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'Herbal viagra': Is it safe?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/herbal-viagra/AN00702
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
He's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He's also involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction, and is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM. He's a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
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Question
'Herbal viagra': Is it safe?
Is "herbal viagra" safe?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Be wary of any product that claims to be a natural form of Viagra. Herbal supplements aren't held to the same standards as prescription and over-the-counter medications — so it's often difficult to say which ones are safe or effective.
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you become sexually aroused. Some "herbal viagra" supplements are advertised as a cheaper alternative, available without a prescription.
Some of these products do contain substances that improve blood flow by relaxing the walls of blood vessels. However, none of them focuses specifically on blood vessels in the penis, as do Viagra and similar prescription drugs. As a result, these so-called herbal viagra supplements can cause dangerously low blood pressure in some men — particularly men who take nitrate medications for heart problems.
Another reason to be wary is that you can't be certain what you're taking. Some products marketed as "herbal viagras" have been pulled off the market because they contain undeclared prescription medications. It can be dangerous to take supplements that contain unknown amounts of prescription medications or other unidentified ingredients.
Some natural remedies may be viable options for easing erectile dysfunction. Examples of herbal remedies used for sexual problems include ginseng, ginkgo, L-arginine and yohimbe. However, there's still limited evidence on how well they work — and some have known dangers. For example, yohimbe can interact with prescription medications and increase heart rate and blood pressure.
If you have erectile dysfunction, see your doctor to make sure it isn't caused by an underlying health problem or isn't a side effect of medications you take. Your safest bet in treating erectile problems is to rely on your doctor's evaluation and recommendations. Before using any herbal remedy or supplement, check with your doctor to make sure it's safe for you.
- Dietary supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/default.htm. Accessed Feb. 3, 2012.
- Martin KA. Treatment of male sexual dysfunction. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 3, 2012.
- Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-0986-5..C2009-0-38984-9--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-0986-5&about=true&uniqId=236797353-5. Accessed Feb. 3, 2012.
- Hidden risks of erectile dysfunction "treatments" sold online. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048386.htm. Accessed Feb. 3, 2012.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 6, 2012.
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