If you have a fear of needles...

An injection treatment called Caverject Alprostadil is on the market for men looking for support for higher-quality erections and overall sexual enhancement. The product is one of many Alprostadil-based formulas available by prescription.

Supposedly, you inject the formula directly into the side of your penis via a needle, after which you might experience enhanced blood flow to the penis. This is the same basic principle as that of other prescription drugs like Viagra and herbal alternatives like Yohimbe Bark Extract.

But let's be real here: How willing would you be to stick a needle -- a needle!! -- into your penis, arguably the most sensitive body part on you, even if you were aware of the potential benefits? Exactly. Then consider that many Americans have a fear of needles, and you're asking for a traumatizing experience to say the least...

Brazilian sexual stimulants

There's an herbal extract from Brazil that's hot right now, judging by the number of consumer success stories published online for products that contain this ingredient. I'm talking about Catuaba Bark Extract, which can be found in products like Orexis.

Catuaba is said to be native to Brazil, where the indigenous peoples supposedly used this extract as a natural aphrodisiac. It is believed to support sexual function by improving erectile quality and even boosting the male sex drive, among other purported benefits.

This ingredient follows a long line of herbal extracts believed to support health function, including weight management. It's worth a look in and of itself, but its effects can reportedly be maximized when paired with other high-quality sexual stimulants like Yohimbe, Tribulus Terrestris, etc.

A side order of breasts with that?

You might have heard of a fairly new herbal extract called Butea Superba, which proponents claim may boost erectile function and otherwise support male sexual performance. But is this reliable as a long-term sexual enhancement product?

Well, its chemical properties suggest that it may play a role in promoting erectile quality in general terms, but research at this point seems to be rather inconclusive; products that contain this extract do not appear to refer to any substantial clinical studies.

What has been surmised, however, is that this herbal extract, native to Thailand, may increase breast size in women and (surprise, surprise...) in men, too. Now, there are side effects, and then there are side effects. 'Nuff said.

Sacrificing quality to save a buck

You might be tempted to put a cap on how much you're willing to spend for a male sexual enhancement supplement, a sensible idea considering how many over-priced products there are on the market. But how low should you go?

A supplement called Aspire-36 is on the market for as low as $30 or less, depending on which retailer you choose to purchase it from. This might be classified as a bargain purchase aimed at drawing in bargain hunters.

But the overall formula has been identified in consumer reports as "weak" and "incomplete," which might stem from the absence of quality herbal sexual stimulants like Tribulus Terrestris. This extract is said to stimulate testosterone levels, which directly influence male sex drive.

Watch out for those side effects!

You might get suckered into trying a product because of clever marketing, a good word put in by a friend, family members, etc., or maybe you made an impulse purchase for no good reason. But you do realize the risks of side effects, don't you?

All of us remember the stimulant-based product called Ephedra, which many users thought was a miracle pill for burning fat and sustaining high energy levels. But then all sorts of side effects were discovered, with some users even dying according to some reports.

Those looking for the side effects of Orexis, the popular male sexual enhancement product, should be relieved to know that none have been reported. The ingredients are 100 percent natural, so no need to fret over potential adverse reactions.

Turnera Aphrodisiaca

An herbal extract called Damiana Extract has supposedly long been used in the Americas to boost sex drive and arousal in both men and women, with some reporting enhanced testosterone levels. The bottom line is that this ingredient appears time-tested.

Also known as Turnera Aphrodisiaca, the extract is said to be traced all the way back to the Mayans, who supposedly used it as an aphrodisiac. Today, the ingredient is widely distributed throughout the world as a general sexual stimulant.

This aphrodisiac is said to be especially potent when combined with other high-end sexual stimulants in its class, such as all-natural components like Yohimbe, Tribulus Terrestris, Muira Puama, Catuaba, Panax Ginseng and Epimedium.

Dehydroepiandrosterone... 'Nuff said.

Men looking to improve their muscle mass and strength might be interested in a product called D H E A Complex for Men, which contains DHEA as well as Tribulus Terrestris. The formula is geared towards those looking to get bigger as well as address low sex drive issues.

DHEA is a hormone produced in the body that is often touted as a fine anabolic agent. However, of important note is that this substance may not be backed by studies on its long-term effects. This ingredient alone may not be enough to boost male sexual performance either.

But Tribulus Terrestris might be this product's saving grace. This herbal extract is found across the world and is believed to be one of the most effective testosterone boosters available. Low testosterone levels, of course, gives way to low sex drive in males.

Prescription-grade drugs: Are they worth it?

You might be familiar with pharmaceutical sexual stimulants like Viagra and Cialis, the latter of which is marketed towards men who might be suffering from ED. The formula supposedly boost penile blood flow for higher-quality erections.

The chemical component in this formula is Tadalafil, not to be confused with the Sildenafil Citrate found in competitors' products like Viagra. But, this formula is said to essentially do the same thing: promote blood flow to the penis.

While blood flow may be an important factor for erectile quality, users may not appreciate the potential side effects of using a prescription drug. Also, this pill is not likely to enhance male sex drive or help with stamina issues.

Care to rise to the occasion?

A male sexual enhancement product called Arize is on the market with claims of superiority to other formulas (no surprise here...). Some of the ingredients might actually be interesting, but the product as a whole may be lacking here and there.

Ingredients may include Tribulus Terrestris, Epimedium and Panax Ginseng; the rest of the extracts do not appear to be promising: Eurycoma Longifolia (Tongkat Ali Extract), Saw Palmetto and Parsley, to name a few.

Tribulus Terrestris, of course, is the testosterone booster that has been tried and true for ages, with many men reporting enhanced sex drive following regular use. But I would have liked this component to be fortified by adding a synergistic ingredient like Yohimbe Bark Extract (for better penile blood flow and stronger erections).

Complete formulas to please women

I've tried all kinds of male sexual enhancement supplements and, in doing so, I may have overlooked one crucial factor: Women might also benefit from a sexual stimulant, such as topical creams, lotions, gels, etc.

While men may be looking for stronger erections and more sex drive, women might have issues with diminished sensitivity, arousal and desire. A look at the topical formula offered at www.orexia.com shows how you can enhance the experience for her and, of course, yourself.

The formula contains only natural ingredients -- important to consider because of where the cream is meant to be applied -- including Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Peppermint, Menthol, Lecithin, Beeswax, Shea Butter and more.

Sex toys galore, but what's the verdict?

You don't have to look long or hard for a retailer that sells adult sex toys like dildos and vibrators, which are marketed towards women but may also be used between consenting partners, but this makes it difficult to narrow down the search for the best product.

A company called CyberSkin markets a broad range of products, which might also include DVDs and lubricants in its product lineup. However, many reviews point out that while the products may at least be on par with their competitors, consumer success stories are far and in between.

It is important to gauge consumer response because there is really no other way to get an insider's look at an experience with the actual product. Testimonials may be found on some of the more reputable and successful companies' Web sites.

Over-the-top -- or crude -- marketing

There are sexual enhancement products on the market to appeal to men of all dispositions and needs, including a product called CockStar -- which is advertised towards men who want to "rock with your cock."

The product is advertised as capable of turning users into studs or stallions, but is the formula any good? Ingredients include Eurycoma Longifolia and Gingko Biloba, as well as Tribulus Terrestris and Epimedium.

Tribulus Terrestris, of course, is one of the leading male sexual stimulants available in natural form. It is said to raise testosterone levels for men who might be suffering from low sex drive.

Products that almost got it down

A supplement called Bali Mojo claims to be one of the most powerful sexual enhancement formulas around. No surprise there. Thousands of sexual stimulants for men abound on the market, each of them advertised as the best product yet.

This particular formula contains Saw Palmetto, Eurycoma Longifolia, Tribulus Terrestris and Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium). The first two might not get your attention, but the latter two ought to.

Tribulus Terrestris is an herbal extract found throughout the world and believed to be capable of enhancing testosterone levels and, in turn, male sex drive. Epimedium is thought to be an equally potent aphrodisiac, with no reported side effects.

Using pheromones to attract partners

The concept of using pheromone-based products is nothing new: You can find all kinds of creams, sprays, liquids and supplements on the market advertised as the best formula available. But who do you believe? Tough one.

A product found at AttractRX.com is a capsule-based supplement that claims to use pheromones to attract members of the opposite sex (or of the same sex). The ingredients may include L-Glutamine, L-Arginine and Tribulus Terrestris.

The pheromone bit might not be substantiated as of yet, but Tribulus Terrestris has been shown to boost testosterone levels in men, which might increase sex drive. So maybe this product isn't entirely fluffy after all.

A well-rounded sexual enhancement formula

I've come across many favorable reviews and consumer success stories involving the dietary supplement found at www.orexis.com, where you can find a capsule-based formula based on a select group of herbal extracts.

For example, the supplement contains both Yohimbe Bark Extract (for improved penile blood flow) and Tribulus Terrestris (for enhanced testosterone levels and sex drive). Both are believed to be leading natural sexual stimulants.

But the formula is also rounded out by other reputable ingredients, such as Muira Puama, Catuaba Bark Extract, Damiana, Panax Ginseng and Epimedium (also known as Horny Goat Weed Extract.

Mood-enhancers for sexual stimulation

Often, sexual enhancement products that contain an ingredient known as Avena Sativa are advertised as potent aphrodisiacs. This may be strange, considering the substance is best recognized as a food stuff, with a relatively high nutrient content.

The substance is believed by some proponents to be a mood enhancer which, in turn, should improve one's sexual performance and enjoyment. The problem is, of course, that these claims seem to be based solely on speculation.

Men who demand consistent support and performance from their sexual stimulants may do better by seeking all-natural alternatives that contain some of the acclaimed ingredients I frequently discuss: Panax Ginseng, Muira Puama and Damiana, among many others.

Viagra alternatives galore

Maybe one in every five or so sexual enhancement products for men will be advertised as a safe and all-natural alternative to Viagra, the popular prescription drug for ED. But are such products reliable for accomplishing what they are advertised as doing?

A supplement called Androvin is not only advertised as an alternative to Viagra; it is also promoted as capable of boosting testosterone levels and sex drive, as well as enhancing sexual stamina and erectile quality. Unfortunately, the product might not be backed by rigorous research.

Of course, men with serious concerns about their erectile function should consult with their doctors and/or qualified professionals, but perhaps not everyone is in need of a Viagra substitute. It might be more sensible to pursue all-natural formulas that contain proven sexual stimulants like Yohimbe and Tribulus Terrestris; Panax Ginseng, Muira Puama and Catuaba Bark are a few of the other notable herbal sexual stimulants.

Reporting in about previously mentioned product

I wrote previously about a topical gel called Androgel Generic, which is advertised as a powerful formula for improving testosterone levels, increasing muscle mass and strength, and promoting a stronger sex drive.

Well, it turns out one of my buddies happened to pick up the product, which he had been using for several weeks without telling me. The thing is, he didn't know before he started using this Soy-based product that he is sensitive to foods that contain Soy.

Even though it's a topical product, he noticed that it wasn't working as he had hoped. He didn't notice any improvements in his testosterone levels, and he reported feeling sluggish and lazy, though this might not be a direct effect of using the product.

Good sexual enhancers should be weighted properly

Most sexual enhancement products for men will contain maybe one or two quality sexual stimulants, and the rest of the formula will be filled out with less-expensive and lower-quality components.

For instance, a supplement called Androenlarge claims to be capable of enhancing penis size while also improving sex drive and sexual stamina. The formula may contain Tribulus Terrestris, which is noted for boosting testosterone levels, but the other ingredients may not be as stellar.

Penis enlargement through over-the-counter supplementation may not be a realistic hope to begin with, so men might benefit from seeking alternatives. For instance, some products contain, in addition to Tribulus Terrestris, other potent sexual stimulants like Yohimbe, which is said to promote better erections.

Are do-it-all products worth it?

A supplement called Amidren is on the market as a multi-purpose product for men who would like to improve their sexual performance, lose some weight, address hair-thinning issues, and more.

This is by no means unique; the market is glutted with similar products from companies that claim their products are the best for basically every health concern among men.

But for sexual enhancement, men are likely looking to boost their sex drive, enhance their sexual stamina and improve penile blood flow -- which is important for sustaining a quality erection.

It lasts for four days?!

Arize is one of many sexual enhancement products on the market for men looking for support for days on end, which the company says is possible after just one dose. It supposedly takes effect in as little as 10 minutes, which may be desirable for those who hate waiting.

But the problem is that the formula is not a pharmaceutical-grade product, so how is it possible for the effects to last for four days in a row? You hear stories about men taking pills for erectile support, only to find that their erections last longer than they'd like.

A look at the product's Web-based consumer testimonials reveal mixed results: Some say the product worked for them, while others say it did not activate as quickly as advertised, nor did it last for four days. Sometimes, you just have to take things into your own hands and see for yourself...

Could low sex drive be the problem?

As we age, we might suffer all kinds of effects, not the least of which is diminished sex drive. This could result from low testosterone levels, or stress and other external factors. But the results are devastating for our sexual performance and our day-to-day sex lives.

A supplement called Ambrina promises to restore one's sexual prowess, but it might not be geared towards men looking for comprehensive support. Many men may also want help with their sexual stamina and stronger and longer-lasting erections.

Such products are available, if you look for them closely enough. A select few of these products may also be backed by a money-back guarantee and a large pool of consumer testimonials from which to draw. You can find these online by a simple Web search.

In it for the short and long term

Sure, we all want to improve our sexual performance today, but isn't it also important to be equipped for the long haul? After all, most of us are not looking for an isolated one-night stand; we want to be able to perform at our best for years to come.

A product like Actis might be geared towards those thinking about now and today, but it may not be effective for long-term support, according to some reviews and feedback. Interestingly enough, products that fail to go the distance seem to lack clinical research and support.

Products that have not been thoroughly tested may also yield formulas that cause side effects somewhere down the line, which might have been preventable if more research had gone into it.

Yohimbe is a good start..

There's a line of sexual enhancement products for men called 1 Fast 400, which includes formulas based on Yohimbe Bark Extract, an herbal extract said to be useful for enhancing blood flow to the penis. This is said to be important for maintaining stronger and longer-lasting erections.

However, as nice as Yohimbe is for erectile support, one knock on this line of products has been that none of the other ingredients are worth considering for long-term sexual health support.

Some of the more well-regarded alternatives are known to contain herbal extracts in the same class as Yohimbe, including Tribulus Terrestris, Epimedium, Panax Ginseng, Damiana and Muira Puama, among others.

Money-back offers and other perks

I'm thinking these days that I should be more picky about which products I choose to use, since a lot of companies seem to offer zilch. On top of that, some products are over-priced in my estimation.

Companies might be trying to take advantage of men who are desperate to try something that works and, as such, may not offer perks like money-back offers and discounts on bulk orders.

The downside of using a product not backed by a money-back guarantee is that you might be stuck with something that's utterly ineffective, and you can't do anything about it.

A supplement available at Orexis.com offers a product guarantee, for example, as well as discounts on volume purchases. It also seems to be well-received by the user community.

The different methods of sexual enhancement

While there may be sexual enhancement products such as devices, topical formulas and capsule- or tablet-based supplements, not all of these methods are known to offer comprehensive sexual enhancement support.

A product called Deferol is marketed as capable of offering multiple forms of sexual stimulation, but it may not necessarily come through as advertised. Its ingredients have actually been associated with side effects such as diarrhea.

Worthwhile options may include capsule-based supplements that are capable of boosting sex drive and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual stamina, and improving blood flow to the penis (for longer-lasting and stronger erections).

Can a sexual stimulant really last for 36 hours straight?

Who wouldn't be intrigued by a male sexual enhancement item advertised as highly effective and long-lasting? How about a product that claims to last for 36 hours straight?

Well, while this may sound appealing, the user may inevitably let down by such a product marked by over-the-top marketing techniques; it may not be sensible -- or safe -- for an erection to last remotely that long.

Aspire-36 is a supplement that claims to do just this -- support long-lasting erections. Men may want to be wary of companies that produce such gimmicky items.

Products that don't disclose ingredients

There are so many sexual enhancement products for men out there, that the consumer may not even bother to check what kinds of ingredients are included in the product's formulation.

This may be dangerous for many reasons, considering some ingredients are known to produce adverse effects, whether general health effects or allergic reactions.

A product called Androx is advertised as an effective male sexual stimulant, but an online search may reveal that the product's ingredients do not appear to be disclosed.

Testosterone-based male sexual stimulants

Men may be familiar with the products on the market advertised as either capable of boosting testosterone levels or actually containing some testosterone alternative.

A product called Androgel is marketed as a powerful all-natural supplement based on a Soy-based testosterone alternative. The company claims this formula is highly advanced.

However, some research has indicated that Soy may actually have an adverse effect on testosterone levels, which may affect the male sex drive negatively.

Quality ingredients vs. everything else

When it comes to female sexual enhancement, it may be especially important to be on the lookout for topical products that contain high-quality ingredients. Men looking to buy a product for women should be aware of what’s in the formulas before pulling the trigger.

A topical formula that is meant to be applied to our sensitive skin should contain all-natural components such as Sweet Almond Oil, Beeswax and Coconut Oil; some of the more heavily marketed alternatives may contain unnatural, abrasive components.

A topical cream called Orexia is known to contain some of the above ingredients, as well as others such as Menthol, BHT, Lecithin and other extracts that have been thoroughly tested for both immediate and long-term benefits. This topical cream is also backed by numerous perks and incentives.

Sexual enhancement and more muscle mass -- I want it all

Many of us are familiar with supplements advertised as all-in-one, multi-purpose formulas for sexual enhancement, more muscle mass and strength and a boost to overall health. But how effective are these, really? It may be hard to tell without delving into the different components that make the product.

Some of these supplements may have been formulated with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, which may be important for day-to-day upkeep of our health. But the majority of the mainstream products marketed to men may not pack the punch necessary to deliver the desired sexual enhancement results.

Acetabolin is one of the hundreds of male-oriented supplements out there that promises to do it all; has anyone out there tried it and, if so, what were your experiences like?

Accessibility in the (sexual) information age

Whereas it was considered taboo to speak openly about sexuality perhaps just a generation ago, today sex is a multi-billion dollar industry thanks to the gateway to pornography and adult-oriented sites that is the World Wide Web.

Some might even say it is healthy to be open about one’s sexuality and to explore all its dimensions -- whether with a partner or individually.

Adult Web sites such as A2Z Masturbation provide anyone with a computer, an Internet connection and some curiosity with all kinds of resources.

Porn? Check. Adult toys? Check. Supplements? Check.

Where is the industry heading, and is there such a thing as going too far with sex in the information age?

Sexual enhancement through supplementation or topical application?

Any male who has thought even casually about their options for sexual enhancement will likely have concluded that they can either: a) take a capsule- or tablet-based supplement; b) try a topical solution, such as a cream, lotion or gel; or c) go the surgery route.

Since the last option might be considered most risky while being weighed down by a high margin for error, it would be safe to say that most men that have tried a sexual enhancement product have ended up using a pill or a topical solution.

Of course, there are risks involved with many products, regardless of type or form of administration: irritation and allergic reactions for topical products and common side effects associated with pills, for example.

Actacaine™ is a topical spray that contains a local anesthetic called Lidocaine. Some men might be concerned about the potential side effects such as penile numbness and, according to some reports, temporary impotence. Anyone have experiences to share for or against this product?

Anecdotal evidence vs. clinical evidence

It seems that every sexual enhancement supplement -- and most nutritional products in general -- seem to be advertised as having been “clinically tested,” while others are identified as backed just by anecdotal evidence.

Which factor should hold more weight when evaluating a product’s potential? One would think that a product tested in clinical studies is reliable, but then again, what about the traditional forms of medicine that have been passed down from generation to generation? Don’t those count?

Take the natural extract of Eurycoma Longifolia, which can be found in a capsule-based supplement called AchieviMAX, for instance. Said to be found in abundance in Malaysia, Singapore and neighboring countries, this ingredient can boost testosterone levels -- or so says traditional wisdom based on anecdotes.

Does it matter to anyone if this ingredient hasn’t passed clinical trials with flying colors? Or maybe men would rather go for formulas comprised of more familiar and well-documented, all-natural sexual stimulants like Yohimbe and Tribulus Terrestris.

Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts?

So the trend seems to be leaning towards the use of supplements comprised of herbal ingredients, which are considered (generally) safer than some of the more well-known prescription-based alternatives -- which might be more potent but also carry a higher risk of undesirable side effects.

Some companies market supplements formulated with a bunch of different “all-natural” ingredients, with a particular emphasis on select ingredients like Yohimbe Bark Extract and Tribulus Terrestris -- and then there are the rest, which might be considered “fillers.”

Do these extraneous components even serve a purpose that yields tangible results? Or would we be better off taking pure forms of Yohimbe, Tribulus, etc.? A product like ActiGain™ supposedly contains Tribulus, Green Tea Extract and a handful of other familiar and perhaps not-so-familiar ingredients. And the verdict is ... ?