It seems like there is a lot of focus on enhancing the penis these days. However, with so many things in the penis health sphere, it’s getting harder and harder to know what works and how it works and most importantly if it’s safe. Today, let’s talk about three different kinds of penis supplements and how they work and what contraindications to look for to have a happy, healthy hard-on!

Prescription Penis Supplements

Probably the “supplement” most associated with the penis is a medication called sildenafil. It is most commonly known as Viagra. It is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. PDE-5s help men by enhancing erectile response when a man is aroused. Two other commonly known PDE-5s are Cialis and Levitra.

A common misconception about these enhancers is that they produce boners out of thin air. This is not true. PDE-5s are only useful when a man is already aroused or stimulated. This is because when a man is aroused, nitric oxide (NO) is released, which starts the whole erection production process. In a nutshell, the NO creates an enzyme known as cGMP, which relaxes the muscle and lets the blood flow, creating an erection. Viagra maintains levels of the cGMP so the erection can receive more blood and for a longer time, resulting in a longer-lasting erection.

A doctor can prescribe this popular penis supplement if they decide it’s a good fit. It is not safe for most heart patients and does interact with some medications.

Herbs as Penis Supplements

Everyone has heard the ancient stories that promise a throbbing member by eating tiger penis. However, some herbs have had anecdotal success when used to help performance. Unfortunately, there isn’t much clinical data supporting herb therapy. Horny Goat Weed has been shown to aid performance, but no one knows why (they think it alters hormones, potentially making extra testosterone). However, some herbs have been shown to increase blood flow in the body and may be used to help with erectile function; these herbs include cayenne, ginger, red ginseng, yohimbe, ginkgo biloba, hawthorn, and black pepper.

It's important to note that the US government does not regulate herbs, so dosages and quality cannot be accurately measured. Herbs can also interact with medications, so see a doctor before starting an herbal penis supplement.

Vitamins for the Penis

Finally, let’s talk about penis supplements in the form of vitamins. Naturally occurring in the body and in nature, vitamins are a great option for giving the trouser snake a little “oomph.” There are a few vitamins and amino acids that show promise in helping a man experience greater firmness and maintain it longer.

Several studies have found that vitamin D is important to healthy penis function. In a study performed by Johns Hopkins University, it was found that men who had a vitamin D deficiency were 32% more likely to have erectile dysfunction. Keep in mind that one-third of the American populace has a vitamin D deficiency. Get tested to see if this could be limpening the worm.

Vitamin C boosts NO in the body to produce a stronger erection. But it has a double-positive effect for the penis; it also prevents NO from breaking down, resulting in longer-lasting erections. Vitamin C has been shown to have greater absorption and efficacy when taken with vitamin E.

It’s been found that men who are low in folic acid have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Vitamin B6, also known as folic acid, boosts NO production and erectile response. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is also beneficial to the penis. In short, get your Bs to help with your D.

Not as commonly known but gaining popularity is an amino acid called L-arginine. It too creates NO as well and helps blood flow powerfully to the penis for hard, maintained erections.

There are many ways to take vitamins for the penis. They can be eaten in foods, taken in supplement form, and applied topically. Applying a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) can be a great way to get all of the above penis supplements and a few extras as well, like vitamin A and L-carnitine to protect the penis against nerve damage and infections. With a crème like this, “taking your vitamins” every day has never been more enjoyable!