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It’s well understood that erectile difficulties aren’t just about what’s happening below the belt. Factors like weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure all play a role. But while addressing these issues is important, the mind-body connection in sexual health has also made it fertile ground for misinformation and dubious treatments.
The Problem with ‘Natural’ Remedies
“Nobody is saying that natural remedies are completely ineffective,” says Professor Ilan Gruenwald, former Director of the Neuro-Urology Department at Rambam Medical Centre. “Some research suggests they may have an effect, but these aren’t rigorous scientific studies that can verify those claims properly.”
The standard treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) involves prescription medications known as PDE5 inhibitors, such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra), and Tadalafil (Cialis). However, the market is also flooded with so-called “natural” alternatives, including:
– Kamagra (available as gels and flavoured lozenges)
– Fildena (sold in some pharmacies)
– Yohimbe and Tiger King (capsules based on Chinese herbal formulas)
– Power Coffee (a powdered herbal blend)
– Jaguar On and Superman (tablet forms)
– Xtrasize (a topical cream)
“There are countless individuals selling these products, many of them well-meaning,” says Gruenwald. “But the simple truth is, none of them have been scientifically proven to work. If they were genuinely effective, they’d be widely prescribed and recognised by medical professionals.”
The Power—and Limits—of the Placebo Effect
A recent study in PLOS ONE found that 80% of the benefits people experience from antidepressants can be attributed to the placebo effect. Gruenwald suggests the same principle applies to so-called ‘natural’ remedies for ED.
“Sexual function is influenced by mental health, and even conventional ED drugs have a placebo component,” he explains. “But the placebo effect has limits, especially when ED is caused by underlying health conditions.”
What’s more, many of these “natural” products aren’t entirely natural at all. Some, like Kamagra, contain Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, despite being sold as a herbal remedy. Health authorities have repeatedly issued warnings about counterfeit ED treatments—drugs falsely marketed as ‘100% natural’ while containing undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.
A More Effective, Longer-Term Solution
Rather than relying on short-term fixes, there is an alternative—one that addresses the underlying cause of ED. Professor Gruenwald is a medical consultant for Ohh-Med, the company behind Vertica, a non-invasive medical device designed to restore erectile function.
“Pills only provide a temporary fix and lose effectiveness as men get older or develop health conditions,” says Gruenwald. “Vertica works by repairing and strengthening the natural erectile mechanism, rather than just masking the problem.”
Unlike medication, which can cause side effects and only works in the moment, Vertica strengthens the erectile tissue itself, improving blood flow and restoring function over time.
Beware of Counterfeit Drugs
A 2019 report in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene revealed that at least 300,000 people died that year due to counterfeit medicines, including fake ED treatments.
The global market for counterfeit drugs is growing, and Viagra alternatives are among the most commonly faked medications. While cheap prices and easy access can be tempting, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Without regulation, these products may contain incorrect doses, undisclosed chemicals, or harmful substances.
The safest approach is to choose clinically tested, medically approved treatments—rather than taking a gamble on unproven remedies.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
