Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue affecting between 30 to 50 million men in the United States. ExtenZe supplements are an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment option that people often consider to manage ED. However, experts warn that the therapy may not be effective and could be unsafe.
ExtenZe supplements are thought to enhance sexual performance by supporting testosterone levels, increasing penis size, and improving stamina. Although daily use is intended to improve ED symptoms, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider and consider any potential safety risks.
Does ExtenZe Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
No clinical studies support the use of ExtenZe for erectile dysfunction. Some of the ingredients in ExtenZe have been studied separately; however, studies on humans are lacking. These studies are small and do not properly check for safety and toxicity.
ExtenZe claims that you will see an increase in erection size when using this product. There is no research or scientific evidence to support this. In fact, the manufacturer of ExtenZe was ordered to pay $300,000 in 2006 for falsely advertising that it can increase penis size. Then, in 2011, the company was ordered to pay a $1.75 million fine for false and misleading advertising.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The manufacturer advises that ExtenZe is quick-acting and should be taken when you are ready to engage in sexual activity. The website also states that it has a long duration of action and can be taken early in the day to maximize the effects. It advises that it should be taken for eight weeks to see the greatest benefit. It offers a money-back guarantee for up to 67 days after purchase.
No clinical studies have tested the effectiveness of ExtenZe or how quickly it works. How long it will take to work or whether it works at all remains unknown.
Ingredients
The manufacturer states that ExtenZe is made up of a proprietary blend of over 20 different herbs, nutrients, and amino acids. ExtenZe products may contain the following ingredients:
Astralagus
Astragalus is a plant root used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are no studies of its effects on erectile dysfunction.
Cnidium monnieri
Cnidium monnieri has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat ringworm, the swelling of women’s genitals, and erectile dysfunction. It is thought to have a vasodilating effect.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands. The body converts DHEA to estrogen and testosterone. Studies have shown that low levels of testosterone can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Studies have also shown that DHEA can increase testosterone levels in younger men. However, a meta-analysis revealed that DHEA had no effect on sexual health in older males. DHEA is also known as a performance-enhancing drug and is banned for use by professional athletes.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is necessary to make healthy red blood cells. A meta-analysis has shown that low folic acid levels are a risk factor for ED, with more severe ED having lower levels. A study from 2019 showed improvements in ED with folic acid supplementation.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an aphrodisiac. It is from the plant Epimedium and contains the active ingredient icariin. Studies on rats have demonstrated that icariin shares characteristics with phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme (PDE5) inhibitors, which are prescription drugs for treating erectile dysfunction. Studies in humans on the safety and efficacy of horny goat weed are lacking.
L-Arginine Hydrochloride
Two studies have shown positive results for ED with daily high-dose L-arginine supplementation. Participants reported improved penile erectile function after one to three months of use.
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable grown in Peru. It is also known as Lepidium meyenii. A study from 2020 showed that after 12 weeks of use, Maca can increase sperm concentration. Another study from 2023 showed that erectile function scores increased after 12 weeks in men with hypogonadism.
Muira Puama Extract
Muira puama is a plant found in Brazil that claims to increase sexual desire and function. Studies involving muira puama for men with ED are lacking. One study tested a supplement that contained muira puama along with other ingredients such as ginger extract, guarana extract, and L-citrulline. After three months, people who took this supplement reported improvements in their sexual function scores.
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient. An observational study found that a higher dietary intake of niacin was associated with a lower risk of ED. Niacin is thought to help ED by improving vascular endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress.
Piper Longum
Piper longum, is also known as the Indian long pepper, piper longum is used in traditional medicine for various conditions.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone that helps produce other hormones, such as DHEA, progesterone, and estrogen. There is currently no research on the benefits of pregnenolone for ED.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is an herbal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Studies have shown that Tribulus increases libido and testosterone levels in rats. A study in humans showed that Tribulus did not increase testosterone levels but did improve sexual function after 12 weeks.
Velvet Bean Extract
Velvet bean, or Mucuna pruriens, is a legume used in Ayurvedic Indian medicine. It has been used to treat nerve disorders, arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease, and it has also been used as an aphrodisiac. A study from 2019 showed that velvet bean extract enhanced reproductive function in rats. An older study from 2009 showed that velvet bean extract improved hormone levels and increased sperm count and motility in infertile men.
Yohimbe Extract
Studies have shown that yohimbe extract or yohimbine has been shown to cause smooth muscle relaxation. This can increase blood flow to the penis which helps to enable erections. It has been used as an aphrodisiac in African countries.
Zinc
Zinc deficiency has been associated with lower levels of testosterone and lower levels of sperm in semen. Studies on the effectiveness of zinc in people with ED are lacking. An older study in rats showed that 5 milligrams (mg) of zinc daily could delay ejaculation during intercourse while giving 10 mg of zinc daily can reduce sexual libido.
Is It Safe to Take?
Extenze is considered a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements do not follow the same regulations as prescription medications. Supplements are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness.
Manufacturers are expected to follow good manufacturing practices (GMP), which ensure the facility is clean and safe and that the product contains what it says it does on the label. Certified GMP facilities have been tested and follow proper regulations. Not all supplements are made in certified GMP facilities, which can lead to contamination if they are using unsafe or unsanitary procedures.
Supplements may even contain hidden ingredients. In 2018, the FDA warned the public not to purchase ExtenZe Plus. It was found to contain an active ingredient, sildenafil, which is a prescription product for erectile dysfunction. Though sildenafil is a reliable and safe product when prescribed by a healthcare provider, it can lead to dangerous side effects and drug interactions. It is also the active ingredient in Viagra.
Side Effects
Due to a lack of research and testing, there is not a lot of information on the safety and side effects of ExtenZe. There is, however, research that certain individual ingredients can cause severe side effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Heart attacks
- Heartburn
- Increased blood pressure
- Increase heart rate
- Insomnia
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Prolonged erection (priapism)
- Seizures
- Stomach upset
Who Should Consider Taking ExtenZe
Consulting a healthcare provider is best if you are struggling with ED. They can determine if there are other causes for your condition and can recommend medications that are safe for you to take. The FDA has placed ExtenZe on its list of tainted sexual enhancement products and recommends avoiding this supplement.
Who Should Avoid ExtenZe
ExtenZe has previously proved to contain sildenafil. Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors can lower blood pressure. Those who have low blood pressure, take alpha-blocker medications, or take nitrates for chest pain or heart failure should avoid PDE5 inhibitor medications. Those with heart conditions, including a recent heart attack or stroke, should also be cautious about taking medications that contain PDE5 inhibitors.
The safety and side effects of the ingredients in ExtenZe have not been studied in clinical trials. Additionally, no studies have been conducted to demonstrate how well ExtenZe works for supporting ED. Due to a lack of research and the fact that ExtenZe is on the FDA’s list of tainted sexual enhancement products, the FDA recommends avoiding ExtenZe.
Alternatives to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme (PDE5) inhibitors are oral medications for treating erectile dysfunction. They cause blood vessels to relax, which increases blood flow to the penis. When the penis is sexually stimulated, an erection will occur.
Examples of PDE5 inhibitors include:
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
Other treatment options include:
- ED ring
- Injectable medications or suppositories
- Surgery
- Testosterone
- Vacuum pumps
The following lifestyle modifications may help improve symptoms and prevent worsening:
- Avoiding illegal drugs
- Eating a healthy diet
- Engaging in physical activity
- Limiting alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing stress
Summary
Research on the safety and effectiveness of ExtenZe is lacking. Supplements have less stringent regulations and are not FDA-approved. Male enhancement supplements have been found to contain unlisted ingredients and have caused severe side effects.
Although OTC male enhancement supplements offer convenience and a low price tag, talking with your healthcare provider is best if you are experiencing ED. They can direct you toward effective and safe medications to treat your condition.
Understanding ExtenZe: Effects on Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent issue for between 30 to 50 million men in the United States, leading many to seek out various treatment options. Among the over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives is ExtenZe, which claims to enhance sexual performance. However, medical experts have raised concerns regarding the supplement’s effectiveness and potential safety risks.
Effectiveness of ExtenZe for Erectile Dysfunction
Despite claims made by its manufacturers, there is no clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of ExtenZe as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. While some individual components of the supplement have undergone limited study, there is insufficient research on ExtenZe as a whole, particularly concerning its safety and efficacy.
Furthermore, there have been legal rulings against the manufacturer for misleading advertising, including claims of penis size enhancement that were deemed unfounded. In 2006, the company faced a $300,000 judgment for these false claims, followed by a more significant $1.75 million penalty in 2011.
Usage Guidelines and Expectations
The ExtenZe manufacturer suggests that the supplement works quickly and should be taken just before planned sexual activity. They advocate for a consistent daily regimen over eight weeks to achieve the best results, promising a money-back guarantee within 67 days of purchase. However, clinical trials have not verified these claims, making effectiveness uncertain.
Ingredients of ExtenZe
ExtenZe is comprised of a proprietary blend that includes various herbs, amino acids, and other supplements. Key ingredients include:
Astragalus
Astragalus root, part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, lacks substantial research supporting its efficacy for erectile dysfunction.
Cnidium Monnieri
This herb has historical use in treating ED in Traditional Chinese Medicine, thought to promote vasodilation.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands and is converted into estrogen and testosterone in the body. While it’s been linked to improved testosterone levels in younger men, a meta-analysis found it to be ineffective for older males with ED.
Folic Acid
Research indicates that folic acid deficiencies may correlate with increased risk for erectile dysfunction, with some studies showing improvement in ED symptoms with supplementation.
Horny Goat Weed
Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, horny goat weed’s active ingredient, icariin, may mimic PDE5 inhibitors, but robust studies in humans are limited.
L-Arginine Hydrochloride
Some studies suggest that high-dose L-arginine supplementation may improve erectile function, showing promise in human trials.
Maca
This root vegetable from Peru has been associated with increased sperm concentration and improved erectile function in male hypogonadism cases.
Muira Puama Extract
While claims exist regarding muira puama’s ability to enhance sexual function, human studies are lacking.
Niacin
Also known as vitamin B3, niacin may help lower the risk of ED through improved vascular health, as suggested by observational studies.
Other Ingredients
ExtenZe also includes Tribulus terrestris, Velvet Bean Extract, Yohimbe Extract, and Zinc among others. Each of these components has varying levels of research backing their individual claims and effects on sexual health.
Safety Considerations
ExtenZe, classified as a dietary supplement, does not undergo the same rigorous evaluation as prescription medications by the FDA, raising concerns about safety and efficacy. It is crucial that consumers be aware of the potential for undisclosed ingredients and contamination.
In 2018, the FDA warned against ExtenZe Plus due to the presence of sildenafil—a regulated substance commonly used to treat ED. While sildenafil is effective under care, it poses risks when used unsupervised due to possible severe side effects including heart issues and interactions with other medications.
Potential Side Effects
- Anxiety
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Heart attacks
- Heartburn
- Increased blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Insomnia
- Kidney and liver failure
- Prolonged erection (priapism)
- Seizures
- Stomach upset
Who Should Use ExtenZe?
Individuals experiencing erectile dysfunction should consult a healthcare professional to explore the underlying causes and safer, clinically supported treatment options. The FDA has classified ExtenZe among potentially dangerous sexual enhancement products, advising users to exercise caution.
Alternatives to ExtenZe for Erectile Dysfunction
For those seeking effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, several FDA-approved options exist:
- PDE5 inhibitors, including:
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Other treatment avenues include:
- ED rings
- Injectable medications or suppositories
- Surgical options
- Testosterone Replacement
- Vacuum pumps
Additionally, lifestyle changes can help manage ED symptoms by incorporating healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
Conclusion
Even with the allure of quick and easy solutions for erectile dysfunction like ExtenZe, the data supporting its efficacy and safety remains lacking. The FDA’s warnings emphasize the significance of consulting a healthcare provider for reliable treatment options tailored to individual needs.
