What are Sexual Performance Enhancers
Problems with sexual performance are common and shouldn’t be made a taboo subject. Problems like premature ejaculation (Climaxing too early), sexual anxiety, low fertility in men (i.e. low sperm count), hormonal imbalance, erectile dysfunction (being unable to have an erection during the sexual act), or total lack of sexual desire, etc. are fairly well-known. They may arise due to various physical /stress-related causes.
Sexual performance enhancers are any chemical or herbal products which improve one’s sexual performance that keep a person from living their sexual life to the fullest.
In the market
Among the many popular medications available, Viagra is perhaps the best known medicine that helps with erectile dysfunction in men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis so that an erection can take place. Sexual performance enhancers can also be available in spray form like in the case of the “Climax” spray which helps keep the penis harder and for a longer time.
Desi enhancers
One of the most popular herbal sexual performance enhancers in India is Shilajit. It also helps with brain function, anaemia among other things. Shilajit has been shown to increase sperm count in men. It also improves sperm motility that is how well the sperm moves towards the egg. A study also shows that it can have a positive effect on the testosterone levels of men too.
Other popular enhancers are Gokshura which acts as an aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire) as well as enhances semen count and libido and Kapikachhu which helps with testosterone levels. Such herbal enhancers are sold by different companies under different commercial names.
Conditions apply!
Most packaged enhancers like the above or imported ones tend to be fairly safe when taken strictly with a doctor’s advice. Taking pills from the pharmacist without medical consultation is common in India due to lack of information and warnings. But it is not really advisable. A doctor needs to diagnose how serious your sexual performance issues are.
For instance, in the case of Viagra , Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, former president of the Indian Medical Association says, “We prescribe the drug in cases where there is no other option available. One out of 20 patients is prescribed the drug”
As an alternative to drugs, the doctor may advise lifestyle changes. These include adding more zinc and magnesium to our diet , or masturbating before having intercourse (which will make sure that you don’t ejaculate too early), or using the stop-start technique (i.e stopping the movement of your penis when you feel you are near the climax).
Also, there are many local quacks spread across India who claim to have instant solutions to sexual problems. Driving through the hinterland, it’s a common sight to see phone numbers of people who know the cure for “gupt rog” (Sexual disease) , “ling ki kamzori” (penile weakness), etc . They also claim to improve “mardaana taaqat” (testosterone/sexual stamina/ male fertility).
But the government has issued strict warnings against some of these quacks and “Dawakhanas” (centres) questioning the authenticity of their claims and safety of their products. Some examples can be found here.
For women
Unfortunately, sexual performance enhancers for women are less advertised than those available for men. But there are quite a few medicines available for women too.
Viagra is sometimes used for treating low sexual desire in women. A different drug flibanserin (marketed as “Addyi” and famously knowns as the “female viagra”) has been quite controversial and was rejected by drug authorities in India twice. Unlike Viagra which works by making changes on a physiological level (blood flow), the “female viagra” works on chemicals on the brain.
Some products containing Ashwagandha help with improving sexual desire among women.
To protect the identity, the person in the picture is a model.
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About the author: Harish Pedaprolu is a writer and academic based out of Mumbai, India. He has been writing and editing content for the last 6 years. He has also been researching and teaching philosophy at the university level for the past 5 years. He can be reached out on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.