who have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure. Scientists at the University of Alabama in Birmingham found that men who
had suffered a heart attack were 10 times more likely to have optic nerve damage
if they had been taking leading anti-impotence pills. “For patients with a
history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), we did observe a strong and
statistically significant association suggestive of a link between the use of
Viagra and/or Cialis and an increased risk of NAION,” Dr. Gerald McGwin, who
headed the study, said in a report in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Non-arteritic
anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), is the most common cause of acute
optic nerve disease in people over 50 years old. It can cause permanent loss of
vision in one or both eyes. Viagra, made by Pfizer Inc and Eli Lilly and Co.’s
Cialis, are leading impotence treatments. McGwin and his team questioned 76 men,
half of whom suffered from NAION, who were treated at a specialist eye clinic in
the United States, about their smoking and drinking habits and use of
anti-impotence pills. Tens of millions of men have used Viagra and Cialis since
the treatments were launched. In May, the Food and Drug Administration in the
United States said it had received more than 40 reports of NAION involving
impotence drugs but had not determined whether the treatments were responsible.
Testimonial
I found your website by browsing the internet on the search for a safe treatment
option for my erectile dysfunction (ED) combined with reduced libido. When
reading the text on your website I became the impression, that you are dealing
very reliably and in a reputable way with everything by always showing both
sides of the coin and not simply praising your own products and trying to sell
them. So I believe, your response on my inquiry below will be as reputable and
reliable as well, and will very much help me in finding and making the right
decision.I am a 55 year-old male. I lost my wife to breast cancer 11 years ago,
and when I found a new girl-friend (or better “lady-friend” in my age…) in 2011
I had to learn, that I became fully unable to build up an erection. This was
never a problem in younger years, but as the last time I had sexual intercourse
with my wife was very long ago. The first option I tried were the well-known
PDE5 inhibitors Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, but only Levitra showed a slight
effect. Viagra and Cialis didn’t work at all on my penis, and with Viagra I ran
into many side effects like severe headache, congested nose and the like.When
drilling deeper into the root cause, physicians detected quite a lot of
so-called venous leakages in my penis and pelvis and recommended me a penile
implant to “re-install” the erectibility of my penis. As this is an act of
surgery and also a “one-way ticket”, I refrained from this option and underwent
two rounds of therapeutic embolization of the Plexus Santorini and the veins
through which the blood flew out of my penis instead. This helped me a bit, but
on Monday this week new venous leakages have been detected, and an Alprostadil
(prostaglandin) injection (25 µg) into my penis led to only a minute erection
(if any…). In any case this “erection” was never sufficient to have intercourse
with it….On the other hand I am still able to climax and ejaculate, and the
feeling of my orgasm is still very strong. Is there any help and support you can
offer me with dietary supplements, herbal extracts and the like to get a
treatment of this (psychically very demanding) situation?
A. This is a difficult condition to treat but sometimes trial and
error with different herbal alternatives, such as tongkat ali, or catuaba, could
help. But if there is little response to the ED medications, it is difficult to
predict whether the herbs will be effective.
Warning labels
Viagra: “Less common side effects that may occur are temporary changes in
color vision (such as trouble telling the difference between blue and green
objects or having a blue color tinge to them), eyes being more sensitive to
light or blurred vision.”
Cialis: “may uncommonly cause ... vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge
to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue
and green.”
Levitra: “may uncommonly cause ... vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge
to objects or having difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue
and green.”
Viagra and vision lawsuit
A Houston man filed a lawsuit in June
2005 in federal court against Pfizer, claiming he suffered blindness after
taking its best-selling erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. James Thompson filed
the civil suit against Pfizer in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of Texas on Tuesday and is seeking more than $75,000 for his vision
loss. He is also seeking class-action status because it has been estimated that
since 1998, 23 million people have taken the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra,
the trade name for sildenafil.
Q. I am a retired police pilot (helicopter and
fixed-wings) and have been able to maintain my FAA Medical since 1967.
Once, while investigating the first occurrence of tinnitus with sudden hearing
loss in 2003 an MRI was taken to rule out a tumor, and only disclosed an image
of an old infarct in my right lobe. I never have had any signs or symptoms of a
stroke, so this was a total shock to me. Repeat MRIs showed no change, but the
neurologist (and a second neurologist) strongly cautioned me against using
Viagra drug for my quest to reverse erectile dysfunction. The tinnitus repeated
during 2003, but suddenly stopped; I finally renewed my medical and have been
getting mountain flying training, no problems. I have tried Viagra erectile
dysfunction drug three times prior to this ear investigation, there was one
obvious positive result, one probable, but I discontinued use due to a long-term
psychological resistance to intercourse, which now seems to be slowly reversing
with extensive counseling. Now I am willing
to try another approach, and need to know if Passion Rx has any related side
effects that the FAA could object to when renewing my medical in the future. If
Passion Rx is truly safe, a lot of old-fart pilots should be customers,
especially the airline types, with all those cabin attendants hanging around.
No, I am not a member of the "Mile-High Club."
A. None of the herbs in Passion Rx are tested in drug tests, and we
have no reason the FAA would object to any of the herbs. Passion Rx without
yohimbe may be a good option since it yohimbe sometimes causes mild visual
changes for a couple of hours whereas Passion Rx without yohimbe actually can
improve vision. The use of an erectile dysfunction drug causes blurred vision
for several hours. Actually, some people have had permanent vision loss using
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra erectile dysfunction drugs. Passion Rx also improves
alertness. It would be a good idea, if your doctor approves, to use only half a
capsule of Passion Rx until you get a good sense of how it works for you.
Natural Viagra alternative questions
Q. Would you consider horny goat weed a natural Viagra alternative?
A. I still have not come across any single herb that is
as good in enhancing an erection and a good natural Viagra alternative and quick acting
except perhaps for yohimbe which has unpleasant side effects in high dosages.
Q. I'm an Italian man 70 y.o. My question is: is it possible
to take Viagra together with Passion Rx ??
A. We suggest using Passion Rx the day before, but not the same day
as Viagra.
Q. I just ordered some Passion Rx as natural Viagra alternative
and had a question. I know if you are taking Viagra or something and have a
heart attack they need to know you are taking it because being given nitroglyceren while taking Viagra could be fatal. Is there a similar danger with
Passion Rx? I don't plan on having a heart attack but if I did do I need to tell
the hospital staff I'm taking this natural alternative.
A. We are not aware of an association between Passion Rx and
nitroglycerin. Viagra is a single substance that works directly to dilate blood
vessels and hence it's potential risk for problems with nitroglycerin. Passion
Rx has about 2 dozen herbs and nutrients. Each herb has dozens of different
substances in it.
Q. Is arginine a natural alternative to Viagra since it
converts into nitric oxide?
A. I personally do not consider arginine to be a natural
alternative to Viagra since, even though it may convert into nitric oxide, the
effects are short lived.
Q. I would like to buy a Viagra alternative but I am not sure
which one will work for me.
A. It is impossible to predict which herb or herbal combination is
best suited for a person without trial and error. If you would like to buy a
Viagra alternative, try tongkat ali, LJ100, mucuna pruriens, or better yet a
combination of several herbs found in Passion Rx.
Q. Can passion Rx with Yohimbe be taken with Viagra? Can you
continue to use Viagra and take Passion Rx?
A. We suggest not taking them the same day. Passion Rx can be taken
2 days or 1 day before using Viagra, but not the same day as Viagra.
Q. I am looking for a Viagra alternative. I am in good
health, albeit overweight. I currently weigh about 250 and should weigh in the
215 – 220 range, based on I feel and look. medical charts for height would have
me in the 185 – 190 range. Not going to happen. I was born in1944 (62
years old). At approximately age 52 I started having erectile dysfunction
symptoms. I went to a clinic which was pushing growth hormones and medicines
which allegedly reversed aging. Very expensive and I couldn’t afford to even try
their solutions. I did get a prescription for Viagra. The Viagra has always work
for me, but I have an uncomfortable feeling in my eyes (usually the right one) I
worry that the Viagra could be doing permanent damage to my sight. I have in the
past been noted to have borderline high blood pressure, however that symptom has
not been present since I moved from Florida to El Paso. This could be a
reduction in stress and it could be partly due to the medicines I am currently
taking. In November 2006 I went to the emergency clinic at Fort Belvoir with
what I thought was bronchitis or possibly pneumonia. As it turns out I was in
Atrial Fibrillation and that was the real cause of my symptoms. In the hospital
they put me on Diltiazem Inter venous to reduce heart rate. The heart self
corrected out of Afib to a regular heart beat. In March 2007 the doctor I am
currently seeing prescribed Zocor for my cholesterol level. Currently Meds:
Coumadin (warafin) – 7.5 per day six days 10 on 7th day. Purpose is to thin
blood thus preventing a possible clot in case of another Atrial fibrillation
event. Diltiazem ( tiazac ) – 240 mg. which were prescribed in November after I
had an fairly serious Atrial fibrillation event. Zacor – 10 mg. to lower my
cholesteral. 1. I have taken Viagra in the past I get a feeling that I would
describe as an uncomfortable pressure in the eyes (especially the right eye).
I'm worried that this could be, or could in the future case permanent damage.
The cardiologist at William Beaumont saw no danger to my heart from using
Viagra. Internet research confirms his opinion. However the eye sight is a
different story. Coumadin and / or Dilitiazen seems to effect my energy level
and leaves me with diet considerations that don't please me. Why not just a
aspirin regiment to keep the blood thin enough to reduce the odds of a clot in
case of another Atrial fibrillation? Coumadin reduces my food options. Many
minerals and supplements that I could take in the past have been removed. This
may be the answer to the energy level issue. Zocor affects the liver. As a
recovering alcoholic (sober since April 1979) I can't imagine that would be an
acceptable side effect. The doctor I've been seeing says that we can monitor for
damage. I'd rather come up with a stricter diet and use supplements. Can my
current prescription medicines be safely replaced with natural supplements,
minerals, diet etc? Is there a natural viagra alternative to use? With the
current meds in my system what are the potential side effects with ED product
Passion-Rx Yohimbe?
A. We appreciate your email. However, we can't make any medical
decisions for you, that is the role of your doctor. Also, we would not recommend
Passion Rx for anyone who has a heart condition.
Q. I have read about Passion Rx for ED. I have also read
about Viagra and the possibility of eye problems associated with it's use. The
specific eye problem is NAION. Is there any data about Passion Rx and eye
problems associated with it since it is an herbal product.
A. The composition of Passion Rx is 100 percent different than
Viagra or other ED drugs. There is no risk for eye damage from Passion Rx and no
risk for NAION.
Q. I have read the ingredients in Passion Rx and I have seen the same ingredients in other
formulas or just slightly different. What makes this product
work so well, and other products that I have tried, not work so well. The
ingredients you have in this product have been around for a long time. If the
ingredients are that potent wouldn’t customers try more of this product than
Viagra?
A. There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of a
sexual enhancing product. The ingredients, whether they are just the powders or
concentrated extracts, the amounts of the ingredients, the quality of the raw
material, etc. Also, the product may not work well if the dosages are too high
or too low. Viagra works rather quickly and many people want a quick effect and
prefer a drug. Viagra only works for erection enhancement, not for sensation or
libido. Passion Rx works in a more comprehensive manner and supports many
aspects of the sexual response, but it does not work in an hour like Viagra.
Normally it takes a few days for the full benefits to be noticed.
Q. I also take Viagra. Will it be safe if I also took the
Passion Rx. Also, is this a natural herb and are there any side effects. Is it
also approved by the FDA.
A. We don't recommend taking Viagra and passion the same day,
passion can be taken for the 2 previous days and less of a Viagra dose can be
used on the day of activity. All the ingredients in Passion Rx are approved by
the FDA. This is an all natural formula with herbs. Yes, there are side effects,
see the link above for Passion Rx.
I have had prostate cancer and 1 nerve bundle removed. Viagra
helps me achieve an erection. Which of your products would you recommend?
We can't make any specific recommendations, but you may wish
to read our page regarding treatment of impotence.
I had a radical prostatectomy several years ago with my
surgeon using the Da Vinci procedure. I had Gleason 5, with positive margins on
the left lobe only. No cancer on the right lobe of the prostate. I have had
undetectable PSA ever since. My blood serum testosterone is about 450. I am now
66 y/o. I am extremely wary of any testosterone product. I use Viagra, and have
a satisfactory response. I rarely have an orgasm, and when I do, it isn’t very
good. Is the Tongkat Ali an appropriate herb for me? I am looking at a product
from LifeForce Energy, that has 100 mg of Tongkat Ali with Maca Root (400 mg).
Also Niacin and Zinc are in the compound. Recommended dosage 2 capsules daily.
If that is not the right product for me, if indeed any is given my cancer
history, is there one that would be?
A. I am not aware of any of the herbs used for libido improvement
and ED to be contraindicated in those who have a history of prostate cancer.
Maybe you can help me. I am looking into Viagra alternatives.
I see several natural products on the market, but I don't want anything with
Yohimbe. Also, it seems that the FDA has banned herbal supplements with
sildenafil or like substances in them and there is alot of noise on
the web about this. My first question is: do herbal aphrodisiacs and libido
boosters like Safed Musli, ashwagandha, maca, tongkat ali, tribulus terrestris extract, Smilax Extract, or Shilajit naturally contain any sildenafil-like
substances? My second question is: are there any herbs that contain sildenafil-like
substances? My last question is: is there a place I can get a list of US and/or
European approved herbal substances that might be used as Viagra alternatives?
I am not aware of any of these herbs containing substances
that are chemically similar to sildenafil. I am not aware of any official list
of herbal substances that are listed as such. You may consider reading a book
called Natural Sex Boosters that reviews the benefits of aphrodisiac herbs.