For many men, discussing sexual health problems related to “performance” can prove to be quite difficult, due in large part to a fear of embarrassment or inadequacy. That being said, numerous advancements have been made in the field of male sexual health, allowing many men who may be experiencing adverse sexual health conditions to find the treatment they need.
What Is Sexual Performance?
Although the topic of “sexual performance” can encompass a variety of issues, a number of specific conditions may be the cause of this particular sexual health situation. If a reduction in performance is occurring as a result of physical problems related to the ability to sustain an erection, it’s possible that the individual in question may be displaying signs of erectile dysfunction, also referred to as impotency.
Erectile dysfunction can occur as a result of numerous physiological conditions and psychological conditions. Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions. Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, can over time — cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction.
What Is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia. Its seeds, which smell and taste like maple syrup, have been used in cooking and as medicine. Fenugreek is used as an ingredient in spice blends and a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and tobacco. Fenugreek extracts are also used in soaps and cosmetics.
Early research suggests that taking fenugreek seed oil drops by mouth three times daily for 4 months improves sperm count in men with a low concentration of sperm. But taking the other parts of the fenugreek seed does not seem to have this effect. Researchers found that men taking fenugreek can boost their sex drive by at least a quarter.
In the study, 60 healthy men aged 25 to 52 took an extract of the herb twice a day for six weeks, according to the Daily Mail. The men were required to answer a survey describing their level of libido and desire with a special scoring system to analyze changes. By the end of the six weeks, the libido levels of men who had swallowed fenugreek had soared by an average of 16.1 to 20.6, a 28 percent rise. Men taking dummy pills saw their scores fall.
Testosterone is a sex hormone in both men and women that affects sexual function, an 8-week study in 49 athletic men found that taking supplements with 500 mg of fenugreek daily slightly increased testosterone levels and significantly improved strength and body fat compared to a placebo.
Protodioscin is a type of saponin in fenugreek that may be particularly effective at increasing testosterone levels. A 12-week study in 50 men demonstrated that those who took a daily 500-mg fenugreek supplement that contained concentrated amounts of protodioscin experienced significant improvements in their testosterone levels. The study found that testosterone levels increased by up to 46% in an impressive 90% of the participants. What’s more, the majority of the fenugreek supplement group experienced improvements in mood, energy, libido, and sperm count. Additionally, a 12-week study in 120 men aged 43–75 showed that those who took 600 mg of fenugreek seed extract daily experienced increases in testosterone levels and improved libido compared to a control group.
How to Use Fenugreek to Boost Sexual Performance
Here is how to use fenugreek to boost sexual performance:
Increasing interest in sex: Taking 600 mg of a specific fenugreek seed extract (Libifem, Gencor Pacific Ltd.) each day seems to increase interest in sex in healthy younger women with a low sex drive.
Improving sexual performance: Taking 600 mg of a specific fenugreek seed extract (Testofen, Gencor Pacific Ltd) each day seems to improve ability and interest in sex in older men that have started to lose interest and in healthy younger men.
Are there safety concerns?
Fenugreek is LIKELY SAFE for people when taken by mouth in amounts normally found in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts used for medicinal purposes (amounts larger than normally found in food) for up to 6 months. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, and a “maple syrup” odor in urine. Fenugreek can cause nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, and severe allergic reactions in hypersensitive people. Fenugreek might lower blood sugar.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy: Fenugreek is LIKELY SAFE in pregnancy when used in amounts greater than those in food. It might cause early contractions. Taking fenugreek just before delivery may also cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor, which could be confused with “maple syrup urine disease.” It does not appear to cause long-term effects.
Breast-feeding: Fenugreek is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth to increase breast-milk flow in the short term. Some research shows that taking 1725 mg of fenugreek three times daily for 21 days does not cause any side effects in infants.
Children: Fenugreek is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in children. Some reports have linked fenugreek tea to loss of consciousness in children. An unusual body odor resembling maple syrup may also occur in children drinking fenugreek tea.
Allergy to plants in the Fabaceae family: People who are allergic to other plants in the Fabaceae, including soybeans, peanuts, and green peas might also be allergic to fenugreek.
Diabetes: Fenugreek can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use fenugreek.
