Did you know that more than 30 million men in the United States deal with erectile dysfunction each year? One-third of men over 40 contend with ED at some point in their life.

If you’re one of them, you are not alone. If you go to your doctor and tell him you are struggling with ED, he may offer you prescription medications to relive your symptoms. Viagra is one of the drugs most commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction.

The Problem with Viagra

Viagra, technically known as Sildenafil citrate, has been around for 14 years now. One in five American men over the age of 40 has tried the little blue pills. On average, a Viagra pill is distributed once every nine seconds. If it’s that popular, it must be a good product, right?

Although many men have successfully dealt with ED by using Viagra, it isn’t right for everyone. Viagra is expensive and made from chemicals.

Viagra has been known to cause severe side effects and even death. It is not recommended for men who have high blood pressure, low blood pressure, heart disease, or some other medical conditions. It can cause negative reactions when combined with certain medicines. Some of the most serious side effects include:

• Headaches
• Blurry vision or sudden loss of vision
• Nosebleeds
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains

Unfortunately, some of the men most susceptible to these reactions are men over 50 who are taking medications that should not be combined with Viagra. Yet these are also the men most likely to suffer from ED. Are there any safe, effective alternatives to Viagra?

Natural Herbal Supplements May Be a Better Option

For men who can’t afford Viagra, men who dislike the idea of pumping chemicals into their bodies, and those whose physicians advise against the use of Viagra, there are other options. Many men find that natural herbal remedies are an effective solution.

Erectile dysfunction is not a modern problem, but Viagra is a modern solution. Herbal supplements use the same natural ingredients that have been used for centuries to treat ED, often with measurable success. Some of the most common ingredients in herbal supplements sold today include:

• Ginkgo Biloba, an herb that increases blood flow
• L-arginine, an amino acid that improves the immune system and intensifies orgasms
• Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed), an ancient aphrodisiac
• Ginseng, to increase stamina and stimulate testosterone production and increase blood flow
• Tribulus Terrestris to support a healthy libido and promote strength
• Saw Palmetto for prostrate health
• Yohimbe, an aphrodisiac which improves blood flow to the genitals
• Muira Puam, a clinically proven safe and effective aphrodisiac that helps improve overall sexual function

These herbs and others found in natural Viagra alternatives have been the choice of physicians and other healthcare providers for thousands of years, their history extending back to ancient times. Because they are all natural, side effects are rare and the cost is less prohibitive than that of the man made, chemically enhanced drugs of today. Millions of men taking these products now lead happy, healthy sex lives.

You can even find many of these viagra alternatives in your local GNC, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS drug stores.

It is important to remember that natural supplements are not regulated by the FDA as prescription drugs are. It is advised that you do some solid research before beginning to take these products, but there is an abundance of information available online. It is also suggested that you discuss the use of herbal supplements with your physician, especially if you have certain medical conditions or take other prescription drugs.

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Author: Rob Miller

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +. View all posts by Rob Miller