Male Sexual Dysfunction

In men, sexual dysfunction is typically related to problems with arousal, getting an erection, and/or ejaculating. Sexual dysfunction is complicated and can be caused my many things. Improving diet, exercising more, and identifying underlying factors are all important for treating sexual dysfunction.

Quick Answer

What it is

In men, sexual dysfunction is typically related to problems with arousal, getting an erection, and/or ejaculating. Sexual dysfunction is complicated and can be caused my many things.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Erections (Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng))
  • Grade C: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (Shilajit)
  • Grade C: Estrogen (Maca)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Male Sexual Dysfunction

  • Supplements Studied:16
  • Research Trials:24
  • Total Participants:2,436
  • Top Supplement:Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng) (B)
24 trials
2,436 ppts
16 supps · 68 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Moderate Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

1.5-3g daily (or 6-8g citrulline malate)

Increases arginine and nitric oxide production, improving blood flow to erectile tissue

10 studies | 400 participants
900-1800mg Korean red ginseng daily

Ginsenosides enhance nitric oxide release, improve smooth muscle relaxation, and support testosterone

15 studies | 800 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

1.5-3g daily

Adaptogen that improves sexual desire and may enhance erectile function independent of hormones

10 studies | 500 participants
40-120mg daily (often combined with L-arginine)

Pine bark extract that enhances endothelial nitric oxide production and blood flow

8 studies | 300 participants
200-400mg standardized extract daily

May increase testosterone and reduce cortisol, improving libido and erectile function

8 studies | 400 participants
500-600mg standardized extract daily

Contains furostanolic saponins that may support testosterone and enhance libido

8 studies | 400 participants
15-30mg daily (if deficient)

Essential for testosterone production; deficiency impairs sexual function

10 studies | 500 participants

How It Works

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 50% of men over 40 to some degree. While it can have psychological components, ED is often a vascular issue—erections depend on adequate blood flow. In fact, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. This protocol supports erectile function through improving blood flow and supporting healthy testosterone levels.

IMPORTANT: ED can signal underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal issues. Get evaluated by a healthcare provider before relying solely on supplements.

•L-Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body, which then produces nitric oxide (NO)—the key molecule that relaxes blood vessel walls and allows increased blood flow to the penis. Citrulline is actually more effective at raising arginine levels than taking arginine directly (which is poorly absorbed). One study found that over 50% of men with mild ED reported improvement after taking citrulline.
•Panax Ginseng (Korean Red Ginseng) is the most studied herb for ED with consistently positive results. Its ginsenosides enhance nitric oxide release in erectile tissue, relax smooth muscle, and may support testosterone. Multiple meta-analyses support its effectiveness, with improvements in erectile function scores comparable to some pharmaceutical treatments.
•Maca Root is a Peruvian plant that has been used for centuries to enhance fertility and libido. Research shows it improves sexual desire and may help erectile function, interestingly without directly affecting testosterone levels—suggesting it works through other mechanisms, possibly affecting neurotransmitters.
•Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) enhances nitric oxide production by the endothelium (blood vessel lining). Studies combining Pycnogenol with L-arginine show significant improvements in erectile function, with up to 92% of participants achieving normal erections in one trial.
•Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) may help by supporting healthy testosterone levels and reducing stress hormones (cortisol). It's particularly useful when low testosterone or high stress contributes to dysfunction.
•Fenugreek contains compounds that may support testosterone levels and enhance libido. Studies show improvements in sexual function and satisfaction.
•Zinc is essential for testosterone production. Many men are mildly deficient, and correcting this can improve testosterone levels and sexual function. Don't exceed recommended doses long-term.

Expected timeline: Citrulline and Pycnogenol may show effects within days to weeks. Ginseng: 2-4 weeks. Maca and Tongkat Ali: 4-8 weeks for full effects. Address cardiovascular health for long-term improvement.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Supplements for Male Sexual Dysfunction

Sorted by strength of evidence

BPanax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves↓Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves
CSaffron
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑Sexual FunctionImproves
CTribulus Terrestris
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑Luteinizing HormoneImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
CShilajit
1
↑Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves↑Luteinizing HormoneImproves↑Oxidative Stress BiomarkersWorsens
CMaca
1
↑EstrogenWorsens↑Follicle-Stimulating HormoneImproves↑LibidoImproves
CSaw Palmetto
1
↓Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia SymptomsImproves↑Quality of LifeImproves↑Sexual FunctionImproves
CFenugreek
1
↑LibidoImproves↑ProlactinImproves↑Prostate-Specific AntigenImproves
CYohimbine
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑Penile GirthImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
DAshwagandha
1
Erections↑Luteinizing HormoneImproves↑Seminal MotilityImproves
DVelvet Antler
1
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone↑LibidoImproves↑Free TestosteroneImproves
DButea Superba
1
Erections
DDHEA
1
Erections↑LibidoImproves↑Prostate-Specific AntigenImproves
DNicotine
1
Blood Pressure↑LibidoImproves↑Penile GirthImproves
DL-Carnitine
1
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms↑ErectionsImproves↑Sexual FunctionImproves
DGinkgo Biloba
1
Depression Symptoms↑LibidoImproves

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Erections
Small Increase
3 studies
small↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
C
Erections
Small Increase
2 studies
small↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
↑Improves
C
Erections
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
C
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Sperm Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
C
Estrogen
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Worsens
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
C
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Quality of Life
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
↑Improves
C
Libido
Moderate Increase
1 study
moderate↑Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
C
Erections
Small improvement in erectile function
1 study
small↑Improves
C
Penile Girth
Small improvement during erection
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Erections
No effect
2 studies
none
D
Erections
No effect
1 study
none
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Erections
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Blood Pressure
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
?
Penile Girth
1 study
↑Improves
D
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
No effect
1 study
none
?
Erections
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Fertility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
D
Depression Symptoms
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
?
Erections
1 study
↑Improves

Research Citations (100)

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