A study of L-arginine's effect on heart attack survivors had to be stopped early after six people taking the supplement died.
- Regular exercise can improve blood flow, enhancing sexual arousal.
- Adequate sleep supports hormone production linked to libido.
- Managing stress through mindfulness can positively impact desire.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with increased libido.
This comes from bark of a tree native to Africa. "It does promote penile blood flow, but you have no idea whether the supplement you're taking has too much or too little," warns Dr. O'Leary.
| Factor | Description | Impact on Libido | Tips for Improvement | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Exercise | Aerobic and strength training | Increases blood flow, mood | Aim for 3-4 sessions weekly | Reduces stress and anxiety |
| Stress Management | Meditation, yoga, deep breathing | Enhances arousal, reduces cortisol | Practice daily or as needed | Improves overall well-being |
| Adequate Sleep | 7-9 hours per night | Restores hormonal balance | Maintain sleep schedule | Avoid screens before bed |
| Communication with Partner | Open dialogue about desires | Builds intimacy, trust | Schedule regular talks | Enhances emotional connection |
| Limiting Alcohol | Moderate consumption | Prevents negative impact on desire | Limit to 1-2 drinks per occasion | Excess can decrease libido |
| Avoiding Smoking | Tobacco use cessation | Improves blood flow, health | Seek support if needed | Benefits overall health |
Another warning: yohimbine may damage heart function and may cause high blood pressure (hypertension), headaches, agitation, insomnia, and sweating. Lifestyle changes can help boost sexual activity without medication. "Very good data have shown that in men, weight loss alone improves sexual function. It's probably because fat makes estrogen, which fights testosterone needed for sexual function," Dr. O'Leary says.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
"For example, when researchers did clinical trials for the prescription medication sildenafil [Viagra], the placebo response was about 30%. Which tells you that the most important sex organ you have is your brain. In men, the brain controls the stimulus to get blood flow to the penis, and furthermore, it controls orgasm and ejaculation. That's why a lot of people with normal vascular function still have sexual dysfunction." But what about the claims that over-the-counter supplements can increase your libido or sexual endurance? They are simply marketing promises designed to sell you a bottle of pills, and nobody's checking in advance to make sure they're accurate.
Symptoms of Low Libido
For example, a 2015 review of top-selling supplements for men's sexual health, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, found little or no evidence to support claims they could improve aspects of sexual performance. While the FDA has the responsibility to approve the use of any conventional pharmaceutical and to monitor how it is manufactured, the FDA has no such responsibility with regard to supplements. That means unscrupulous companies can sell any cenforce 100mg tablet products they like, and the supplements won't be pulled from the shelves until and unless the FDA proves they're unsafe. So when it comes to supplements, buyer beware! Some sexual function supplements may contain potentially dangerous impurities or small amounts of hidden pharmaceutical drugs — like traces of PDE5 inhibitors, medications in the same class that includes prescription erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra.
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This can produce dangerous, even life-threatening, reactions. Popular sexual performance supplements often contain a blend of ingredients (sometimes dozens of them). Some of the best-selling include DHEA (short for dehydroepiandrosterone, an adrenal hormone), ginkgo biloba, fenugreek, ginseng, horny goat weed, L-arginine, maca, tribulus, yohimbine, and zinc. Dr. O'Leary says most of those won't help your love life. Other things that can help for both sexes: exercising and smoking cessation, which improve blood flow to the sexual organs; limiting alcohol intake, since large amounts can dampen sexual reflexes and the ability of men to maintain an erection; and eating a healthy diet, which helps maintain a healthy weight.
| Aspect | Description | Common Issues | Therapeutic Approaches | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Image | Self-esteem, body confidence | Dissatisfaction, anxiety | Counseling, positive reinforcement | Practice self-care and mindfulness |
| Emotional Connection | Trust, intimacy with partner | Emotional distance, stress | Couples therapy, communication skills | Prioritize quality time |
| Libido and Stress | Impact of chronic stress on desire | Anxiety, fatigue | Relaxation techniques, therapy | Incorporate hobbies and leisure activities |
| Past Trauma | Past sexual or emotional trauma | Fear, avoidance | Therapy, support groups | Seek professional psychological support |
| Mental Health | Depression, anxiety | Reduced desire, fatigue | Medication, counseling | Maintain routine, seek support |
If these approaches aren't helping, your doctor may be able to find a solution — that could involve treating an underlying condition or prescribing medication (for men) or lubricants and low-dose vaginal estrogen products for vaginal dryness and painful sex in women.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 12 Pills | 60.21€ 57.34€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 10 Pills | 40.96€ 39.01€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 10mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 407.94€ 388.51€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 20 Pills | 62.99€ 59.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 225.33€ 214.60€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 201.34€ 191.75€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 40mg | 90 + 2 Pills | 348.59€ 331.99€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 12 Pills | 57.55€ 54.81€ | |
| Kamagra Gold | 100 mg | 84 + 6 Pills | 264.44€ 251.85€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100 mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 180.59€ 171.99€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100 mg | 12 Pills | 60.21€ 57.34€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100 mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 327.15€ 311.57€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 60mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 198.85€ 189.38€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 10mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 146.17€ 139.21€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 21 Sachets | 78.66€ 74.91€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 270 + 30 Pills | 390.61€ 372.01€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 60 + 8 Pills | 230.32€ 219.35€ |
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
Preparing for your appointment
Not just placebos, these supplements can help you be more interested in sexual activity and have more physically enjoyable sex. While ingredients like l-arginine can increase nitric oxide in the body and stimulate arousal that way, Desire supports both the physical and mental aspects of arousal. This supplement is specially formulated for women to target female sexual performance and vaginal health. This supplement does not contain FDA-regulated drugs like Addyi, Viagra (sildenafil), etc. Instead, our formulation contains natural active ingredients.
Vaginal Function Concerns: Women’s Libido Booster #3
Unlike prescription drugs, herbal supplements and other natural sex pills and enhancement pills are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so have a conversation with a medical provider before starting a new treatment. They can tell you if your symptoms of sexual dysfunction are indicators of more serious medical conditions, talk through any potential side effects, and your about your treatment options if you’re going through menopause, have low estrogen, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, or are taking antidepressants. It's February — time to think about roses, chocolates, sweethearts, and romance. And if those sentiments bring you to a certain drugstore aisle stocked with pills and potions promising to boost your sex life, you may want to think twice before buying any. "Most are a phenomenal waste of money, in my opinion," says Dr.
What creates high libido?
Michael O'Leary, a urologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. With a few exceptions, most supplements for sexual function haven't been studied scientifically. At best, says Dr. O'Leary, they have a placebo effect (a beneficial result from an inactive treatment). "That's not trivial in itself," he notes. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Natural ways to increase your libido include eating foods with aphrodisiac properties, reducing stress, and building intimacy with a partner.
Low Libido Symptoms
There is a wide natural variation in people’s sexual desires and libido. It is important to note that having a lower libido than other people is not necessarily a problem. However, if a person wants to increase their libido, many methods are available to try. These include eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, reducing anxiety, and focusing on improving intimate relationships. Low libido is a complex issue with relationship, psychological, and physical components.
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Understanding the cause can help a person find the best treatment. While low libido, or a sudden shift in libido, can be a sign of a health condition, it is safest to talk with a doctor before trying libido boosters. Price and inventory may vary from online to in store. Not sold at your storeSame Day Delivery availableShipping Available Not sold at your storeSame Day Delivery availableShipping Available Out of stock at your storeSame Day Delivery availableShipping Available Not sold in storesSame Day Delivery unavailableShipping Available Not sold in storesSame Day Delivery unavailableShipping Available Not sold in storesSame Day Delivery unavailableShipping Available A daily women’s sexual health supplement A daily women’s sexual health supplement Helps mood enhancement and supports sexual arousal Helps mood enhancement and supports sexual arousal For best results, take 2 capsules each day. Active ingredients: Ashwagandha, L-Citrulline, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Damiana Leaf Inactive ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide Arousal can be a tricky dance, so Desire is formulated with ingredients that help with both the physical and mental aspects of sexual function and well-being.
Make Dietary Changes
We have supplements to target your mental health, digestive health, skin health, and libido, so you can build a routine for your health care needs. Find some calm: stress can affect physical and mental aspects of low sexual desire. Take better care: drinking less and exercising more can be real libido boosters. Talk it out: communication can seriously strengthen your connection and your sex life. Moderates feelings of stress to help you get in the mood Improves blood flow for more sensation and helps improve low libido Improves flow in blood vessels and relaxes genital muscles These supplements address some of the most top-of-mind health concerns for women From mental health to gut health, these supplements support a range of connected concerns The ingredients in these supplement formulations are chosen with care and backed by science There are many reasons for low libido and sexual satisfaction, and over the counter natural supplements and libido enhancers can help. Sometimes, medical treatment or therapy can help. Libido is just another name for sexual desire. Various internal and external factors can affect your libido, from your hormone levels to your medications to your sleep habits.
| Extract | Main Active Compound | Evidence Quality | Reported Effect | Typical Dosage | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Cohosh | Triterpene glycosides | Moderately strong | Relief of menopausal symptoms | 40-80 mg daily | Potential liver concerns |
| Red Clover | Isoflavones | Moderate | Hormonal balance, libido support | 80-160 mg daily | May affect hormone-sensitive conditions |
| Saw Palmetto | Fatty acids | Weak to moderate | Hormone regulation | 160-320 mg daily | Generally safe, use with caution |
| Damiana | Flavonoids | Limited evidence | Aphrodisiac effects | 100-200 mg daily | Caution for hormone-sensitive individuals |
| Muira Puama | Alkaloids | Anecdotal evidence | Libido enhancement | 300-600 mg daily | Limited research available |
Everyone’s libido is different, but it’s common Keep reading to learn natural ways you can improve your libido and sexual performance with changes to diet, exercise, and stress management, and when to consider talking with a healthcare professional. Little evidence supports the effectiveness of certain foods, but there’s no harm in experimenting. Figs, bananas, and avocados, for example, are considered libido-boosting foods or aphrodisiacs. These foods also provide important vitamins and minerals that can increase blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.
- Pelvic floor exercises improve blood flow and sexual pleasure.
- Herbal supplements like damiana may serve as natural libido enhancers.
- Avoiding excessive caffeine can prevent anxiety that hampers desire.
- Acupuncture has been used to help improve sexual function.
Throughout history, chocolate has been a symbol of desire, not just because of its delicious taste but also because of its power to improve sexual pleasure.
Is it safe to use OTC products for sexual health?
But there may be a few exceptions. This amino acid provides the raw material from which the body makes nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and open blood vessels, a necessary step to achieve an erection of the penis. "But putting that into a pill isn't proven to produce an erection," Dr. O'Leary says. Moreover, people with heart disease should avoid it. Serotonin may also regulate blood flow to the genital tissues, which Next time you sit down for a romantic dinner, add some basil or garlic to your dish. The smell of basil stimulates the senses, while garlic contains high levels of allicin, which acts as a vasodilator to Though more research is needed, these effects could potentially help people with erectile dysfunction (ED). Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of the West African evergreen, has been known to work similarly to Viagra.