Before ordering sex pills online, make sure you know the risks involved. Here are 7 things to know before buying sexual enhancement pills from online stores.
Did you know that back in 1995, more than 150 million men suffered from erectile dysfunction?
That’s right!
What’s more, the World Health Organization projects this to double to 320 million by 2025!
What’s even worse is that one in four males younger than 40 now suffers from ED too. This proves that “flaccidity” or “limpness” is no longer just an “aging” problem.
With so many people affected by sexual dysfunction, it’s no wonder that the market is now full of sex pills. Some claim to work in under 30 minutes, while others promise “long-lasting” fun.
And while some of these do work, many others carry serious potential risks.
So, which ones should you try and which ones should you completely ditch? And what are the risks of trying OTC male enhancement supplements?
This post will reveal all the answers you’re looking for, so be sure to keep reading!
- Determine Your Problem First to Know Which Products Best Suit Your Condition
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is only one type of sexual problem, although it’s one of the most common. In North America, researchers suggest that its prevalence rate is between 20.7% to 57.8%.
Premature ejaculation, in fact, is more common than ED. According to studies, one in three men from ages 18 to 59 suffer from this condition.
Delayed ejaculation, although not that common, still affects between 1% and 5% of men.
Many other males also suffer from arousal disorders, making them disinterested in sex.
As you can see, not all sexual problems trace back to erectile dysfunction. And not all sexual enhancement products are for the sole purpose of treating ED.
To date, there are only four drug types approved by the Food and Drug Authority for ED. These include sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil. Note that these drugs are only approved for treating erectile dysfunction.
Doctors, however, can prescribe some of these drugs to help with premature ejaculation. As for delayed ejaculation, non-ED drugs like amantadine (a Parkinson’s medication) may help.
This is why it’s important that you first determine what your problem is. You want to make sure that you’re taking something designed to help with your exact condition. Otherwise, the product may aggravate your condition, or worse, cause serious side effects.
- Not All Sex Pills Sold Online Are FDA-Approved
You likely know of sildenafil for its brand name “Viagra” and tadalafil as “Cialis”. Ardenafil’s branded version is “Levitra” and the branded option for avanafil is “Stendra”.
All four are types of PDE5 inhibitors. They work by relaxing the muscles while also boosting the flow of blood to the body, including the penis.
This increased blood flow to the penis is what allows the user to obtain and maintain an erection. This function is what the FDA has approved these drugs for. It’s the reason that doctors prescribe them mainly for erectile dysfunction.
That said, you won’t see these drugs marketed as “male enhancement pills”. If you encounter products using such terms, that means that the FDA hasn’t approved them.
- Many Sexual Enhancement Products Have “Hidden” Ingredients
The FDA has found hundreds of tainted sexual enhancement products over the years. Many of these feature a cocktail of ingredients approved for prescription drugs. Yes, they’re “approved”, but their combination is what makes them potentially dangerous.
Moreover, their active ingredient content has the potential of interacting with other drugs. This is especially true for prescription nitrates, which diabetic patients often take. These hidden ingredients can cause a person’s blood pressure to go down to deadly levels.
- Some Use Unapproved Ingredients
Blue Fusion Capsules are a perfect example of these products. The FDA found these male enhancement supplements to have both sildenafil and tadalafil. However, it also contains two other similar ingredients: dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil and desmethyl carbodenafil.
These two are both unapproved sildenafil analogs, which already make them risky. More than that, there are reports of fatal desmethyl carbodenafil toxicity.
- Others Contain None of the Listed Ingredients at All
Many over-the-counter male pills are also lying about their ingredients. Experts say that these products don’t have the ingredients they claim to have.
- Legit Online Pharmacies Always Require Prescription for ED Pills
All the drugs approved by the FDA for erectile dysfunction require a prescription. Whether it’s branded or generic, you need to provide your prescription before you can buy them.
And yes, the same rule applies when you buy these drugs online. E-pharmacies like PricePro Pharmacy will only accept your orders with a prescription.
That said, if you encounter a website that sells ED drugs but doesn’t ask for a prescription, it’s best to back off. It’s possible that they’re selling adulterated or even fake products. Taking these unlicensed pills or supplements can put you in your serious safety risk.
- Seek Medical Advice Instead of Trying these “Male Enhancement Pills”
If you have sexual problems, don’t buy the first “enhancement” product you see online. Instead, speak to a doctor ASAP, since sexual dysfunction can be a sign of a bigger problem, such as diabetes. In fact, men with diabetes are at three times more at risk of developing ED.
Another health condition that can be causing your sexual problems is atherosclerosis. This occurs when plaque forms and accumulates inside the arteries. Plaque consists of substances like fats and cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries, which then limits oxygen flow to the organs. It can affect any artery in the body, including those that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can then lead to the development of coronary heart disease (CAD).
Studies found that 42% to 57% of men with CAD also suffer from erectile dysfunction. The researchers also suggested that it could be even higher, as many men don’t like to talk about ED.
Even if you don’t have these health problems, your best option is to still consult a doctor. Only a doctor can come up with the right treatment course for your sexual problems. Besides, they’re the only ones who can prescribe you FDA-approved ED treatments.
Don’t Risk It: Stick to FDA-Approved ED Drugs
As you can see, unregulated, over-the-counter sex pills can be a serious health threat. You’ve got enough on your plate, so the last thing you want is to experience these products’ side effects. Besides, they’re not even backed by science, so you might just end up wasting your money.
Your best option is to seek medical advice and get a prescription for FDA-approved ED drugs. Even though these treatments still carry some risk, they’re at least proven to work. And you can avoid these risks anyway, so long as you follow their dosage instructions.
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