Semenax for male enhancement: does it work?

There’s no shortage of products that promise mind-blowing sex and explosive orgasms. One male enhancement supplement is Semenax, which supposedly boosts semen volume and ups the intensity of your orgasms—at least according to the Semenax reviews online and the manufacturer. 

But does it actually work? Can a natural supplement really transform your sex life? While Semenax advertises it can, the science so far is lacking. Here’s what you need to know. 

Semenax is a male enhancement supplement that claims to increase semen volume and produce better orgasms. Leading Edge Health, the company that manufactures Semenax, advertises that the product can boost semen volume by roughly 20% in about half of those using it and can increase orgasm quality when compared to placebo. It’s worth noting that these claims are based on a small study of 78 men that was sponsored by the company, and there aren’t any independent clinical trials backing up the claims. Of note, some of the men in the study had been diagnosed with low ejaculate volume at baseline.

It contains 18 natural ingredients, including vitamin E, amino acids (like L-arginine and L-lysine), plant extracts, and mineral-rich components like pumpkin seeds. Semenax is manufactured and sold online by Leading Edge Health and through Walmart. 

If you are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), or your sexual performance isn’t quite where you want it to be, you might be searching for some type of natural solution.

The ingredients in Semenax are supposed to “feed your reproductive system” by encouraging the glands linked to semen production and ejaculation (the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral gland) to produce more fluid. This increase in semen production is said to offer greater control of your ejaculations, intensify orgasms, and boost sexual satisfaction for you and your partners. 

One small unpublished study from 2012 on the manufacturer’s website claims that Semenax increases the intensity of orgasms and produces more ejaculate than a placebo. A more recent 2022 study was published in a medical journal and produced similar findings—but it was also small (only 78 men) and was conducted exclusively by researchers working at the company. Keep in mind that other than these two studies, both of which were sponsored by the manufacturer, there is no clinical trial data yet on Semenax to back up these claims. Furthermore, it’s possible that some of the participants in the initial unpublished study were represented in the 2022 study, which raises the question of how generalizable the findings may be.

So, what exactly is in Semenax that purportedly has the power to boost your semen volume? According to the manufacturer, Semenax is formulated with a proprietary blend of natural amino acids and potent herbal extracts sourced from areas such as China, Europe, and South America. Each ingredient has been selected for its historical use in traditional medicine and its backing by modern scientific research. This combination was designed to support male reproductive health, enhance semen volume, and improve overall sexual performance. 

The company claims that while many of these ingredients have only recently garnered attention from modern scientists, “ancient cultures all over the world have used them for hundreds and even thousands of years to increase sexual wellness.”

So, what are these incredible ingredients? Semenax lists the following ingredients on their website: 

• L-arginine HCL

• L-lysine

• L-carnitine

• Epimedium sagittatum (horny goat weed)

• Swedish flower pollen

• Avena sativa (wild oat grass extract)

• Smilax ornata (sarsaparilla)

• Butea superba

• Cranberry extract

• Pine bark extract

• Hawthorne berry

• Zinc oxide and zinc aspartate

• Catuaba bark

• Pumpkin seed

• Maca

• Vitamin E

• Muira puama

While there are anecdotal reports and reviews about Semenax effectively increasing semen volume, there are no solid independent studies that support the brand’s claims. In order to answer the question “does Semenax work?” one would have to objectively study Semenax for effectiveness. So far, we don’t have reliable studies that answer the question. That said, there is research on some of the individual ingredients in Semenax that suggests that they may have some value for improving various parameters of semen. 

Maca

Maca comes from the root of a plant called Lepidium meyenii. It’s in the same larger vegetable family as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, but it is not considered a cruciferous vegetable. 

Some research suggests that maca root can impact semen volume. One small study had nine men take maca for four months. Afterward, participants reported a larger amount of semen, higher sperm count, and better sperm motility. One study of participants who took maca for three months noted those who took maca had increased total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, and normal morphology of sperms. The placebo group noticed a similar increase in sperm count but no change in sperm concentration and a decrease in semen volume and normal morphology. 

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that your body uses to make nitric oxide, a chemical crucial for increasing blood flow to the penis and promoting erections. 

Some research demonstrates that males with erectile dysfunction have low levels of L-arginine and suggests that supplementing it might improve symptoms. An analysis of 10 studies found evidence that L-arginine can help improve mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction. Men who took L-arginine supplements also reported better orgasms and higher satisfaction with intercourse. 

There is some evidence that L-arginine has a positive impact on semen parameters, including total sperm number, but the data is only from animal studies. So, more research on humans is needed. 

L-carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your body burn fat for energy. Some studies have found that L-carnitine supplementation can help boost sperm motility, although it had a larger effect in men who already had lower sperm motility. On the other hand, other studies have found no relationship between L-carnitine and sperm health.

Horny goat weed

Epimedium sagittatum, commonly called horny goat weed, is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s sometimes used as an aphrodisiac or found in supplements that treat ED or low testosterone. However, most of the current data comes from animal studies, so there isn’t much evidence it can enhance sexual function in humans. 

Muira puama

Muira puama, or Ptychopetalum olacoides, is an extract from tree bark in the Amazon rainforest. Evidence from animal studies shows that it has effects on the nervous system and may increase libido as a result, which is why it’s added to some sexual enhancement supplements. However, there are no available studies that link it to increased semen volume. 

Pumpkin seeds and vitamin E

Eating pumpkin seeds may improve prostate health. Some studies show supplementing with vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil improves semen quality. Again, most evidence so far comes from animal studies. 

Butea superba

Butea superba is a forest plant found in Thailand that has been used in traditional medicine to promote sex drive in men. Some studies have found that it can increase sperm concentration and may have applications for ED. That said, research is limited, and much of the data was obtained from animal studies.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral you can find naturally in several foods, including meat, poultry, shellfish, whole grains, and legumes. Studies have found that zinc can increase sperm motility and concentration. And one small study found that when men combined zinc supplements with weight training, their testosterone levels increased.

Using Semenax regularly is said to increase semen production in as little as two months, which is why the company backs its product with a 67-day guarantee. Some online customer reviews report even faster results, seeing changes within two weeks. Other positive reviews boast that their semen volume more than doubled after using Semenax. But again, these reports are anecdotal, and there’s no official answer backed by scientific evidence.

Leading Edge Health recommends taking two Semenax pills every morning, though the studied dose was for four tablets per day.  While some people may notice results in as soon as two weeks, the company suggests taking the supplement for two months before deciding if you’re satisfied with the results.

Semenax is made from natural ingredients, and thus far, there haven’t been any serious side effects reported. In the manufacturer-sponsored studies, the most common side effects included:

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Hyperacidity (or gastroesophageal reflux)

• Stomach bloating

These were mild to moderate in intensity and went away either on their own or with medication prescribed by the researchers. But, again, more research on humans (and done separate from the manufacturer) is needed to truly determine Semenax’s effects on humans. 

Even with all the supposed sparks fly-worth results upheld by the manufacturer, it’s fair to ask, “is Semenax safe?” To answer that question, we must first reiterate that there is limited evidence about Semenax to begin with. Although online user reviews are generally positive, there are no published clinical studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. 

And just because its components are “natural” doesn’t mean the product is automatically safe. In fact, most Semenax ingredients do not have US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations or guidelines for dosing. Supplements are not formally regulated by the FDA, and the FDA doesn’t assess or approve supplements for safety and effectiveness. This means that you can’t be certain of the amount or quality of the product you’re consuming. 

This is especially true when it comes to sexual enhancement products, which, according to the FDA and several studies, tend to be the biggest culprits of mislabeling ingredients and containing hidden ingredients. One study found that over half of supplements were mislabeled. Another found that over 75% of supplements that claim to be “all-natural” actually contain high amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients and even experimental drugs. These hidden ingredients and lack of transparency can lead to serious side effects, including liver problems. 

The problem is so common that the FDA has a dedicated page on its website that lists the latest reports of male enhancement pills and supplements that have been found to contain hidden drug ingredients. At the time of writing, there are no reports for Semenax.

A one-month supply of Semenax costs $59, although the company does offer a discount if you purchase in bulk or subscribe. You would need a minimum one-month supply anyway to see effects as it takes a few weeks to start working, according to the manufacturer. 

The product can be ordered online and delivered directly to your home. The company offers a 67-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your results. 

If your erections aren’t as hard or don’t last for as long as you’d like, there are plenty of treatment options available, from Rx medications to lifestyle changes.

Prescription medications

ED medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Stendra (avanafil), and vardenafil belong to a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. They’re first-line treatment for ED for a few reasons: they’re safe, they’re effective, and the side effects are usually manageable. PDE-5 inhibitors work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis when you’re aroused, so you can get and maintain an erection for satisfying sex. Depending on the specific drug, they kick in within 15–120 minutes, with effects lasting for several hours—or, in the case of Cialis, an entire weekend.

Besides traditional ED medications, there are also compounded medications that come in different forms than the traditional pill or contain different dosages of the active ingredients. For example, Ro’s Daily Rise Gummies feature 7 mg of tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) in each fruit-flavored gummy. Ro Sparks combines sildenafil and tadalafil (the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively) in a sublingual form that dissolves under your tongue for fast-acting effects.

Compounded medications do not undergo the same FDA review for safety and effectiveness as prescription medications, but they are allowed under federal law to be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.

Devices 

Not a fan of prescription medications? No problem. Pill-free options for ED include penis pumps and cock rings. The former are devices that create suction to draw blood into the penis, helping to produce an erection. And the latter are rings worn around the base of the penis to trap blood and maintain firmness. When using these options, be sure to do so safely and per your healthcare provider’s instructions, as overuse or causing too much pressure can potentially result in damage to penile tissue.

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can improve erectile function and overall sexual health. These include:

• Regularly exercising. Research shows that physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, can improve erectile function by enhancing blood flow and reducing the risk of conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease that contribute to ED.

• Eating a balanced diet. Diets rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, have been linked to better erectile function, while diets high in processed foods and sugar may increase the risk of ED.

• Prioritizing sleep.  Poor sleep quality and insufficient rest can disrupt hormone production, including testosterone levels, which play a key role in sexual health and function. 

• Taking care of your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress are common psychological contributors to ED, and therapy, mindfulness, and stress management techniques are recommended for helping improve erectile function. 

Have better sex with Ro

Best seller

Sparks

Works in 15 minutes*, lasts for 36 hours

Get started

Learn more

Important safety information

New

Daily Rise Gummies

Works continuously, no planning required

Get started

Learn more

Important safety information

Generic of Viagra®

Up to 95% cheaper than branded

Get started

Learn more

Important safety information

Viagra®

Ready in 60 minutes, lasts for 6 hours

Get started

Learn more

Important safety information

Generic of Cialis®

Affordable alternative to branded

Get started

Learn more

Important safety information

Cialis®

Daily and as-needed options available

Get started

Learn more

Important safety information

Semenax is marketed as a natural way to increase semen volume and improve orgasm intensity, but the scientific evidence supporting its claims is weak. While some of the individual ingredients have been linked to improved erections and sperm quality, the only studies of Semenax itself were conducted by the manufacturer. It’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements like this, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Other key points to keep in mind: 

• No large-scale, independent clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of safety of Semenax. The only studies supporting Semenax’s claims were small and conducted by the manufacturer.

• Semenax contains a blend of amino acids, plant extracts, and minerals. Some of these have been linked to sexual health benefits (often in animal studies), but more research is still needed.

• While Semenax is generally considered safe, some users have reported mild side effects like stomach pain, bloating, and hyperacidity.

• Unlike FDA-approved prescription medications, “natural” supplements like Semenax do not undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing, and hidden ingredients are a known issue in the product category.

• If you're looking to improve your semen volume or get stronger erections, proven treatments such as prescription ED medications and lifestyle changes may be the better option.