Sexual Health

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being surrounding one’s sexuality. Someone who is sexually healthy has a positive approach to sexual relationships and is involved in pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.

Quick Answer

What it is

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being surrounding one’s sexuality. Someone who is sexually healthy has a positive approach to sexual relationships and is involved in pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Erections (Tongkat Ali)
  • Grade C: Depression Symptoms (Vitamin C)
  • Grade C: Sexual Function (Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa/deserticola))

Safety

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

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Sexual Health

  • Supplements Studied:11
  • Research Trials:12
  • Total Participants:2,046
  • Top Supplement:Tongkat Ali (B)
12 trials
2,046 ppts
11 supps · 44 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Moderate Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

200-400mg standardized extract daily

Traditional herb that may support healthy testosterone levels, libido, and sexual performance in men

15 studies | 800 participants
3-5g daily

Nitric oxide precursor that improves blood flow and may enhance erectile function

15 studies | 1,000 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

Adaptogenic herb that may improve sexual desire and function in both men and women

12 studies | 600 participants
25-50mg daily

Essential for testosterone production and sperm health; deficiency impairs sexual function

15 studies | 800 participants
900-1000mg standardized extract 2-3 times daily

Adaptogen that may improve erectile function and sexual satisfaction

10 studies | 600 participants
1.5-3g daily

Converts to L-arginine; may improve erection hardness through enhanced nitric oxide production

6 studies | 300 participants
300-600mg standardized extract daily

Adaptogen that reduces stress and cortisol; may improve testosterone and sexual function

10 studies | 500 participants
2000-4000 IU daily (based on levels)

Deficiency associated with low testosterone and erectile dysfunction; supplementation may help

12 studies | 800 participants
500-600mg standardized extract daily

May support healthy testosterone levels and improve libido in men

8 studies | 400 participants
250-750mg standardized extract daily

Traditional herb that may support sexual desire and function

10 studies | 500 participants

How It Works

Sexual health is important for quality of life and relationships. Sexual function involves complex interactions between hormones, blood flow, nerve function, and psychological factors. Many men experience decreased libido or erectile difficulties at some point, often related to stress, age-related changes, or health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Natural supplements can support healthy sexual function through various mechanisms.

IMPORTANT: Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease. Sudden or severe sexual dysfunction should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. These supplements support healthy sexual function but don't treat underlying medical conditions. If you have heart disease, diabetes, or take medications (especially blood pressure medications or PDE5 inhibitors), discuss supplements with your doctor.

* Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Malaysian herb traditionally used to enhance male vitality. Research shows it may support healthy testosterone levels, particularly in stressed or aging men, and improve libido and sexual satisfaction.

* L-Arginine is an amino acid that the body converts to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow. This is the same mechanism used by erectile dysfunction medications. Studies show L-arginine may improve erection quality, especially in mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.

* Maca is a Peruvian root used for centuries to enhance sexual desire and fertility. Research shows it may improve libido in both men and women, interestingly without directly affecting testosterone levels.

* Zinc is essential for testosterone production and sperm health. Deficiency significantly impairs sexual function. Many men are marginally deficient, and supplementation can restore normal testosterone levels in deficient individuals.

* Panax Ginseng (Korean Red Ginseng) is a well-studied adaptogen with evidence for improving erectile function. It may work through nitric oxide enhancement and antioxidant effects.

* L-Citrulline is converted to L-arginine in the body and may be even more effective for raising arginine levels long-term. Studies show it can improve erection hardness.

* Ashwagandha reduces stress and cortisol, which can suppress testosterone and libido. Studies show it may improve testosterone levels and sexual function, particularly in men experiencing stress-related issues.

* Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low testosterone and erectile dysfunction. Maintaining adequate levels supports hormonal health and overall vitality.

* Fenugreek contains compounds that may support healthy testosterone and improve libido. Studies in healthy young men show improvements in sexual function and satisfaction.

* Tribulus Terrestris is a traditional herb for male sexual health, though research results are mixed. It may support sexual desire in some individuals.

Expected timeline: L-arginine and L-citrulline may show effects within weeks. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and tongkat ali: 4-8 weeks for full effects. Zinc (if deficient): improvements in 2-3 months. Consistent supplementation is important.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Erections
Small Increase
2 studies
smallImproves
?
IGF-1
1 study
Improves
?
Libido
1 study
Improves
?
Seminal Motility
1 study
Improves
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
Improves
?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
1 study
Improves
?
Sperm Quality
1 study
Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
?
Weight
1 study
Worsens
C
Depression Symptoms
Small Improvement
1 study
smallImproves
?
Frequency of Intercourse
1 study
Improves
?
Plasma Vitamin C
1 study
Improves
C
Sexual Function
Traditional use for sexual vitality. Animal studies show improved erectile response and testosterone synthesis pathway restoration. Limited human RCT data for this specific outcome.
moderateImproves
D
Luteinizing Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
D
Breast Density
No effect
1 study
none
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
1 study
Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
Improves
D
Blood glucose
No effect
1 study
none
?
Libido
2 studies
Improves
?
Estrogen
1 study
Worsens
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
Improves
?
Quality of Life
1 study
Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
D
Luteinizing Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
D
Lymphocyte Count
No effect
1 study
none
?
Serum T3
1 study
Improves
?
Serum T4
1 study
Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
Improves
D
Cortisol
No effect on cortisol
1 study
none
D
Estrogen
No effect
1 study
none
?
Luteinizing Hormone
2 studies
Improves
?
Testosterone
2 studies
Improves
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
1 study
Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
Improves
?
Libido
1 study
Improves

Related Conditions

Metabolic Health

8 shared supplements · 975 outcomes

Research on metabolism, blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic syndrome.

Type 2 Diabetes

6 shared supplements · 868 outcomes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease in which blood glucose levels are too high. It is characterized by insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and pancreas cells and an inability of the pancreas to manufacture enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. T2D is strongly associated with excess body fat, and weight loss induced by lifestyle changes is extremely effective for treating T2D.

Mood Improvement

6 shared supplements · 159 outcomes

Mood improvement refers to a beneficial change in one’s temporary mental or emotional state which can include improvements in feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, relief, positivity, optimism, loneliness, insecurity, happiness, excitement, curiosity, and calmness.

Infertility

6 shared supplements · 134 outcomes

Infertility is usually defined as the inability to have a pregnancy that does not result in stillbirth or miscarriage after trying for at least one year.

6 shared supplements · outcomes

General Athletic Performance

6 shared supplements · 656 outcomes

General athletic performance refers to an individual's ability to perform in various sports and physical activities, including strength, speed, endurance, and agility.

Muscle Recovery

5 shared supplements · 219 outcomes

Muscle recovery refers to a reduction in muscle soreness or a return of a muscle’s range of motion, strength, or power to normal levels after fatiguing exercise or muscle damage. Muscle recovery is associated with reductions in markers of muscle damage and inflammation.

Immune Health

5 shared supplements · 409 outcomes

Immune health refers to the body's ability to resist potentially harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, and includes both innate and acquired immunity.