Does ExtenZe work for erectile dysfunction?

Viagra, Cialis, Stendra — these are just three of the prescription medications proven to be safe and effective for erectile dysfunction (ED). Yet, many people may still be intrigued by over-the-counter (OTC) options, such as ExtenZe. Sure, the male enhancement supplement might be easily accessible and free you from the need to see (or talk) to a healthcare provider. But does ExtenZe even work? And is it safe? 

Ahead, we dig deeper into ExtenZe pills, the ingredients, and whether the product’s bold claims (“bigger, harder, more frequent erections,” “massively intense orgasms,” and increased penis size) are anything more than just marketing. (Spoiler alert: The science is lacking.)  

ExtenZe claims to be a “remarkable blood flow stimulator” that boosts sexual pleasure and performance by increasing the size of an erection. But there isn’t any reliable research that shows ExtenZe to work for ED. And while some individual ingredients within the pill have been studied and shown to potentially help the condition, there is — we repeat — no clinical evidence that supports the use of the male enhancement product for ED (or other sexual health purposes). (Plus, much of the research on said ingredients has been done on animals, not humans — but more on that later.)  

Still, there are plenty of anecdotal reports online in which individuals uphold that ExtenZe works for them. But it’s the 21st century, and you know the drill: You cannot believe everything you read on the internet. If you need even more reason to approach the product with a healthy dose of skepticism, know that the manufacturer of ExtenZe, Biotab Nutraceuticals, has been subject to legal action for false advertising and sketchy marketing several times. 

In 2011, the company was ordered to pay a $1.75 million fine for false and misleading advertising, most notably that ExtenZe could increase penis size. A year earlier, it paid $6 million to settle a false advertising class action lawsuit. And before that, in 2006, a major marketer and distributor of ExtenZe at the time, Dish Direct Inc., was ordered to pay $300,000 for false advertising and unfair business practices.

Your sex life is unique - make your ED treatment match.

Get started

There’s no clinical research on the effectiveness of ExtenZe or how long it takes to work. The manufacturer says it’s fast-acting and can be taken right before engaging in sexual activity. But to maximize the product’s full effects — which, according to the company, can take up to eight weeks to experience — the manufacturer recommends taking it every morning with a glass of water. 

It’s worth noting that there are several ExtenZe formulations, and the instructions and onset time may vary. 

According to the manufacturer, ExtenZe is a proprietary blend of various herbs, nutrients, and amino acids. While the company doesn’t specify the exact count, certain formulations contain over 25 ingredients. 

Ahead, we break down some of the ingredients you may find in ExtenZe products and the research, if any, behind their supposed sex life-boosting benefits.  

1. Folic acid

Folic acid is a synthetic, inactive form of vitamin B9 (aka folate) that’s known for supporting DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. There is some evidence that people with ED tend to have lower folic acid levels than people without the condition. A very small study of 50 people showed some evidence that taking folic acid can improve your ability to get an erection. 

2. Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral (i.e. a mineral the body needs in very small amounts) that can play a role in the production and regulation of testosterone, a sex hormone that’s important for libido (sex drive) and arousal. Testosterone is also thought to help encourage healthy blood flow that can contribute to strong erections, and low levels of the hormone may play a role in ED.  

A study of thousands of men showed that people with ED had lower dietary intake of zinc than people without ED. So, it’s possible that zinc supplementation can improve the condition if your levels are low. That being said, research on humans is limited, and zinc’s true effects — if any — on erectile function and sexual competency remain TBD and require further studies. 

3. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced in the body that serves as a precursor to testosterone and other androgens (aka “male” sex hormones). This means your body can convert it to those hormones as needed. A study of almost 400 participants found that individuals with ED were more likely to have low DHEA levels than those without the condition.

While some smaller studies have shown that DHEA supplements may improve ED, more well-designed, larger studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this treatment method. Overall, supplementing DHEA in the absence of a known deficiency is unlikely to make a positive impact on your health. Discuss with a healthcare provider if you are interested in checking your levels to see if that would be a good test for you.

4. L-arginine hydrochloride

L-arginine is an amino acid (i.e. a building block for proteins) that plays a key role in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide widens your blood vessels and improves blood flow, which can be helpful in getting and maintaining an erection.

Research suggests that L-arginine supplements could improve ED, though these supplements may be most effective when combined with prescription medications. For example, one study of 300 people found that combining L-arginine with tadalafil (the active ingredient in and generic version of Cialis) was better at treating ED than either medication alone. Remember that supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consult a healthcare provider before supplementation to make sure it is safe for you to try.

5. Yohimbe extract

Yohimbe extract is an herb derived from the bark of the Yohimbe tree. According to the manufacturer of ExtenZe, it can help improve ED. But does it really? It’s possible — especially since yohimbe purportedly enhances the release and action of nitric oxide, thereby boosting blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. One small study found that yohimbe improved erectile function in those with erectile dysfunction when combined with L-arginine. However, like with many of the ingredients listed here and on the back of ExtenZe packaging, more research is needed. 

6. Ginger

Ginger is a common plant used in cooking and herbal medicine. It’s high in antioxidants, disease-fighting compounds that combat oxidative stress. Antioxidant consumption over time is linked to decreased inflammation and various health issues, including ED. This may improve sexual desire and blood flow to the penis. But we don’t have enough research to know for sure.

7. Korean ginseng

Korean ginseng is a root that’s been used medicinally for thousands of years. In animals, it’s been found to increase nitric oxide production, relax blood vessels, and improve blood flow — all of which may support erectile function. But again, these effects were all found in animals. 

As for Korean ginseng’s effects in humans? A small study showed that combination therapy with ginseng and vitamin E to have a positive effect on treating ED when compared to a placebo. However, more research is needed before we can make any conclusive statements about ginseng’s ability to improve ED. 

8. Cnidium

Cnidium is a traditional Chinese herb sometimes used in herbal medicine for sexual health. It's believed to support blood flow by increasing nitric oxide and inhibiting phosphodiesterase, similar to how prescription medications like Viagra work, though it should not be considered to have similar efficacy or safety. Furthermore, most of the evidence for cnidium's effects comes from animal studies, not well-controlled human trials. Until more research is done, it shouldn’t be considered a proven or reliable treatment for erectile dysfunction.

9. Maca 

Maca is an adaptogen, a family of herbs thought to help regulate your mind and body.  Some animal studies suggest it can increase nitric oxide and potentially result in improved blood flow to the penis. A couple of very small studies have examined the role of maca in humans as an herbal remedy for sexual dysfunction and determined that while maca could potentially improve sexual function, the quality of evidence is poor. More research is needed to understand any potential effects of maca on sexual function.

10. Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus is a medicinal plant that’s been used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicinal systems for centuries. One way some people think it could work is by boosting testosterone levels. However, the research on this is mixed. While some small studies suggest tribulus may improve sexual function in people with ED, there’s not enough evidence to truly back up its effectiveness as a testosterone booster.

ExtenZe is considered a dietary supplement and, thus, is not regulated by the FDA. This means it does not undergo the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy as prescription medications. So, consumers cannot be certain of ExtenZe’s purity, strength, effectiveness, or safety. 

In fact, the FDA warned the public against taking ExtenZe in 2018 when it was found to contain ingredients not included on the product label, including sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. 

Sildenafil can have several drug interactions, so taking it unknowingly can be dangerous for some individuals. 

Since ExtenZe hasn’t been well-studied, there isn’t much information on its side effects. 

However, the various supplements and herbs in ExtenZe can each have their own risks. Examples include:

• Stomach problems, such as nausea and pain

• Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Fast heartbeat

• High blood pressure

• Hair loss

• Skin changes, such as worsening acne

As is the case with most medications, side effects are more likely if you take a higher dose than what’s recommended. Since ExtenZe contains many ingredients, it’s important to know if you’re getting any of the ingredients from additional sources. Before adding EztenZe or another supplement to your routine, be sure to consult your healthcare provider; they can help you determine whether trying a new product may be safe (and even a fit) for you. They can also help you check whether any other medications or supplements in your regimen contain the same ingredients as ExtenZe. For example:

• Zinc: Taking too much zinc can lead to nausea, fatigue, and chest pain. Zinc can also interact with certain antibiotics, making the antibiotic less effective. 

• L-arginine: Being that L-arginine can lower blood pressure, taking it in conjunction with blood pressure-lowering medications may cause your BP to drop dangerously low. 

• Yohimbe: This herbal product may cause stomach issues, a fast heartbeat, anxiety, and more.

Viagra, and other PDE-5 inhibitors, are typically considered first-choice options for treating ED. With more than 25 years of research in over thousands of people, Viagra has been proven to be a safe and effective ED treatment for most individuals. However, we don’t have even close to this quantity (or quality) of research for ExtenZe. 

Beyond being far more studied, Viagra also differs from ExtenZe in that it’s a prescription medication. Meaning, you can only get it with an Rx from a licensed healthcare provider. ExtenZe, on the other hand, is an OTC product and is not regulated by the FDA. 

As mentioned (several times) above, there is no clinical evidence supporting ExtenZe as a safe and effective treatment for ED. There are, however, plenty of other treatment options that are backed by ample research and have been shown to improve ED and sexual satisfaction. These include: 

Prescription medications

Prescription drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors are generally considered among the most effective medications for ED. They work in part by improving blood flow to the penis, helping you get and maintain an erection.  Common PDE5 inhibitors prescribed for ED include:

• Viagra (sildenafil)

• Cialis (tadalafil)

• Vardenafil (previously available as brand name Levitra)

• Stendra (avanafil)

Not a fan of pills? You can also find certain PDE5 inhibitors in other formulations, such as: 

• Daily Rise Gummies: fruit-flavored gummies that contain tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and are designed to be taken once a day, allowing you to be ready 24/7. 

• Ro Sparks: sublingual treatment featuring sildenafil and tadalafil (the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively) that dissolves under the tongue for fast-acting effects.

While these last two options are not FDA-approved, their active ingredients have been individually FDA-approved for ED.

Why you’d choose one PDE5 inhibitor over another depends on several factors, including your personal preferences. For example, Cialis lasts up to 36 hours, which is longer than Viagra. It also can be taken either once a day or on an as-needed basis, whereas Viagra is best taken 30–60 minutes before having sex (though it can be taken up to four hours before sex). Viagra is not usually prescribed as a daily dose. 

Alprostadil (Caverject, Caverject Impulse, Edex) is another prescription treatment option for ED. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, this option is only available as an injection. It’s not usually considered a first-choice option for ED, but it can be a good option if other medications don’t work or if you can’t take PDE5 inhibitors. Other injectable options, such as Trimix (alprostadil/papaverine/phentolamine), may also be considered. An advantage of injectable medications is that, unlike oral PDE5 inhibitors, they don’t require sexual arousal to kick in.

Lifestyle changes 

In addition to trying prescription medications, you can make certain lifestyle changes to improve symptoms of ED over time. These changes can include quitting smoking, eating a diet full of nutrient-dense foods, and losing weight in some cases. Adopting healthy habits can reduce ED symptoms and in some cases even reverse it. 

Other treatment options

But if lifestyle changes and oral medications haven’t worked (or you don’t want to take oral medications), other options are available. Examples include:

• Eroxon, an OTC topical gel that’s applied to the head of the penis, contains ingredients that stimulate nerve endings and increase blood flow. Research on Eroxon is limited, so discuss with your healthcare provider before trying it.

• Vacuum erection devices, known as penis pumps, can help manually strengthen an erection. Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend an FDA-approved device if they think it's a good option for you. 

• Penile implants, the most invasive of options, are a potential long-term treatment for those who haven’t responded well to the other methods. 

Find your starter ED treatment

Get started

ExtenZe pills are OTC products that, according to their manufacturer, can not only improve erectile dysfunction but also skyrocket your sex life. But with such bold claims, it’s only natural to wonder, “Does Extenze work?” There isn’t any clinical evidence that shows it does. And while it may be particularly intriguing since it’s OTC (and could be easier to get than an Rx medication), there are several points to keep in mind when considering ExtenZe. 

• There isn’t any scientific evidence showing that ExtenZe works for ED — or for any elements of sexual health and performance, for that matter. That said, some of its (many) ingredients have a small amount of evidence on their potential benefits.

• ExtenZe pills feature ingredients, such as zinc, ginger, yohimbe, and more, that have been studied and shown to potentially help ED. But more research is needed on these individual ingredients, and there aren't any studies on their effects when combined together, such as in the case of ExtenZe. 

• Although ExtenZe is available OTC and fairly accessible, it is not regulated by the FDA and does not undergo the same testing for safety and efficacy as prescription medications. Plus, in the past, the FDA recommended against taking ExtenZe after finding unauthorized ingredients in the product.

• We have limited information on ExtenZe side effects, but each ingredient in the product carries its own risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and drug interactions before taking ExtenZe or any other supplement.

Oral PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra and Cialis, are typically first-choice treatment options for ED. Lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking are all common recommendations (that are far more studied than ExtenZe) for helping improve ED symptoms in the long term, too.