Reviews of doctors about dietary supplement to improve potency: critical analysis and scientific view
I. Introduction to the problem of erectile dysfunction and self -medication
Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as an inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse, is a common condition affecting men of all ages, although more often encountered with age. According to various studies, the prevalence of ED varies from 3 to 76% depending on age, ethnicity and concomitant diseases. Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety and depression, can also play a significant role.
Many men, faced with Ed, experience a feeling of shame and awkwardness, which often leads to a search for a solution to the problem outside of traditional medical care. This creates a favorable environment for the prosperity of the dietary supplement industry (biologically active additives), which supposedly offer a quick and simple solution to potency problems. Advertising of dietary supplements, promising to increase libido, improve erection and increase sexual endurance, floods the Internet, often using aggressive marketing strategies and appealing to a sense of male dignity.
ED of ED Badami is a serious problem. Firstly, the effectiveness of many of these additives has not been proved by clinical trials. Secondly, dietary supplements are not subject to such strict control as drugs, which creates the risk of the content of non-declared ingredients, pollutants and unpredictable side effects. Thirdly, ED self-medication can disguise serious underlying medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or hormonal disorders that require timely diagnosis and treatment.
Doctors play a key role in informing patients about the risks and advantages of various methods of treatment of ED, including dietary supplements. Their task is to provide scientifically substantiated information based on evidence, and dispel myths surrounding this topic. This article is a critical analysis of doctors about dietary supplements to improve potency, based on scientific research, clinical experience and recommendations of medical organizations.
II. Legal aspects and quality control of dietary supplements
Dietary supplements, unlike drugs, are regulated as food, and not as medicines. This means that they are not subject to strict requirements for effectiveness and safety, which are presented to pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to prove the effectiveness of their products before their entry into the market, and supervisory authorities, as a rule, intervene only in case of obvious safety problems.
Different countries operate in different dietary supplements. In the USA, for example, dietary supplements are regulated by the 1994 dietary supplements, health and education (DSHEA) law, which significantly weakened control over this industry. There are more stringent rules in Europe, but there are gaps in quality control and safety control.
Lack of quality control of dietary supplements creates the risk of contamination, falsification and inaccurate indication of the ingredients on the label. Studies have shown that many dietary supplements sold to improve potency contain unable pharmaceutical ingredients, such as Sildenafil (Viagra) or Tadalafil (Cialis), which can be hazardous to health, especially for men with cardiovascular diseases or taking nitrates. The use of such ingredients without proper medical control can lead to serious side effects, including a sharp decrease in blood pressure, a heart attack and a stroke.
The lack of standardization in the production of dietary supplements also leads to significant fluctuations in the concentration of active substances in different parties of the same product. This makes it impossible to predict the effect of bad and increases the risk of undesirable side effects.
Doctors strongly recommend that patients be careful when choosing dietary supplements and pay attention to the following factors:
- The availability of quality certificates from independent organizations: Some organizations, such as USP (Pharmacopoeia of the United States) or NSF International, conduct an independent assessment of dietary supplements and issue quality certificates if the product meets certain standards of purity and concentration.
- Reputation manufacturer: It is worth choosing dietary supplements from well -known and respected manufacturers who have a transparent quality control system and provide detailed information about their products.
- Composition: It is necessary to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not contain unexpected ingredients or potentially dangerous substances.
- Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you have any related diseases or you take medications, you need to consult a doctor.
III. The most common dietary supplements for potency and their effectiveness
The market presents a huge number of dietary supplements to improve potency containing various plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Consider the most common ingredients and evaluate their effectiveness based on scientific data.
A. L-arginine:
L-Arginine is an amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of nitrogen oxide (NO), an important vasodilator that helps to relax the smooth muscles of blood vessels and improve blood flow, including in the penis. Theoretically, an increase in the level of NO can help improve an erection.
Despite this theoretical basis, scientific data on the effectiveness of L-Arginine in ED are ambiguous. Some studies show that L-Arginine can improve an erection in men with mild or moderate ED, especially in combination with other drugs such as pycnogenol (pine bark extract). However, other studies did not reveal a significant improvement in erectile function when taking L-arginine.
It is important to note that to achieve a clinically significant effect, high doses of L-arginine (5-10 grams per day) are usually required, which can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and gastric cramps. L-Arginine can also interact with some drugs such as drugs to reduce blood pressure and anticoagulants.
Many doctors believe that L-Arginine can be useful as an auxiliary remedy for ED, but it is not a first-line drug and does not replace other, more effective treatment methods such as FDE-5 inhibitors.
B. Ginseng (Panax Ginseng):
Ginseng is a popular plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to increase energy, improve cognitive functions and treat various diseases, including ED. It is believed that ginseng has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties, and can also improve blood flow and stimulate NO production.
Some clinical studies have shown that ginseng can improve the erectile function in men with ED. In one meta analysis published in the journal The Journal of Sexual Medicineit was found that ginseng can significantly improve the erectile function compared to placebo. However, the quality of many studies was low, and additional studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of ginseng.
The side effects of ginseng are usually lung and include headache, insomnia and gastrointestinal disorders. Ginseng can interact with some drugs such as warfarin and antidepressants.
Many doctors recognize the potential benefits of ginseng in ED, but recommend using it with caution and under the supervision of a doctor, especially for men with concomitant diseases or taking medications.
C. Yochimbin (Pausinystalia Johimbe):
Yochimbin is an alkaloid obtained from the bark of a yochimb tree growing in West Africa. It acts as an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist, blocking alpha-2-adrenergic receptors that participate in the regulation of blood flow in the penis. Theoretically, blocking these receptors can help improve an erection.
Yochimbin is one of the few dietary supplements for potency, which has some scientific evidence of its effectiveness. Several studies have shown that Yochimbin can improve the erectile function in men with ED, especially in those who suffer from ED caused by psychological factors.
However, Yohimbin can cause serious side effects, such as anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, an increase in blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. It can also interact with some drugs such as antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of hypertension.
Due to the risk of side effects and interactions with drugs, many doctors do not recommend using yocimbine for the treatment of ED without medical surveillance. In some countries, yochimbin is released only by prescription of a doctor.
D. Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus Terrestris):
Tribulus Terrytris is a plant used in traditional medicine to increase libido, improve sports results and treat various diseases. It is believed that Tertrix tribulus can increase testosterone levels, which theoretically can help improve sexual function.
However, scientific data on the effectiveness of the tribulus Terright under ED are ambiguous. Some studies on animals have shown that Tertrix tribulus can improve the erectile function, but research in humans gave conflicting results. Many studies have not revealed a significant influence of T T T T T T T T flareral way on testosterone levels or erectile function.
Side effects of tribulus terrestrix are usually light and include gastrointestinal disorders. However, in rare cases, cases of hepatotoxicity (liver damage) were reported.
Many doctors believe that the tribulus terrestris is not sufficiently studied and its effectiveness in ED has not been proven. They do not recommend using it as the main treatment for ED.
E. Maka Peruvian (Lepidium Meyenii):
Peruvian poppy is a plant that grows in the Andes in Peru. It is used in traditional medicine to increase libido, improve fertility and increase energy. It is believed that Maka Peruvian can influence the level of hormones and improve blood flow.
Some studies have shown that Peruvian poppy can improve libido and sexual function in men and women. However, data on the effectiveness of Pyruanskaya Maki in ED are limited. Some studies did not reveal the significant influence of Peruvian poppies on the erectile function.
The side effects of Pyruanskaya poppies are usually light and include gastrointestinal disorders. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate the long -term security of Maki of Peruvian.
Many doctors believe that Peruvian poppy can be useful for increasing libido, but its effectiveness in ED has not been proven. They recommend using it with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
F. other ingredients:
In addition to the above ingredients, many dietary supplements for potency contain other plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, such as Epimedium extract (Epimedium), zinc, selenium, vitamin D and vitamin E. However, scientific data on the effectiveness of these ingredients with ED are often contradictory.
Many doctors are skeptical of the effectiveness of dietary supplements containing many ingredients, since it is difficult to determine which ingredients are really effective and how they interact with each other.
IV. Risks and side effects of dietary supplements for potency
Reception of dietary supplements for potency is associated with a number of risks and side effects that must be taken into account:
- Not declared ingredients: Many dietary supplements contain unexpected pharmaceutical ingredients, such as sildenafil or tadalafil, which can be dangerous to health, especially for men with cardiovascular diseases or taking nitrates.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with medicines, which can lead to undesirable side effects or reducing the effectiveness of drugs.
- Contamination: Bades can be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or other toxic substances.
- The unpredictability of the effect: Due to the lack of standardization in the production of dietary supplements, the effect of admission of dietary supplements can be unpredictable and vary from party to party.
- Mashing the underlying diseases: EDs of ED Badami can disguise serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or hormonal disorders, which require timely diagnosis and treatment.
Doctors strongly recommend that patients inform them of taking any dietary supplements, especially before surgery or starting new drugs.
V. Alternative methods of treatment of ED with proven effectiveness
Unlike many dietary supplements, there are alternative methods of treating ED with proven effectiveness and safety:
- Ingibiti FDA-5 (Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil): These drugs are first -line drugs for the treatment of ED and have proven their effectiveness in numerous clinical trials. They act, blocking the FDE-5 enzyme, which breaks down No, which leads to relaxing the smooth muscles of blood vessels and improving blood flow in the penis.
- Intracavernous injections (alpropodil): Alprostadil is a synthetic prostaglandin E1, which is introduced directly into the penis to cause an erection. This treatment method is effective for many men with ED, but can cause side effects, such as pain in the penis, the formation of fibrous plaques and priapism (prolonged erection).
- Vacuum devices: Vacuum devices are cylinders that are worn on the penis and create a vacuum, drawing blood into the penis and causing an erection. This treatment method is effective for many men with ED, but it can be uncomfortable and cause side effects, such as pain in the penis and bruises.
- Surgical treatment (prosthetics of the penis): Prosthetics of the penis is a surgical operation in which artificial prostheses are implanted in the penis that allow an erection. This treatment method is effective for men with severe ED, which other treatment methods do not help.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can be useful for men with ED caused by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety or depression.
- Life change change: Change in lifestyle, such as rejection of smoking, weight loss, regular physical exercises and healthy nutrition, can improve the erectile function in some men with ED.
Doctors recommend patients with ED to contact them to conduct a thorough examination and choose the most suitable treatment method based on the causes of ED, concomitant diseases and preferences of the patient.
VI. The role of a doctor in informing patients about dietary supplements for potency
Doctors play an important role in informing patients about dietary supplements for potency. They should provide patients with scientifically substantiated information about the risks and advantages of various methods of treatment of ED, including dietary supplements.
Doctors must:
- Discuss with patients their fears and goals: Doctors must listen to patients with a sexual function and help them determine the realistic goals of treatment.
- Provide scientifically substantiated information: Doctors must provide patients with information about dietary supplements for potency based on scientific research and clinical experience.
- Disperse myths: Doctors must dispel myths surrounding dietary supplements for potency, and warn patients against unreasonable promises and aggressive advertising.
- Discuss risks and side effects: Doctors should discuss with patients the risks and side effects of dietary supplements for potency and emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
- Offer alternative treatment methods: Doctors must offer patients alternative methods of treating ED with proven effectiveness and safety.
- Support for open dialogue: Doctors must maintain an open and confidential dialogue with patients so that they feel comfortable, discussing their sexual problems.
Doctors must remember that their main task is to protect the health and well -being of their patients. They must provide patients with objective and unbiased information so that they can make reasonable decisions about their health.
VII. Clinical research and scientific evidence
The effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements for potency should be confirmed by clinical studies conducted in accordance with strict scientific standards. Unfortunately, many studies of dietary supplements for potency are of low quality and are subject to displacements.
Important criteria for evaluating clinical research of dietary supplements for potency:
- Sample size: Studies should include a sufficient number of participants to identify statistically significant differences between groups of treatment and placebo.
- Control group: Studies should include a control group receiving placebo to evaluate the placebo effect.
- Randomization: Participants must be randomly distributed by treatment groups and placebo in order to eliminate the selection displacement.
- Blindness: Studies should be blinded, that is, neither participants nor researchers should know who receives an active drug and who is a placebo.
- Objective measurements: Studies should use objective measurements of erectile function, such as the international erectile function (IIEF) index to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
- Messages about side effects: Studies should carefully report all the side effects associated with treatment.
The results of dietary supplements for potency should be interpreted with caution, taking into account the quality of research and potential displacements. It must be borne in mind that many studies are financed by dietary supplements, which can lead to a displacement of the results.
VIII. Economic aspects and cost of dietary supplements
The cost of dietary supplements for potency can be significant, especially if they are taken regularly for a long time. It is important to consider that dietary supplements, as a rule, are not covered by medical insurance, unlike drugs, released according to the doctor’s prescription.
Before starting a dietary supplement for potency, it is necessary to compare its cost with the cost of alternative methods of treatment of ED with proven efficiency, such as FDE-5 inhibitors, intracavernous injections or vacuum devices. In some cases, the treatment of ED drugs released according to the doctor’s prescription may be more economically profitable than dietary supplements.
Patients should also be borne in mind that the cost of dietary supplements for potency may vary depending on the manufacturer, the retail seller and the country. It is necessary to compare prices in different sources and pay attention to discounts and promotions.
IX. Ethical considerations
The use of dietary supplements for potency raises a number of ethical issues. In particular, the following aspects should be taken into account:
- Informed consent: Patients should be fully informed about the risks and advantages of dietary supplements for potency, as well as the presence of alternative methods of treatment of ED. They should be able to make a reasonable decision on their health based on objective and unbiased information.
- Advertising and marketing: Advertising of dietary supplements for potency often contains misleading or exaggerated information about the efficiency and safety of products. It is necessary to deal with unscrupulous advertising and protect consumers from deception.
- Accessibility and justice: Dietary supplements for potency should be available to everyone who needs them, regardless of their financial situation or place of residence. It is necessary to eliminate the barriers that prevent access to the treatment of ED.
- Confidentiality: Information about the sexual health of patients should be strictly confidential. Doctors and other medical workers must comply with the rules of confidentiality and protect the private life of patients.
X. Conclusions and recommendations for patients and doctors
In conclusion, dietary supplements for potency are a complex and contradictory theme. Many dietary supplements do not have sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness and can be associated with the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
Patients considering the possibility of receiving dietary supplements for potency are recommended:
- Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to discuss the risks and advantages of treatment, as well as exclude the presence of the underlying diseases.
- Choose proven products: When choosing a dietary supplement, you should choose products from well -known and respected manufacturers with quality certificates from independent organizations.
- Carefully study the composition: It is necessary to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not contain unexpected ingredients or potentially dangerous substances.
- Follow the instructions: It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for the use of dietary supplements and not exceed the recommended dose.
- Inform the doctor about side effects: If any side effects occur, it is necessary to immediately stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
Doctors are recommended:
- Provide patients with scientifically sound information: Doctors must provide patients with information about dietary supplements for potency based on scientific research and clinical experience.
- Disperse myths: Doctors must dispel myths surrounding dietary supplements for potency, and warn patients against unreasonable promises and aggressive advertising.
- Discuss risks and side effects: Doctors should discuss with patients the risks and side effects of dietary supplements for potency and emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
- Offer alternative treatment methods: Doctors must offer patients alternative methods of treating ED with proven effectiveness and safety.
- Follow new research: Doctors must monitor new studies of dietary supplements for potency and update their knowledge in this field.
It must be remembered that Ed is a common condition that can be effectively treated. Patients should not be shy to see a doctor for help. Modern methods of treatment of ED allow most men to restore normal sexual function and improve the quality of life.