The Fast Facts

  • There’s no evidence that male enhancement pills can increase penis size, but for people experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), there are treatment options available.
  • Many male enhancement pills use a combination of natural ingredients, which can include ashwagandha, maca root, Yohimbe extract, and black ginger extract.
  • For safe ED treatment, consider the FDA-approved medication like Viagra or Cialis from reputable telehealth companies, such as Hims, Roman, or RexMD.
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If you’re seeking ways to increase your penis size or libido, you might be interested in taking male enhancement pills. But while these products often advertise penis enlargement and enhanced performance, there’s limited research supporting these claims.

The male enhancement pills available on the market today are often labeled as dietary supplements. They claim to increase blood flow to the penis to increase the duration of an erection, along with boosting size, overall arousal, stamina, and performance.

While ED is most common among older men, a 2017 study suggests that as many as 30% of men seeking treatment for newly diagnosed ED are under 40 years old. Plus, research has shown that many people want a larger penis and believe the average penis size is a few inches longer than it may actually be, which is around 5 inches when erect.

But, there is very little that you can do to change the shape or size of your penis, and some male enhancement products and methods can cause serious damage to your body.

Should I take male enhancement pills?

Since there’s a large risk involved when taking male enhancement pills, we do not recommend adding any new supplements to your diet without consulting a doctor or primary care practitioner first. There are safer alternatives to male enhancement pills, like doctor-prescribed ED medications and wearable devices.

Many male enhancement pills use a combination of natural ingredients, which can include: ashwagandha, maca root, Yohimbe extract, and black ginger extract.

Popular belief claims the effectiveness of these ingredients individually. For example, an older 2016 study found that black ginger extract increased physical fitness performance and muscular endurance, though it was performed on mice. So, there isn’t a ton of research that supports how effective they really are.

I always caution patients about these medications, as many of them haven’t been studied in a controlled manner.

— E. Charles Osterberg, MD, FACS | Board Certified Urologist

If you’re interested in trying male enhancement pills because you’re experiencing difficulties having or maintaining an erection during sex, you might want to consider talking with your primary care doctor or a urologist to determine whether erectile dysfunction (ED) could be the reason.

These medications are proven to be effective in the treatment of ED. In an older but widely cited 2002 study on the effectiveness of sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), 95% of participants reported it improved their ability to engage in sexual activity.

A 4-year study published in 2006 showed that using sildenafil long-term also does not result in a drop off in the drug’s effectiveness, and participants generally did not need to stop using sildenafil or adjust their dose.

Certain male enhancement pills are FDA-approved. These include prescription ED drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). However, male enhancement supplements are not FDA-approved or regulated.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning about nearly 50 male enhancement and weight loss products (which are not FDA approved) available to purchase through online marketplaces that contain hidden ingredients. Of those products, 80% contained undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The FDA also maintains an updated list of tainted sexual enhancement products on its website.

The risks of taking male enhancement pills are high. Many male enhancement pills aren’t transparent about their ingredients. Taking pills with unknown ingredients could result in serious side effects, especially if they interact with other medications or supplements you’re taking.

Before trying any new supplements or herbal medicines, you should speak with a doctor to determine what ingredients are in them and how they could potentially affect you, especially if you’re taking other medications.

You can also check the list of products the FDA has flagged as unsafe on its website. These products have been tested by the FDA and found to include undisclosed ingredients, including prescription medications.

FDA-approved over-the-counter ED treatment

In June 2023, the FDA approved Eroxon, an ED gel that is available over the counter without a prescription for males over 22 years old. You apply Eroxon directly to the tip of your penis before sexual activity. Like many prescription ED pills, it works by improving blood flow.

While this may be a convenient option for some, it is still important to talk with a doctor before using it. A healthcare professional can help determine if this treatment is safe and right for you, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications that might interact with Eroxon.

Many physical characteristics are considered markers of masculinity, from height, weight, and athleticism to penis size. Researchers find that self-reporting study participants often overestimate these characteristics, so finding conclusive data on the average penis size worldwide is difficult. Estimates currently rest at around 3.6 inches when flaccid and 5.5 inches when erect.

However, everyone is different.

There are many social and cultural factors that can contribute to penis size insecurity in particular, with a small study noting that comparison between peers, jokes about small penises and masculinity in mainstream media, and pornography can all make people feel insecure about their penis size. Plus, direct comparison of penis size between peers can lead to people feeling that their penis is smaller than it is.

If you’re worried about penis size

If you feel like you’re worrying a lot about your penis size, girth, or getting or keeping erections, talking it through with a qualified sex therapist might help, especially if psychological factors might be getting in the way of you enjoying your sex life or feeling comfortable in your body.

You can also schedule a chat with a doctor to discuss trying ED medication if you find getting or keeping an erection difficult, as these meds may not be suitable or safe for everyone’s needs. They may also be able to help you determine whether your symptoms are caused by other health conditions or medications you’re taking.

In a 2025 survey of over 52,000 heterosexual men and women, 58% of men were unhappy with their penis size, but 85% of women were happy with their partner’s size. Talking with your partner or partners about your concerns and preferences and exploring ways you can both satisfy each other can be very helpful in boosting your sexual confidence and building intimacy.

Regardless of your age, if you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, discuss your options with your doctor and investigate what might be causing this change.

If you’re also considering adding herbal supplements or male enhancement pills to your daily routine, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor first, as they will have a better understanding of their effectiveness and how they stack up against other treatments. They will also be able to advise you on how supplements can interact with any medication or substances you’re taking.





Prescription medications go through rigorous testing and approvals before they’re first available to people at a pharmacy. However, the same is not true for dietary supplements. Male enhancement pills fall into this category as well.

take dietary supplements off the market if they are found to be unsafe



2017 report

There’s no evidence to prove that male enhancement pills work to increase penis size or improve performance. Many pills can be harmful since some brands are not fully transparent about their ingredients.

If you’re experiencing issues with achieving or maintaining an erection, you may have ED and should speak with a medical professional to determine treatment options. There are several ED medications available, and they all require a prescription.

It’s always a good idea to speak with a primary care physician, a urologist, or other healthcare professional before trying new medications or if you feel like you may be experiencing ED. ED can be an indication of an underlying medical condition.