- Cancer, sex, and sexuality
- How the male body works sexually
- Keeping your sex life going despite cancer treatment
- Erections and pelvic surgery to treat cancer
- Erections and pelvic radiation therapy
- Erections and chemotherapy
- Erections, desire, and hormone therapy
- Erections and the psychological effects of cancer treatment
- Ejaculation and cancer treatment
- Fertility and cancer treatment
- How common cancer treatments can affect sexuality and fertility
- Dealing with sexual problems
- Dealing with short-term problems
- Finding the cause of problems that appear to be permanent
- When is sexual counseling helpful?
- Is there a pill that will cure sexual problems?
- Is there a way to restore erections if the nerves or blood supply of the penis has been damaged?
- Methods to help with erections
- Can testosterone restore sexual functioning?
- What about herbs or natural cures for erection problems?
- Is there a way to make orgasms as intense as they used to be?
- Special aspects of some cancer treatments
- Feeling good about yourself and feeling good about sex
- Chemotherapy changes the way you look
- Changing negative thoughts
- Overcoming depression
- Dealing with grief and loss
- Rebuilding self-esteem
- Good communication: The key to building a successful sexual relationship
- Overcoming anxiety about sex
- Rekindling sexual interest
- Sexual activity with your partner
- The single man and cancer
- Men who have sex with men
- Frequently asked questions
- Professional help
- About the American Cancer Society
- Additional resources
- References
Previous Topic
Can testosterone restore sexual functioning?
What about herbs or natural cures for erection problems?
Many supplements are sold over the counter as “natural” cures for erection problems. These herbs and supplements have not been proven to help men regain erections. And in the past, many supplements have not been found to contain the ingredients listed on their labels.
Another problem is that some of the supplements contain ingredients that are not listed on their labels. Even though they are sold as “natural supplements” to help erections, some have been found to contain sildenafil (Viagra) or a substance much like it in the same family of prescription drugs. As these are discovered by the FDA, the pills are recalled, but usually not until many men have already taken them. These supplements can be very risky because the contents are not labeled correctly and the man doesn’t know what he is getting. One danger is that he may take other medicines that interact with the drug in a harmful or even fatal way. Or he may take too much of a substance that is said to be harmless and without side effects, not knowing what to expect. Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter treatment you are thinking about trying.
Last Medical Review: 10/28/2011
Last Revised: 10/28/2011
