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

Sex drive pills are dietary supplements marketed as libido boosters for men. While they may seem like a convenient way to enhance sexual performance without a prescription, there is limited evidence that libido-boosting pills work, and some may even be harmful.

Here, a closer look at what's in these supplements, the potential risks and side effects, and which evidence-based treatments and lifestyle changes may be more effective — and safer — for increasing sex drive.

Sex drive pills for men are dietary supplements marketed to boost libido, enhance desire, or improve sexual performance. These products often contain a blend of herbs, vitamins, amino acids, and other ingredients claimed to support male sexual health, though there is not much science to support these claims.

Unlike prescription medications, sex drive pills — like other dietary supplements — do not require a prescription and are not as regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means they are not held to the same standards for safety, effectiveness, or quality as prescription treatments for sexual health.

Sex drive pills generally contain a mix of herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other ingredients marketed as libido boosters or aphrodisiacs. Common ingredients include horny goat weed, maca root, ginseng, ashwagandha, L-arginine, and zinc.

While some of these ingredients have been studied for sexual health or erectile dysfunction (ED), research on whether they meaningfully increase sex drive is limited and mixed. Many libido pills for men also combine multiple ingredients or contain hidden ingredients including unknown amounts of undeclared pharmaceutical drugs such as sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, making it difficult to assess how effective — or safe — a given product is.

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Sex drive pills may provide some benefit, but published research to confirm this is limited. Because dietary supplements are not subject to the same FDA oversight as prescription medications, some products may also contain dangerous substances that have not been disclosed on the label.

That said, some ingredients commonly found in male enhancement products have shown some potential for improving sexual function in small studies, including the following:

• L-arginine for ED: A meta-analysis) suggests L-arginine may help with mild-to-moderate ED. This could, in theory, also improve low libido if issues with mild-to-moderate ED were the reason for a decreased libido. But research hasn’t specifically found an improvement in sexual desire after taking l-arginine.

• Ashwagandha for desire: According to one small study, ashwagandha may 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 studies above involved humans, much of the research on herbs and other ingredients typically found in so-called libido pills has been conducted in animals, and studies involving humans often include small sample sizes.

Overall, larger studies in humans are needed to determine whether sexual health supplements can meaningfully increase sex drive.

It is also worth noting that treating reduced libido depends on the cause of low sex drive. For those dealing with relationship problems or an underlying health condition affecting sex drive, libido pills are unlikely to address the root cause.

Male sex drive pills are not always safe. Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not as regulated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness as prescription medications before being sold. Some products have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs or other undeclared ingredients, which can be dangerous.

The FDA has issued warnings for hundreds of male enhancement products that include hidden ingredients, including prescription medications  in unknown amounts. Some Rhino Pills, for example, have been flagged by the FDA for containing sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. 

While sildenafil can be safe when prescribed appropriately, it may be dangerous for people with certain health conditions or those taking medications such as nitrates. Taking a supplement that may contain undisclosed ingredients or unknown dosages increases the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Undisclosed ingredients also make it difficult to have an informed conversation with a healthcare provider about treatment options.

Because many factors can affect sex drive, how low libido is treated depends on the underlying cause. For example, hormone therapy may improve libido in those with medically diagnosed low testosterone, whereas stress management techniques may be more useful if stress is the underlying cause.

Anyone concerned about changes in libido should consult a healthcare provider, who is best positioned to determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

The following are some common options for treating low libido that a healthcare provider might discuss during an appointment:

Natural supplements

Sex drive pills are generally best avoided.

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

Another supplement, DHEA, has been studied for sexual function, but research in men has generally not shown a benefit for sexual desire.

Given the lack of research and limited regulation around natural supplements, they are likely not the most effective or safest option for addressing low libido.

Testosterone replacement therapy

Hormonal imbalances can affect sex drive. Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating libido in both men and women. Testosterone levels tend to decline gradually with age in men. Low testosterone levels may reduce sexual desire and affect erectile function, alongside symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, muscle loss, and weight gain.

For those struggling with low libido without a clear cause,  blood tests can help determine whether low testosterone is a contributing factor. If low testosterone is confirmed, a healthcare provider may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), an FDA-regulated prescription treatment. TRT restores normal testosterone levels, which has been shown to improve sex drive in men with low testosterone.

TRT is offered in a variety of formulations; the most common are injections and transdermal applications such as gels and creams. It is also available as a nasal testosterone gel and in oral tablets. Testosterone supplementation comes with risks as well as benefits, so it is important to take it only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Medications for sexual dysfunction

While there is no proven libido-boosting pill for men, 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 by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, which results in firmer, long-lasting erections. 

Along with Cialis and Viagra, other common PDE5 inhibitors include Stendra (avanafil) and vardenafil. There is not yet an FDA-approved treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) in the United States, but medications such as PDE5 inhibitors and antidepressants are often prescribed off-label to treat the condition. Numbing sprays are also an option to help delay ejaculation and do not require a prescription.

Although ED medications do not directly boost libido, they have been shown to be effective at improving erections and sexual performance. Sex drive is often closely linked to mental and emotional state, so improvement in self-esteem and confidence through treatment for sexual dysfunction may support libido as well.

Taking care of your mental health

Depression, anxiety, and stress can affect overall health — including sexual function — in many ways. There are many stress management techniques and lifestyle changes that may support mental wellbeing and, in turn, sex drive, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness.

For those who need additional support, consulting a therapist or mental health professional may be beneficial.

Communicate with a partner 

Talking to a partner about changes in sex drive can be difficult, but it may be beneficial. Differences in libido can be challenging to navigate, but they do not have to create a barrier in a relationship.

Communication and trust are essential for building intimacy and sexual connection. Planning date nights and spending quality time together outside of the bedroom may also support sexual wellbeing. Working with a sex therapist may be helpful for ongoing relationship or intimacy issues.

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining overall physical and mental health is essential to a healthy sex drive. The following lifestyle factors may support wellbeing and, in turn, libido:

• Exercising regularly. Maintaining a regular exercise routine and finding ways to move more throughout the day may boost 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 support sex drive by supporting heart health and testosterone levels. Proper nutrition supports hormone regulation, energy levels, and overall health, which are important for sexual function and wellbeing.

• Getting ample sleep. Research suggests that significant sleep loss can lower testosterone levels and increase stress, both of which may reduce sexual desire. A consistent sleep schedule, including practicing good sleep hygiene, may help restore and maintain healthy libido.

• Limiting alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake may suppress sex drive, reduce satisfaction, and make sexual performance more challenging.

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.

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Having a low libido from time to time is normal. If changes in libido are persistent or affecting quality of life, however, it is worth consulting a healthcare provider.

Here’s what you should know: 

• Most non-prescription sex drive pills are not backed by robust evidence. Many male enhancement pills are marketed as "natural" libido boosters, but research on whether they are effective is limited.

• Some libido pills may contain hidden or unsafe ingredients. Because dietary supplements are not as regulated by the FDA as prescription medications for safety or effectiveness, some products have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs.

• Treating the root cause of low sex drive is more effective than relying on supplements. Depending on the cause, more effective alternatives to sex drive pills can include therapy, lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or prescription ED medication.