Pills to increase male sex drive and libido: are they safe and effective?

So, you haven’t been “in the mood” lately—and, hey, that’s okay. It’s normal to lose interest in sex from time to time, especially with a busy schedule. But a persistently low libido can become bothersome and put a strain on relationships, leading you to look for a pick-me-up. If only there were pills to increase sex drive… 

While libido-boosting pills are a-plenty on the internet, they’re not backed by research or regulated. In other words, they should come with a big ‘ol “proceed (if at all) with caution” warning. There are, however, plenty of alternatives to pills to increase male sex drive that can be more effective and safe at boosting your libido. Keep reading to learn more about some causes of low sex drive, pills to increase sex drive, and other options that may be a better fit for revving your (sexual) engines.

Libido, aka sex drive, is your level of desire or interest in sexual activities (e.g. intercourse, masturbation). There’s no official definition for a “normal” sex drive since it’s different for everyone; having sex three times a week might be typical for one person while three times a month might be the norm for another. Because of this variability, there’s no one-size-fits-all description—or even measurement—for low libido. That said, it’s generally considered a noticeable decrease in sexual desire from your “normal”—whatever that might be.

Libido also isn’t static; it’s completely normal for your sex drive to ebb and flow throughout your life. Often a dip in sex drive is temporary, but it can last long-term for some folks. And while the core issue—diminished interest in sex—is the same for both those assigned male at birth (i.e. men) and those assigned female at birth (i.e. women), low libido can manifest differently in each sex. In this article, we’re just going to focus on sex drive (or lack thereof) in men. So, what can lead to low libido in men?  

Many factors (and/or a combination of factors) can cause low libido, including:

• Aging

• Alcohol and drug use

• Chronic health conditions 

• Depression and anxiety

• Low testosterone

• Medications (for example, some antidepressants and blood pressure medications may lower sex drive)

• Poor sleep 

• Relationship issues

• Stress

Other sexual issues, like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), may also impact sex drive and vice versa. For example, men with ED or PE may experience low self-esteem or anxiety around intimacy, which could lower their interest in sex. This can create a challenge where physical challenges and emotional distress can reinforce each other, further reducing libido over time. That said, there are several ways to address low libido. 

You might have seen ads online for all sorts of male enhancement products that promise everything from a bigger penis to an unquenchable sex drive—the latter of which are often referred to as libido pills. But the so-called sex drive solutions being advertised are likely just supplements containing a mixture of herbs, vitamins, and other ingredients that some say enhance sexual desire and performance. However, there’s not much science to back these claims up. 

Because they’re essentially dietary supplements, libido pills do not require a prescription and are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Meaning, they don’t have to go through the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy as Rx medications—but more on that (and the safety of these so-called libido boosters for men) later. The major appeal of these products is that you don’t need a prescription and can easily get them online or over-the-counter (OTC), but the benefits may not outweigh the risks.

We wouldn’t bet on it. 

As mentioned above, pills to increase sex drive are not regulated by the FDA, which means they do not undergo the same testing, evaluation, review, and approval processes as prescription meds. This lack of regulation allows these male enhancement products to go to market without being tested for efficacy and safety. Even the process of producing the pills is not supervised by the FDA.  Plus, they’re not required to back up their marketing claims with scientific evidence or clinical trials. Theoretically, libido pills may work, but there’s no way to know for sure without published research to test if they provide any real benefit. Furthermore, since they’re unregulated, they may contain dangerous substances that we don’t even know about.

That said, some of the “natural” ingredients commonly found in male enhancement products have been suggested to show potential for improving sexual function in small studies. For example, a meta-analysis suggests L-arginine may be able to help address mild-to-moderate ED. This could, in theory (keyword!), also improve low libido, though there are two caveats: improving ED doesn’t necessarily affect sex drive, and L-arginine’s direct impact on sex drive is less conclusive. And then there’s ashwagandha, which a small study suggests can improve sexual desire, arousal, and overall sexual performance in males. The study also reported increased testosterone levels in those who took ashwagandha, which may contribute to its positive effects on libido. 

While the aforementioned studies involved humans, many that look at the herbs and other ingredients typically found in libido pills are done on animals. Plus, research on non-prescription “natural” options tends to be few and far between and involves a low number of participants. Point being: Larger studies in humans are needed to determine if sexual health supplements can, in fact, rev up your sex drive. 

It’s also important to note that treating a reduced libido depends on the cause. If you’re dealing with relationship problems or have an underlying health condition that’s impacting your sex drive, popping libido pills probably won’t do much for your desire-related difficulties.

One more time for the folks in the back: Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. While this doesn't automatically make all libido pills dangerous, it also means none of them are guaranteed to be safe.

The FDA has issued warnings for hundreds of male enhancement products that include hidden ingredients like prescription drugs in unknown amounts (yes, despite being OTC and marketing their prescription-free accessibility). Some Rhino Pills, for example, have been flagged by the FDA for containing sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. Though sildenafil can be safe for many people, it may not be for those with certain conditions or taking specific medications (e.g. nitrates). Rx drugs like sildenafil should never be used unless approved by a medical professional due to the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Furthermore, you always want to know what you are consuming so you can make an informed decision. Taking a pill that runs the risk of containing an unknown amount of prescription medication is simply unsafe. 

Because so many factors can affect your sex drive, how you treat low libido depends on the cause(s). For example, hormone therapy may improve your sex drive if you have low testosterone, but it may not be as effective (if at all) if stress is to blame for your diminished libido. If you’re concerned about changes in your libido, be sure to consult a healthcare provider, as they are the most qualified to determine the cause of your issues and recommend a course of treatment.  

That said, it never hurts to be prepared. So, here’s a look at some common options for treating low libido that a provider might suggest during an appointment: 

Natural supplements

As we mentioned, it’s best to avoid OTC sex drive pills. 

In addition to the findings on ashwagandha and L-arginine, there is some research on other natural supplements, such as DHEA and maca, for enhancing sex drive, too. But the results are mixed. For example, some studies found that maca had a significant effect on sexual desire while others showed limited impact.

With the lack of research and regulations around natural supplements, though, they’re probably not the best (or safest) option for improving your sex drive. 

Testosterone replacement therapy

Sometimes changes in hormones can affect sex drive. Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating libido in both men and women. After 30, testosterone levels start to lower in men. Decreased testosterone levels may reduce sexual desire and potentially affect erectile function. Other symptoms of low testosterone include hair loss, fatigue, loss of muscle, and weight gain.

If you’re struggling with low libido and can’t identify the cause, a blood test can determine if low testosterone is the issue. And if it is, a healthcare provider may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), an FDA-regulated, prescription treatment. TRT works by restoring normal testosterone levels, which has been shown to significantly improve energy levels and sex drive in men who are hormone-deficient. 

It’s offered in a variety of formulations, the most common being injections and transdermal applications (medication absorbed through the skin via gels, creams, and implanted pellets. TRT also comes as a nasal testosterone gel and in oral tablets.

Medications for sexual dysfunction

Though there’s no magic libido-boosting pill, FDA-approved medications for sexual dysfunction, such as Viagra and Cialis (tadalafil), may help in an indirect way. 

ED medications fall into a drug class called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors; they work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis, which results in firmer, long-lasting erections. Along with Cialis and Viagra, other common PDE5 inhibitors include Stendra (avanafil) and vardenafil. There isn’t yet an FDA-approved treatment out there for premature ejaculation, but medications like PDE5 inhibitors, antidepressants, and numbing sprays are often prescribed off-label to treat the condition.

Although ED medications don’t directly boost libido, they have been shown to be particularly effective at improving erections and sexual performance. Sex drive is often tied heavily to your mental state. So, if your self-esteem and confidence levels improve by taking medication for sexual dysfunction, this treatment could help support your sex drive.

Taking care of your mental health

Depression, anxiety, and stress can impact your overall health—including your sex life—in many ways. The good news is there are many stress management techniques and lifestyle changes that can boost your mental health (and potentially your sex drive), such as exercise, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. If these strategies don’t feel like enough or you just need additional support, consider consulting a therapist or mental health professional. 

Communicate with your partner 

As uncomfortable as it may be, talking to your partner about changes in sex drive may be beneficial. Differences in libido might be difficult to navigate at first, but it doesn't need to create a barrier in your relationship. 

Communication and trust are essential for building intimacy and having better sex. Planning date nights, talking, and spending quality time together outside the bedroom may help improve things in the bedroom, too. Working with a sex therapist may also be helpful for ongoing relationship problems or intimacy issues.

Lifestyle changes

Keeping your mind and body healthy is essential to a healthy sex drive. The following can all help boost your wellbeing and, in turn, your relationship with sex (which may ultimately increase libido, too):  

• Exercising regularly. Participating in regular exercise and finding ways to move more throughout the day could boost your interest in sexual activity. Research shows a link between fitness, body image, and sexual function in men and women.

• Eating a balanced diet. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains may help boost your sex drive. Proper nutrition supports hormone regulation, energy levels, and overall health, which are important for sexual function and wellbeing. 

• Getting ample sleep. Prioritizing quality sleep can positively impact your sex drive by improving mood, energy levels, and hormone balance. Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lower testosterone levels and increase stress, both of which can reduce sexual desire. A consistent sleep schedule (by way of practicing good sleep hygiene) can help restore and maintain healthy libido. 

• Limit alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake can suppress your sex drive, reduce satisfaction, and make it more challenging to perform in the bedroom.

Healthy lifestyle changes have the added benefit of helping prevent and manage chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, obesity, heart disease), which may contribute to a low sex drive.

Having a low libido from time to time is normal, and in many cases, it resolves on its own. But if your sex drive is consistently diminished or negatively affecting your relationships or quality of life, it’s best to seek advice and care from a healthcare provider. It might be tempting to skip a potentially awkward doctor’s visit, but it’s a much safer option than trying unregulated libido pills that may do more harm than good. Since so many things impact sex drive— including age, stress, and physical health—determining the cause of low libido is essential to proper treatment—and a provider is best equipped to do just that. 

There might not be a magic pill for low libido, but once you’ve discovered what’s causing it, there are plenty of steps you can take to get your sex life where you want it to be.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

October 06, 2024

Written by

Anna Brooks

Fact checked by

Peter Schlegel, MD and Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewers

Peter Schlegel, MD

Peter Schlegel, MD, is a Ro Advisor, board-certified urologist, and internationally acclaimed expert in the treatment of male fertility. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Schlegel served as the chair of Urology at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. He now focuses on providing the best patient care possible for urologic conditions through his private practice.

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.