Product guide
Sex pills for men: what they do, the risks and safer options
Sex pills are sold everywhere in South Africa, from taxi ranks to websites, with promises of harder erections, longer sex and a bigger penis. Some men find them tempting because they seem quick and private. Here is what you need to know before you take one.
In short: Many sex pills sold outside pharmacies are unregistered, and SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden prescription ingredients that can be dangerous, especially with heart or blood pressure medicine. Prescription erection medicines exist and are managed by medical professionals. For a natural approach to erections and stamina, a naturopath can help.
Types of sex pills
Prescription erection medicines
These are medicines prescribed by an appropriately registered medical professional after checking your health. They are not something our naturopaths provide.
Herbal and ‘natural’ sex pills
These are sold as supplements. Quality, dose and ingredients vary widely, and evidence is limited for most.
Unregistered ‘instant’ pills
Products sold at markets, taxi ranks or on social media that promise results within minutes or hours. These carry the highest risk of hidden ingredients.
The risks
- Hidden prescription ingredients that can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure
- Interactions with heart, blood pressure and other medicines
- Headaches, flushing, palpitations and dizziness
- Erections that last more than four hours, which need urgent care
- Masking an underlying health problem such as heart disease or diabetes
The US FDA keeps a long list of tainted sexual enhancement products, and SAHPRA has issued similar warnings in South Africa.
How to stay safe
- Never take a sex pill if you use nitrate heart medicines
- Avoid products with no ingredient list or registration number
- Do not mix pills with alcohol or recreational drugs
- Speak to a pharmacist, medical professional or naturopath first
Why erections change in the first place
Weaker erections are often linked to circulation, stress, sleep, alcohol, smoking or weight, and sometimes to heart or blood sugar problems. Treating the cause is safer and more lasting than relying on a pill. See our erectile dysfunction treatment and why is my penis not standing? guide.
A natural approach
Our naturopaths offer private, natural support for erections, stamina and desire, with herbal remedies where appropriate after checking your medicines. See our premature ejaculation treatment and low libido support.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you buy anything or book. They help you see what you really need.
- Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection most of the time?
- Do you take medicine for the heart, blood pressure, diabetes or mood?
- Have you bought pills from a market, taxi rank or social media seller?
- Have you had chest pain, dizziness or a racing heart after taking a pill?
- Have stress, poor sleep, alcohol or smoking increased recently?
If you answered yes to question four, stop the product and seek medical care. A yes to questions two or three means you should check with a pharmacist or medical professional before taking any pill. Yes to questions one or five suggests a consultation could help you address the cause naturally.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If you have taken a pill and feel chest pain, faintness or have an erection lasting more than four hours, seek urgent medical care. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Are sex pills safe?
Prescription medicines are managed by medical professionals. Many pills sold outside pharmacies are unregistered, and some contain hidden prescription ingredients.
Can I take sex pills with blood pressure medicine?
Not without advice. Some combinations can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Speak to a pharmacist or medical professional first.
Do sex pills make your penis bigger?
No pill has been shown to create lasting growth in penis size. Firmer erections can make the penis look fuller while they last.
Is there a natural alternative to sex pills?
Yes. Circulation, sleep, stress and lifestyle support, with herbal remedies where appropriate, help many men. Results vary.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Natural, private support for erections and stamina. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a confidential remote consultation.
References and further reading
- FDA: Tainted sexual enhancement products
- SAHPRA: Warning about illicit sexual-dysfunction enhancers
- NIDDK: Symptoms and causes of erectile dysfunction
- NCCIH: Using dietary supplements wisely
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
