The Best Male Enhancement Pills (That Actually Work!)

October 02, 2024

3 mins

Erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States. Up until the late 1990s, there were few options available for treatment. With the approval of Viagra® in 1998 – followed by Levitra® (vardenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil) – prescription PDE5 inhibitors became the most effective medications for treating ED. 

These drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing for better erections – but they all require a prescription from a licensed medical professional.

In response, a surge of over-the-counter male enhancement pills hit the market, claiming to offer similar results without the need for a prescription. While many of these OTC products are ineffective, there are a few that may actually help, based on their ingredients and user reviews.

Revitalize your intimacy discreetly.

Explore our ED treatment options.

Get Started

The Best Male Enhancement Pills Available Today

VigRX Plus

VigRX Plus has been a leading name in male enhancement supplements since 2007, with over 1.2 million boxes sold. Its main ingredients include:

• Panax ginseng

• Serenoa repens

• Crataegus rivularis

• Ginkgo biloba

• Turnera diffusa

These ingredients may boost nitric oxide levels, improving blood flow to the penis and enhancing sexual performance.

A 12-week study showed that VigRX Plus improved erection quality, orgasm satisfaction, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction compared to a placebo. VigRX Plus is designed for daily use, with results typically visible after a month or two. The company offers a 67-day money-back guarantee.

Performer 8

Performer 8 is a supplement designed to improve eight key aspects of sexual performance, including stamina, testosterone levels, libido, sperm mobility, and erection strength. Its ingredients – such as panax ginseng, muira puama extract, horny goat weed, glucuronolactone, and maca root – aim to increase blood flow and enhance sexual health.

The recommended dose is three capsules daily, and Performer 8 comes with a lifetime money-back guarantee, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its effectiveness.

Viasil

Viasil – particularly popular among men over 40 – focuses on increasing energy levels and nitric oxide production. Its naturally derived ingredients include:

• Citrus sinensis

• Epimedium brevicornum

• Ginkgo biloba

• Tribulus terrestris

• Zinc

Viasil is generally well-tolerated, and users report improvement after several weeks of daily use.

Male Extra

Since 2009, Male Extra has sold over 12 million tablets, with an emphasis on increasing nitric oxide levels to improve blood flow. Its unique ingredients – L-arginine HCL and pomegranate ellagic, along with niacin, zinc, and cordyceps – work together to enhance erectile function. 

While results can take up to six months, Male Extra offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied.

The Risks of Male Enhancement Pills

While some male enhancement supplements may help improve sexual function, it's important to note that these products are not FDA-approved, and the science behind many of their ingredients is limited. The FDA has also found that some OTC male enhancement products contain unlisted pharmaceutical ingredients like sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra®. For men with certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular issues, taking these hidden ingredients could be dangerous.

Supplements should not be expected to increase penis size, despite the misleading claims made by many manufacturers. Currently, there are no proven medications or supplements that can enlarge the penis — surgical intervention remains the only option for size enhancement.

Prescription Medications for ED

Though OTC supplements may provide some benefits, prescription medications like Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra® are the most reliable treatments for ED. These PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of nitric oxide, allowing for improved erections.

Viagra®

Known as the little blue pill, Viagra® (sildenafil) was the first FDA-approved treatment for ED. It revolutionized sexual medicine by providing an effective solution for men who previously had few options.

Viagra works by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which breaks down a key molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is essential for relaxing the smooth muscle in blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis, which allows for an erection in response to sexual stimulation. By preventing PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, Viagra helps maintain higher levels of this molecule, resulting in improved erectile function.

Viagra is typically taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity and remains effective for about four to five hours. It's important to note that Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and requires sexual arousal to work.

The side effects are generally mild and include headaches, facial flushing, and indigestion, but more severe side effects like changes in vision or hearing loss can occur in rare cases. Viagra's widespread success paved the way for other ED treatments, establishing it as a cornerstone of sexual health.

Cialis®

Cialis® (tadalafil) entered the market in 2003 and offered a new level of convenience and spontaneity for men with ED. Like Viagra, Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by enhancing blood flow to the penis, enabling erections in response to sexual stimulation. However, Cialis stands out for its flexibility, as it is available in both a daily low-dose option and a higher-dose on-demand option.

For men who prefer more spontaneity in their sexual activity, the daily Cialis dose can be an ideal solution. The daily version allows men to maintain consistent levels of the medication in their bloodstream, making it possible to achieve an erection at any time, without the need to time the pill around sexual activity. This eliminates the need for planning ahead and enables a more natural sexual experience. On-demand Cialis, taken 30 minutes before sexual activity, lasts much longer than Viagra — up to 36 hours — which is why it is often called the "weekend pill."

Cialis is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can cause urinary symptoms in men. The ability to treat both BPH and ED makes Cialis a versatile option for men dealing with multiple health concerns. Side effects are similar to those of Viagra and include headaches, indigestion, and muscle aches. However, Cialis is generally well-tolerated, and its long-lasting effects have made it a popular choice for men seeking greater flexibility in their treatment.

Levitra®

Levitra® (vardenafil) is another PDE5 inhibitor that offers men an alternative to Viagra and Cialis. Introduced in 2003, Levitra provides an effective solution for men who may not respond as well to the other two medications. It works in the same way as Viagra and Cialis by blocking the PDE5 enzyme and promoting increased blood flow to the penis.

One key advantage of Levitra is that it may work better for men with certain health conditions – such as diabetes or high cholesterol – which can interfere with the effectiveness of other ED medications. In clinical trials, Levitra has been shown to be particularly effective for men with these underlying health issues, offering a viable option for those who need a more personalized treatment approach.

Levitra is typically taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and its effects last for about four to five hours, similar to Viagra. Men who experience side effects from Viagra or Cialis may find that Levitra causes fewer issues, as it is often associated with fewer vision-related side effects. Common side effects of Levitra include headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion, but these tend to be mild and short-lived.

For men seeking an ED treatment tailored to their unique needs, Levitra provides a reliable alternative with proven efficacy. Its ability to cater to men with specific health conditions has made it a respected option in the world of sexual medicine.

How Rex MD Can Help

If you're considering male enhancement options, it's crucial to do your research and consult with a healthcare provider before trying supplements or medications. While supplements may offer some benefits, proven prescription medications like Viagra® and Cialis® are the most effective treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Rex MD makes it easier than ever to access these ED medications, offering an affordable and discreet way to improve your sexual health. Get started today.