Over the counter male enhancement pills such as Viagra can benefit many men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction. Plus it’s not uncommon for men over 40 to need a pick-me-up down below. However, like any prescription based medication, they could contain potent chemicals that come with side effects.
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If you are currently taking over the counter (OTC) male enhancement pills such as Viagra, the following side effects are worth taking note of – especially as some can be very serious.
To be clear, for the purposes of this article, when we refer to male enhancement drugs or erectile dysfunction drugs, we are referring to their over the counter prescription based equivalents.
Flushed skin
Much like a sudden rush of embarrassment, flushing is a sudden warmth and redness on the skin. Although flushing can appear across the face, neck and upper chest. Flushed skin can be a result of both erectile dysfunction (ED) medication and a side effect of male enhancement pills. With increased blood flow being the main goal of male enhancement drugs, flushing of the skin is nothing to be too worried about. Much like a sudden blush, it should pass shortly.
This is a common side effect of OTC male enhancement pills, as your skin can be one of the first parts of your body to show signs of this medicine.
Congestion
A common side effect of over the counter male enhancement drugs, you may experience a stuffy nose or congestion – although these side effects usually disappear on their own. In some cases, you may experience a runny nose instead, but there’s not much to worry about as this is common. Most medications have low-level side effects and male enhancement pills are no different here.
If nasal problems persist, get in touch with your doctor.
Permanent penis damage
While you’re trying to gain a rock hard erection, if it’s lasting for over 4 hours, you may have a problem. Believe it or not, the medical term for an erection that lasts too long (yep, that really is a thing) is priapism – which, left untreated, can cause permanent damage. This side effect of penis pills can be a little overwhelming, but if you don’t seek medical attention you’ll risk permanent erectile dysfunction and even scarring.
Although it may feel a little embarrassing to call the doctor about your hard-on, it’s best to save yourself from potentially permanent damage.
Ringing ears
Although not a very common side effect, noticing that your ears are ringing can be the result of starting a male enhancement pill. It can be quite uncomfortable and a little alarming at first, usually involving a high pitched sound in one or both of your ears. It may change pitch before passing. If it does continue, consult your doctor. However, there are more hearing-related side effects associated with male enhancement pills…
Hearing loss
In more rare cases, sudden hearing loss has been reported as a side effect of certain male enhancement drugs. One study found that 47 cases resulted in permanent hearing loss, with it taking quick effect – occurring within 24 hours of taking a male enhancement pill. Although this is rare, it is possible. If you start to notice any hearing-related side effects within a short amount of time of taking a male enhancement pill, call a doctor immediately.
Headache
Headaches are a very common side effect of enlargement pills. Since their intention is to increase blood flow, often your head can feel the effects too. I wouldn’t worry about it too much, though, as this side effect usually passes on its own. This tends to be an across-the-board side effect of male enhancement drugs, so switching brands may not help, unfortunately.
Chat to your doctor if the side effect continues as there may be something that can help prevent them.
Upset stomach
You’d be surprised what a male enhancement drug can affect, and your digestive system can be quite an easy target. During this time, you may experience indigestion, diarrhea or nausea. These are pretty common side effects of penis pills, but they’re definitely a little more uncomfortable than a blocked-up nose or headache. There are ways to help, however – try to mix up your diet slightly or if it continues, grab an over the counter Pepto-Bismol.
Making your stomach feel a bit uncomfortable is a common side effect of enhancement pills.
Vision loss
Sudden vision loss is a very serious – but very possible – side effect from male enlargement pills. Although rare, there have been reports of sudden blindness from men using male enhancement pills such as Cialis and Viagra. Although the aim of male enhancement drugs is to increase blood flow, the blindness can occur when the flow to your optic nerve is blocked.
So, if your eyes start feeling the effects of male enhancement pills, get in touch with a doctor immediately. Although this is considered a rare side effect, as of 2013 there had been 43 reported cases of blindness as a result of erectile dysfunction medication – with 38 of those alone coming from men using Viagra.
Dizziness
We’re familiar with seeing medication warnings regarding dizziness, with male enhancement pills also falling into this category. When you first start taking male enhancement drugs, allow your body a little time to get used to it. As many other medications warn, don’t operate heavy machinery or drive if you’re feeling a little unsteady.
Much like flushing of the skin, this feeling should pass. But if it doesn’t go away or starts to feel worse, always consults your doctor.
Allergic reactions
If you are unfamiliar with male enhancement drugs, there’s always the possibility that you’ll have an allergic reaction. These can vary greatly between mild allergic responses and those that are pretty damn serious. This can vary hugely from person to person. However, if you start to notice an itchiness, skin rash or hives, the chances are it’s an allergic reaction. Our skin is often one of the first places to respond to new medication – so if you notice anything as a side effect of taking male enhancement pills, stop right away.
Always contact a doctor if you notice any type of allergic reaction to erectile dysfunction medications.
Muscle pain
Aches and muscle pain may occur as a side effect of male enhancement drugs. These are common in the lower back or throughout other muscles, and can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relief.
Always speak to a medical professional before taking pain relief alongside male enhancement pills as some medications can clash and cause further issues.
Clash of medications
When you take multiple medications, there is always the opportunity that some may clash and cause a reaction. The side effects from this can vary from quite mild to extremely serious, depending on the medications. If you’re considering taking male enhancement pills alongside your usual medications, it’s always best to check beforehand to avoid any nasty side effects.
According to Viagra, it should not be taken alongside medications known as nitrates, which are usually prescribed for hypertension or chest pain.
Before getting started with a male enhancement pill, consult your doctor if you’re currently taking any medications.
Stroke
This is a very rare side effect of male enhancement pills, and when it has occurred it has been predominantly been in men with an underlying medical condition. A 2003 study linked Viagra to increased stroke risk, although the medication is generally very safe. Symptoms of a stroke as the result of male enhancement drugs usually include confusion, difficulty controlling one side of the body, vision problems and more.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Heart attack
Viagra state that in rare cases, a heart attack can be a (very) serious side effect. Their website also points out that most (although not all) of the men who experienced a heart attack as a result of their product had an underlying heart condition beforehand. Although each person’s situation can vary greatly, Viagra is generally safe for men with a heart condition.
However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before you start taking a male enhancement drug.
Death
The last in our list, but the most serious. In very rare circumstances, death can be the result of taking over the counter male enhancement drugs. This can be the repercussion from a variety of factors we’ve already mentioned – including a heart attack, stroke or very serious allergic reaction.
Those with underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk of death, which is why we always recommend your receive an evaluation from your doctor or another medical professional prior to taking any new medication. In most cases, however, no side effects or very minimal side effects can happen.
Conclusion
Although some of these side effects can feel quite scary, the reality is, they are quite rare. From headaches to muscle pains, some of these side effects can be quite uncomfortable, although not life-threatening.
To eliminate all side of effects of male enhancement supplements, we recommend giving Male Extra a try. It’s made from 100% safe and natural ingredients and there are absolutely no known side effects.
