Over-the-counter gummies and other supplements claim to improve everything from sleep to stress levels and even get women in the mood for sex.However, these so-called Gummies and supplements to increase libido – like Ollie’s Lovin’ Libido and Elm & Rye Libido Gummies — Do they really follow through on their claims?
Experts are skeptical.
These products vary in terms of active ingredients, but popular elements include: ashwagandhaIt is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the nightshade family and is said to reduce stress. L-Arginine, an amino acid that helps keep blood vessels open. For some, “there may be benefits,” says Dr. Elizabeth Swenson, an obstetrician-gynecologist with an online health provider. WispYahoo Life says, “Natural ingredients like L-arginine… associated It may have the effect of increasing sexual desire. ”
But there are plenty of other ingredients that product manufacturers claim can affect libido — despite Dr. Tiffany Pham, an obstetrician-gynecologist and medical advisor for women’s health apps. To tell. flow healthstates that “there is a lack of solid research on the claims behind these supplements.”
She tells Yahoo Life, “While there may be anecdotal evidence or that these supplements are used in traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurvedic medicine, there is no clinical evidence to fully support these claims. There is a shortage,” he said.
Pham points out that there is some “promising research” on certain supplements that claim to increase libido, including ginseng, ginkgo, fenugreek, and kava. Tribulus terrestris and Damiana — The study is “limited in scope and has limited ability to be applied to a broader patient population.”
What are the risks?
There’s a reason we’re a little wary of opening gummies to see if they work. Dr. Mickey CullumThe urologist and pelvic surgeon points out that supplements are generally not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“While there are supplements on the market that claim to help improve sex drive, it’s important to note that the effectiveness and safety of these products can vary,” he says. “Some supplements may contain potentially dangerous ingredients or ingredients that have not been well-studied for their effects on libido. We have issued a warning about certain potential male enhancement products.”
Before you start taking supplements to address your libido concerns, Karam says, “Look for a medical professional who can ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, medication history, sexual history, relationships, stress levels, thoughts about sex, etc. “It’s important,” he said. It will help you identify the cause of your low libido. ”
During that appointment, such a doctor may “perform a physical exam, order blood tests such as hormone level testing, and may contact a primary care physician, sex therapist, psychologist, etc. to further evaluate and treat the low blood pressure.” We may also recommend seeing a specialist such as a gynecologist, urologist, or endocrinologist.” Sexual desire. ”
Laurie Mintza sexual psychologist and author of the book Become Criterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters — and How to Get Itnotes that these supplements are not part of standard treatment for decreased desire. Currently, there are two such FDA-approved drugs, Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide), and some doctors also prescribe testosterone and the off-label anti-anxiety drug Bathpar to help patients deal with low libido.
But the main reason libido gummies aren’t the best option when you’re looking for ways to boost your sex drive is the fact that libido is so complex, says Mintz. She says the first step for patients is to “assess the reasons for this decreased desire,” which can include everything from relationship issues to unaddressed pain during sex. There is.
Mintz also says it’s important for people to learn about spontaneous and reactive needs. Many people think that it is necessary to have desire immediately, but in reality, for many people, that feeling of arousal is only activated after they have already performed some sexual act. .
“One of the counseling strategies is to think about sex. Fantasize about sex and focus on it. We find that people with decreased desire often stop thinking about sex. Because there is,” she says. “So is it possible that the act of ingesting a gummy can make you start thinking about sex? Absolutely. But are these gummies the treatment of choice for people with desire issues? Absolutely not. .”
