The Hard Truth on Sexual Enhancers P Words: Dr. Rani Whitfield AKA “Tha Hip Hop Doc” ills, potions, powders, and pumps… Seems like everywhere you turn someone is advertising about ways for you to have a longer, stronger and more gratifying sexual experience with your partner. Aphrodisiacs, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, can be foods, drinks, drugs, scents or devices that claim to arouse or increase sexual desire. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based on urban legend, not proven research. Despite the FDA’s determination that aphrodisiacs are ineffective, costly and sometimes dangerous, people continue the quest for drug-induced sexual fulfillment. Well, here are the “hard” facts on sexual enhancers courtesy of yours truly, H2D.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors The most potent sexual enhancers on the market prescribed by a physician are the phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE’s). PDE’s like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are effective ways for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Men in this group are unable to get an erection or have trouble maintaining one and these PDEs increase blood flow to the penis and improve sexual performance. These drugs have changed the game for the older male with medical problems that has trouble satisfying his partner. They do, however, come with side effects such as headaches, visual changes and a rare, but painful complication called priapism. They cannot be used in patients with heart disease and do not increase sexual arousal. So if you don’t want to be with your partner, this drug is not for you. Testosterone Replacement Testosterone is the predominant male hormone responsible for normal growth and development of male sex and reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, scrotum and prostate. It facilitates the development of secondary male sex characteristics such as musculature, bone mass, fat distribution and hair patterns. Additionally, normal testosterone levels maintain energy level, healthy mood, fertility and sexual desire. Testosterone production declines naturally with age and a low testosterone level may result from disease or damage to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or testicles – also known as hypogonadism. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy and is aimed at maintaining secondary sex characteristics, improving energy, strength, mood, feelings of well being and preventing bone loss. Modes of hormone replacement include gels, patches and injections. However, if you don’t have low levels and you use testosterone, the potential for side effects like headache, abnormal breast development, fluctuating mood, decreased energy levels, acne, heart failure, enlarged prostate and sleep apnea are possible. Manual Squeezing Exercises These are exercises that use a hand-over-hand motion to push blood from the base to the head of a penis. Although this technique may be safer than other methods, it can lead to scar formation, pain and disfigurement. There are no scientific studies that indicate this technique is effective at increasing penis size. Stretching With Weights This technique, which involves wearing weights on the penis, may cause permanent damage. There’s no scientific evidence that this technique increases penis size. I’m not hanging any weights from my johnson! Vacuum Pumps Because pumps draw blood into the penis and make it swell, they’re useful in the treatment of impotence (ED). This may create an illusion of a larger penis, but results are seldom permanent. Repeated use can damage elastic tissue in the penis, leading to less-firm erections. Pills And Lotions These usually contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or hormones that claim to enlarge the penis. None of these products has been shown to be effective. Here
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are some commonly listed ingredients for sexual enhancement that have little to no effect on your sexual prowess (by no means a comprehensive list): yohimbine, ginseng, deer antler, tribbulus terrestris, catuaba, muira puama, maca, and rhinoceros horn. Spanish Fly The most legendary aphrodisiac is also one of the most dangerous. Made from dried beetle remains, its reported sexual excitement comes from the irritation to the urinary tract and the resulting rush of blood to the sex organs. Spanish fly is a poison that burns the mouth and throat and can lead to urinary tract infections, scarring and even death. Penile Enlargement Surgeries There are a few techniques used to lengthen the penis and all of them are experimental. The most commonly talked about methods include injecting your own body fat into the penis and cutting existing ligaments that support the penis to give it the appearance of looking larger. None of these techniques are endorsed by any qualified medical organizations. These surgeries are risky, costly and unlikely to produce satisfactory results. Oysters, Spicy Food, Chocolate and Energy Drinks No, no, no and no again. And as far as energy drinks, they are usually loaded with sugar and caffeine, keeping you jittery and overtime turning your six pack into a 40 OZ. When it comes to sexual enhancement, they aren’t worth the can in which they are stored. But hey, some of them taste good! “So H2D, what do I do?” The answer is simple: eat healthy, exercise, and talk with your doctor before wasting hard earned money on things that don’t work. Foreplay is more important than size for most and if you’ve got game, use your mind and not your money. Holla…. //