Do Male Enhancement Pills Work?

If we only had a nickel every time someone asked if male enhancement pills work.

We’re going to assume you want a short answer to this loaded question, so we’ll give it to you now: some male enhancement pills work. A few are great. And many are a waste of money.

Granted, that’s what we’ve said all along here at Men’s Best. You can read our thoughts on individual products in greater detail in the Male Enhancement Reviews section.

Still, male enhancement pills work – or don’t – thanks to the ingredients that power the so-called ‘formula’. You can tell if those work by evidence, either anecdotal or, preferably, clinical proof to show they deliver.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common ingredients you’ll find in health supplements for guys and determine which male enhancement pills work – at least in theory.

Male Enhancement Ingredients

Male enhancement pills live and die by their formula. Pricing works, of course, as does the company’s reputation. But in the end it’s their ingredients that say whether male enhancement pills work or amount to sawdust in a capsule.

To determine if ingredients work, they need to be studied. That means time in a laboratory – something very few male enhancement pills have done because of the costs involved. A few have, though, and we’ll get to them later.

For now, let’s focus on looking at the clinical evidence for these ingredients you’ll often find in come of the more popular male enhancement pills.

Tribulus Terrestris

Overview: Tribulus Terrestris is an herb often used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It’s a fruit-bearing plant often found in male libido and testosterone supplements and sold to help guys in both the board room and the bedroom.

The Promises: Higher testosterone, stronger sex drive, fewer erection problems and cardiovascular health.

The Proof: Tribulus Terrestris doesn’t appear to be a major testosterone booster, although it does appear to have some influence on testosterone in guys struggling with infertility. The evidence is stronger for Tribulus with erections – it does appear to reduce erectile problems according to 4 studies. TT appears to help libido as well.

See For Yourself: https://examine.com/supplements/tribulus-terrestris/#scientific-research

Asian Red Ginseng

Overview: Asian Red Ginseng, also called Panax Ginseng, has been used in Chinese Medicine for centuries. It’s a perennial plant native to East Asia linked to better erection quality and cognitive function. Asian Red Ginseng’s high antioxidant content has been suggested to lower inflammation as well, although more research is needed.

The Promises: Better erections, cognitive function, relaxation and better blood flow, among many others.

The Proof: Four studies suggest Asian Red Ginseng does indeed help blood flow and relaxation. This resulted in fewer erection problems, although again, much more research is needed.

See For Yourself: https://examine.com/supplements/panax-ginseng/

Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed)

Overview: A name like that tells you Epimedium may do epic things in your bedroom. Like other sexual nutrients from ancient Chinese medicine, Epimedium has been suggested to do more than just give men a hard-on – it’s also being studied for heart health and cognitive benefits.

The Promises: Better erections, increased blood flow, higher testosterone, greater heart and brain function.

The Proof: Epimedium has shown in animal studies to increase blood flow to the penis and it may even trigger neurons to tell your brain to extend your penis. It appears to boost testosterone in animals, bur human studies are needed to confirm this effect in guys.

See For Yourself: https://examine.com/supplements/horny-goat-weed/

Muira Puama

Overview: Wanna know if male enhancement pills work? Look at Muira Puama. The popular plant means ‘Potency Wood’ in its native Brazil and has long been used as an aphrodisiac and to help men last longer in bed.

The Promises: Powerful sex drive, stronger erections, lower stress and even less depression.

The Proof: One study found half of guys using a 4:1 Muira Puama extract reported better erectile function after two weeks. Other studies have shown its anti-anxiety effects, which could help lower performance fears and help guys relax in the bedroom.

See For Yourself: https://examine.com/supplements/muira-puama/

Mucuna Pruriens

Overview: A tropical legume native to Africa, Mucuna Pruriens is linked to higher Dopamine – the feel good hormone that boosts pleasure. You’ll find it in male enhancement pills like ProSolution Plus because it’s purported to lower anxiety, which may help guys last longer in bed.

The Promises: Cognitive function, brain health and, of course, better sexual performance, including more stamina – and more Dopamine.

The Proof: Three studies suggest Mucuna Pruriens can improve sperm quality. For Dopamine, one study found it universally boosted the latter in a group of 150 men. Two studies show Mucuna Pruriens increased testosterone in men struggling with infertility, although it’s unknown if this effect would be seen in otherwise healthy guys.

See For Yourself: https://examine.com/supplements/mucuna-pruriens/

Maca

Overview: Maca root, sometimes called Peruvian Ginseng, is a member of the broccoli family. Long used as an aphrodisiac, it’s one of the more common sexual nutrients found in male enhancement pills.

The Promises: More sperm, stronger sex drive, cognitive function and bone heath, among others,

The Proof: Maca likely won’t increase your testosterone, but studies suggest it can probably stoke your bedroom fires. Three studies reveal Maca has a positive effect on the sex drive. Sexual function appears to benefit as well, as does erection frequency.

See For Yourself: https://examine.com/supplements/maca/

D-Aspartic Acid

Overview: D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that assists with protein synthesis. You’ll tend to find it in male virility supplements and testosterone boosters.

The Promises: More testosterone, general well-being, male fertility.

The Proof: It’s relatively strong for D Aspartic Acid. Three studies suggest D Aspartic Acid can boost testosterone in men with infertility. One study found that a group went from no conceptions to 26.6% of the group reporting success within 90 days.

See For Yourself:  https://examine.com/supplements/d-aspartic-acid/

Make Enhancement Pills With Clinical Studies

So far we’ve discussed some of the more common ingredients found in male enhancement pills. But another good gauge of whether male enhancement pills work is to look at the products. More specifically, the clinical studies done on them – and it’s a small list.

When looking at male enhancement products, it’s important to look at the big picture. Don’t just look at one or two ingredients. Look at the whole formula, and whether it stands up to clinical scrutiny. Three male enhancement products that work, based on clinical evidence, include:

VigRX Plus

Overview: One of the most popular male virility supplements, VigRX Plus is marketed as a way to get an erection, last longer in bed and make sex more enjoyable. It’s also our pick for the best male enhancement pill.

The Promises: To get and keep an erection, stronger sex drive, more climaxes and greater sexual satisfaction.

The Proof: Several studies have been done on VigRX Plus. One, done in 2012, found VigRX Plus increased ability to get an erection by 62.82%, boosted overall sex drive by 47% and made sex up to 71.43% more enjoyable.

See For Yourself: https://www.vigrxplus.com/clinical/

ProSolution Plus

Overview: Another popular male virility pill, ProSolution Plus is designed to help boost sex drive and erection quality with an added benefit – it’s also marketed as a premature ejaculation supplement for guys who ejaculate too early.

The Promises: Better erection quality, sexual function and the ability to last longer in bed.

The Proof: A study done on the ProSolution Plus formula found it improved erection quality, sexual satisfaction and premature ejaculation symptoms by 67%, 78% and 64% respectively.

See For Yourself: https://www.prosolutionplus.com/

So Does This Mean Male Enhancement Pills Work?

These findings suggest some male enhancement pills work – not all. Multiple clinical studies are required to confirm that male enhancement pills work. That’s expensive and time-consuming, Many male enhancement products exist simply to make money, and don’t survive long enough to put them to the test.

Still, these studies suggest that the right formula, combined with product longevity and a good company reputation can help point many guys in the right direction with male enhancement pills and the quality of life they seek. You’ve got to look, but good products are out there, and some male enhancement pills work – yes we said that.

Read our product reviews to learn which ones are more likely to deliver the results you’re after.