Your sex life: The one place where opportunities for optimization are always welcome. As a man, your sex drive plays a critical role in how frequently you and your partner have sex, how sexually compatible you feel and how satisfying your entanglements are.
Every man’s sex drive is different. Some guys can go days, weeks or even months without thinking about sex, while others can’t go ten minutes.
If your sex drive is lower than you want it to be, the problem could be an underlying lack of interest in sex caused by a weaker-than-normal libido (aka sex drive).
Though recommendations for libido-increasing pills sprawl across the internet, the science behind many of these supplements is lacking. Other options may be less obvious but more effective.
Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about pills for increasing sex drive and improving sexual performance. We’ll also bust a few myths about common supplements for “boosting libido” and share simple techniques you can use to increase your level of interest in sex and have a more enjoyable time in the bedroom with your partner.
Sex Drive: What Is and Isn’t Normal
While we suspect you wanted to see some numbers, we’re sorry to tell you that there’s no such thing as a “normal” sex drive for men or women, and as we’ve covered in our guide on how often couples have sex, interest in sex can vary hugely from one person to another.
What that means is that a “normal” sex drive is really a question of whether you find your level of interest in sex to be sufficient, insufficient or excessive for your well-being.
Libido is a cloudy subject, as it’s regulated by a multitude of issues. Your sex drive might feel “off” because of dietary deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues or just the weather.
As for the question of libido in relationships, there’s more nuance here. You shouldn’t panic if you and your partner occasionally go through periods where you just don’t have sex that often.
But if you rarely feel interested in sex, or if you find it difficult to have satisfying sex due to issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), it could be a sign that something’s not quite right.
That could signal sexual dysfunction, and problems like low libido.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Libido Pills?
The supposed health benefits of many natural remedies and supplements aren’t backed up by much science — and many ignore the fact that low libido might be caused by a medical condition that health supplements can’t or won’t address.
As we’ve covered in our guide to the efficacy of male enhancement pills, scientific evidence to support these claims is very limited. More worryingly, many non-prescription pills for boosting sexual performance are tainted with hidden ingredients, including some that may be harmful.
One reason these pills are so widespread is that, as supplements, they can be sold without a prescription. This makes them a quick, easy-to-access option guys can try without investing any time into a doctor’s visit.
However, the results usually aren’t impressive, and the risks associated with these products are very real.
That said, some natural aphrodisiacs claim to boost testosterone or reduce the effects of mental health issues like depression and anxiety that may be spilling over from work or other parts of your life into the bedroom.
“Male enhancement” supplements are typically herbal supplements promoted as being able to increase sex drive and improve sexual function.
Some male enhancement pills also claim to boost penis size, increase ejaculation and generally enhance a man’s ability to have sex.
Other natural remedies may not have an explanation at all, instead relying on buzzwords (like “pills that make you horny,” “sex drive pills,” “dietary supplement,” or “testosterone booster”) and discreet packaging to sell products.
Instead, they often just refer to themselves as a “natural male enhancement.”
What Should Men Take to Increase Sex Drive?
So, if male enhancement supplements generally aren’t effective at improving sexual function, what products are? Is there one pill you can take to increase your “horniness” levels (what doctors would call sex drive, or libido)?
A few medications have been proven to increase sex drive or improve aspects of sexual function in men, including ED medications, over-the-counter and prescription drugs for premature ejaculation and hormonal medications like testosterone.
Some of these medications are only available with a prescription, meaning you’ll need to talk to a healthcare professional before you can use them.
Proven Options for Increasing Libido
What are the proven options for libido management and regulation? It really depends on what problems you’re trying to deal with.
For instance, a guy struggling with intimacy issues probably doesn’t need testosterone — he needs mental health support to work through those issues. A guy who’s eating very poorly could be experiencing a vitamin deficiency.
Depending on what ails your libido, the following options might help you get back into business.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone is the male body’s main sex hormone, as well as the most important hormone for regulating your sex drive.
One of the most common causes of a loss of sex drive is low testosterone — a condition that can develop with age as part of a general decline in hormone levels.
Testosterone isn’t typically available in pill form. Your healthcare provider may suggest another form of testosterone, such as testosterone cream or a testosterone injection if you have clinically low testosterone levels.
Testosterone is a prescription medication, and it can potentially cause side effects. Our guide to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) goes into more detail about the benefits of testosterone therapy for your sex drive, along with its potential risks and adverse effects.
Clomiphene, a different medication that does come in pill form, is used to treat infertility in women. However, because of the way it works in the body, it can also be used to treat low testosterone. The benefit of clomiphene is that it doesn’t have many of the same side effects as TRT.
Natural Supplements
While we’re not generally fans of natural supplements that increase libido in men (see above reasons why), limited studies have shown that certain ingredients might help boost your libido.
Maca, ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha and other natural ingredients mentioned in banner ads may have only shown promise for libido in limited testing or animal testing — and the studies aren’t always high-quality.
The question isn’t whether you can find evidence in a study, but whether that study can tell you how to consume the ingredient in a safe and effective way. Most supplement research doesn’t go that far, and the herbal remedies that promise big results haven’t gotten FDA approval for their claims.
That said, here’s one study that looked at a supplement’s effect on libido: Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) was associated with better libido in a group of 60 men between 25 and 52 over six weeks.
Medications for Sexual Dysfunction
We don’t want to repeat ourselves, but it’s worth noting that in the world of proven options for better sex, you can’t discount medications for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It’s important to note that these medications don’t have a direct impact on libido. However, since they improve performance, they may improve your confidence, willingness and interest in engaging in sex.
Addressing the health problems associated with ED (like high blood pressure, heart disease or obesity) could also get you back up and running.
Can Erectile Dysfunction Pills Help Improve Sex Drive & Libido?
Although ED medications won’t directly increase your sex drive, they can have a positive impact on your self-confidence in bed, especially if you often struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Your sexual drive is at least partly psychological, and an increase in confidence could have a real impact on your sexual appetite and level of sexual energy. This confidence boost may result in you and your partner having sex more often.
Treating ED may also help reduce your risk of recurrent depression, anxiety and other mental health issues associated with ED and PE.
Since sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) became available to the public in 1998, the FDA has approved three other oral medications for ED:
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Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis®)
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Vardenafil (the active ingredient in Levitra®)
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Avanafil (a newer ED medication available as Stendra®)
There are also other medications available for ED.
We offer several ED medications online, following a consultation with a licensed provider who’ll determine if a prescription is appropriate.
(Related: The Best ED Pills for Men)
Can Premature Ejaculation Medication Boost Libido?
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual performance problem that can have a negative impact on your self-confidence in bed, potentially reducing the amount of sex you have.
In fact, research has found that men affected by PE are more likely to report low levels of sexual satisfaction, as well as feelings of shame, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Like ED medications, treatments for premature ejaculation don’t appear to directly increase your sex drive. However, by enhancing sexual performance, they could offer a confidence boost that makes you more motivated to have sex with your partner.
Currently, several options are available for treating PE and improving sexual stamina.
These include:
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Topical premature ejaculation treatments. These treatments work by reducing your level of sensitivity during sex, helping you last longer in bed. For example, our Delay Spray for Men uses lidocaine to control sensitivity and increase stamina.
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Prescription premature ejaculation pills. Some medications, such as sildenafil, sertraline and paroxetine, can give you more control over your ability to reach orgasm and ejaculate when used as needed before sex.
We offer a range of premature ejaculation treatments online, with prescription products available following a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Other Tips for Boosting Sex Drive and Increasing Arousal
Various factors play a role in your sex drive, erectile function and general level of sexual performance. These include your physical health, your psychological well-being and the level of connection you feel with your partner.
While medication may help increase your confidence in the bedroom and make you feel more interested in sex, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle.
In addition to using medication, try the following techniques to improve arousal and boost your sex drive:
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Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Sleep plays a critical role in your sexual health. In fact, research suggests that sleep disorders are often associated with sexual performance issues such as erectile dysfunction. Our list of sleep hygiene tips shares techniques you can use to improve sleep if you’re prone to issues like late sleeping or insomnia.
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If you don’t exercise regularly, start. Regular exercise increases blood circulation throughout the body. Maintaining a regular exercise schedule is also associated with improvements in general sexual functioning. Stay active by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as two muscle-strengthening workouts.
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Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Though the link between specific foods and sex drive isn’t very strong, eating a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of common sexual performance issues such as erectile dysfunction.
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If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can contribute to sexual disorders in several ways, including by damaging your blood vessels and reducing libido.
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Avoid using illicit drugs. Many recreational drugs can have a negative effect on both sex drive and sexual performance. Avoid using illegal drugs, and talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may have a substance use disorder.
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Work on your connection with your partner. Sex is all about trust, and the closer you feel to your partner, the more interested you’ll likely be in having sex with each other on a frequent basis. Try to set aside plenty of time to spend with your partner, whether it’s relaxing at home with a movie or a weekly date night.
Our guide to natural techniques for improving your erections lists other habits and changes you can make for better sex and a higher quality of life.
(Related: How do Premature Ejaculation Pills Work?)
The Bottom Line on Pills to Increase Male Sex Drive
Many factors play a role in your sex drive, from your levels of testosterone to your connection with your partner and past sexual experiences.
If you’ve recently noticed a loss of libido, a mix of medication and changes to daily habits may help reinvigorate your sex drive and improve your relationship.
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The best male libido supplement is one that works for you, but what works to treat low sex drive, improve sexual desire and bring you the satisfaction you want will be proven treatments.
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Research shows that sexual wellness is related to your overall health, including your weight, level of activity, diet and other factors.
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Lifestyle changes like improving your diet and reducing your cholesterol have evidence of improving men’s sexual health.
We offer a range of ED medications and treatments for premature ejaculation online, following a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who’ll determine if prescription treatments are appropriate for you.
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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25 Weight-Loss “Tricks” You Should Stop Immediately
When it comes to diet and nutrition, we all want to find “the answer” that will fix our alleged problems. As a result, we often latch onto crazy diet ideas that, in the moment, sound like the perfect solution. But these too-good-to-be-true “solutions” can hurt more than help us in our attempts to achieve weight loss and gain healthy habits.
Here are some of the most common diet myths exposed.
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The protein-pushing keto craze sure makes it seem like carbs should be avoided at all costs. But do grains deserve their bad reputation?
“People often say that carbs are fattening,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD. “But complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, are not ‘fattening’ foods.’”
In other words, avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread, rice and processed snacks, but keep those whole grains for a healthy balance.
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While diet sodas may be a better alternative than their full-sugar counterparts, medical studies are starting to show that the artificial sweeteners may actually cause us to eat more calories later in the day. If you want to keep the fizz and ditch the artificial sweetener, try flavored carbonated water instead.
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Like carbs, the type of fats we eat makes a difference. That, in combination with how many calories we eat each day, determines our body weight. Trans fats, typically found in many fried foods, can cause cardiovascular disease. However, saturated fats do not have the same effect and can, in fact, help keep us satisfied longer, leading to fewer calories consumed.
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Maybe you’ve only been eating the egg whites to avoid raising your cholesterol. Well, maybe you don’t have to anymore.
“Unless you are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, eating the eggs AND yolks can actually help you,” says Darin Hulslander, CEO and owner of DNS Performance and Nutrition. “For one, yolks are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Egg yolks also elevate high-density lipoproteins, which are the ‘good’ proteins that can help remove plaque from the arteries.”
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If you count calories, you might think losing weight is as simple as staying under a certain number every day. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily true. You can eat 200 calories of lean protein or 200 calories of chocolate, but the body processes each differently. Depending on what you eat, your body can store or burn more calories. So, use those calories wisely!
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Reading headlines such as “red meat could lead to cancer” is frightening. And while some studies indicate there is an association with red meat consumption and cancer, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean it causes cancer. Eating red meat in moderation is not dangerous.
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The American Heart Association recommends that people consume less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium (salt) each day. Excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure. However, this doesn’t mean we have to eat bland food. Use salt in moderation and, if you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor on the best guidelines for your individual needs.
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Sure, peanut butter is a good source of protein and fat. However, you need to be careful about what kind you put in your pantry. Many national brands of peanut butter are filled with extra sugar, fats and preservatives that counteract any health benefits. Check the label and pick up a jar with as few ingredients as possible to get the healthiest version of this favorite snack.
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Calories can’t tell time. The time of day of when you eat only matters if you tend to overindulge at the end of the day and eat too many calories. If you happen to eat a late dinner or snack but stay within your normal calorie range for the day, it should all even out in the long run. However, many people mindlessly eat at night because they are bored or tired, and this is what leads to weight gain.
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This is the one case where all calories are pretty much alike. Multiple studies show that eating the same amount of calories in either a few larger meals or more frequent smaller ones have the same outcome on the body. In other words, this is a case where 1,000 calories in a day are the same, no matter how often you eat during the day.
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With labels like “Lean Cuisine” and “Healthy Choice,” it’s easy to think that pre-packaged frozen meals are not only convenient but also a better choice to help us in our diet goals. This isn’t always the case. Many of these pre-packaged meals contain too much sodium, which can lead to water retention and bloat. Also, many offer too few calories, which can lead to hunger later on in the day. Check the labels carefully and make sure you’re making the best choice.
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When looking to avoid processed carbohydrates, many people reach for wheat or multigrain bread over white. But be careful! Make sure you’re picking up 100% wheat or whole grain bread. Otherwise, you could be just be getting mostly white bread with a little wheat flour mixed in — or even just food coloring to make it look brown!
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This nutrition myth has been around forever, but it’s just not true for most people. Medical studies show that among extremely active people such as marathon runners and skiers, taking at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C every day can possibly cut the risk of getting a cold in half. But for most people, taking daily vitamin C did not seem to actually reduce the risk of getting a cold.
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Wouldn’t it be great if there were such a thing as a negative-calorie food? You know, the kind that burns more calories when we eat it than it has? Sadly, there is no such thing, even when it comes to something as healthy as a piece of celery.
“Regardless of the [calories] in the food, you’re always going to be able to get something out of it,” says Stephen Secor, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Alabama.
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Organic is simply how ingredients are grown, usually pesticide-, herbicide- and insecticide-free. An organic label does not mean it’s healthier than non-organic foods. Even things like sugar, granola bars and boxed mashed potatoes can be organic. So, don’t rely on an organic label to tell you if something is automatically better for your diet.
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While cutting out gluten from your diet can help if you have celiac disease, it isn’t really a factor in weight loss.
“Unless you suffer from celiac disease, there’s not much scientific support to back the claim that eating gluten-free is healthier or a smart strategy for weight loss,” says Ashvini Mashru MA, RD, LDN. “Cutting gluten out of your diet most often leads to a reduction in overall calories, simply due to the sheer amount of grain-based foods that we eat on a regular basis.”
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Fewer calories consumed means weight loss, right? Not so fast!
“In fact, studies have proven it to be the opposite: skipping meals promotes weight gain,” says Cheryl Forberg, RD, nutritionist for “The Biggest Loser.” “When we skip a meal, by the time we eat, we’re so hungry we consume too much, too fast and choose the wrong foods.”
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Foods like asparagus and lemons are known as natural diuretics. And while these kinds of foods may not hurt when it comes to holding onto excess water, eating large amounts of them will not help get rid of belly bloat or weight.
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Your daily cup of coffee may give you a good dose of caffeine, which is a stimulant to your body. However, that caffeine jolt does not boost your metabolism enough to be a weight loss cure-all. Also, depending on what you add to your coffee (cream, flavorings, sugar), you could be adding extra calories to your day. So if you love a cup of joe, keep it basic and black, if possible.
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This is a short-term fix with many long-term problems. By severely cutting daily calories for extended periods of time, your entire metabolism can change to actually hold onto weight! Also, your body needs adequate nutrition to stay healthy. If you want to lose weight and keep it off forever, you need a modest calorie restriction plan that you simply continue and never stop.
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You cannot outrun a bad diet. It’s as simple as that. Exercise is great for our cardiovascular health and for building good muscle tone. And yes, it does help regulate our weight. But the amount of exercise you have to do to counteract a few extra slices of pizza isn’t sustainable or reasonable. So work in a healthy diet plan along with your regular workouts for optimal results.
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In a pinch, these convenience items are helpful in maintaining a healthy diet. But things like shakes and nutrition bars are not meant to be long-term replacements for healthy meals. Check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners if you buy these items. Your best bet: Make these at home and use them occasionally.
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Yes, some people should probably cut back on sugar in order to make their diet healthier. But naturally sweet foods such as fruits are sources of important vitamins and minerals. The sweets to avoid are those with added sugars and syrups.
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Good news! While fresh vegetables are always a healthy option, so are most frozen varieties. Over time, fresh vegetables can lose nutrients, while frozen ones can retain them longer. Make sure you pick up frozen vegetables without added sauces, cheese or sodium to keep them as close to fresh as possible.
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Can you imagine life without ice cream, cookies or cake? You don’t have to in order to follow a healthy eating plan. In fact, planning to have some of your favorite treats occasionally can ensure you don’t feel deprived and end up splurging later on.
This article originally appeared on TheDelite and was syndicated by MediaFeed.
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