Male Enhancement Pills: What Works and What’s Safe
Ads for male enhancement pills are everywhere. Don’t believe us? By all means, turn off your AdBlock software and explore a bit online.
Be prepared to be bombarded with ads for “the best sex pills for men” or “the best penis pills,” typically touting ridiculous claims about growing your penis 12 inches in two minutes or giving you the sexual stamina of a wildebeest.
And they can look tempting. But be warned: many of these are dodgy, unproven, or downright dangerous.
The only clinically proven male enhancement pills that are approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation.
Below, we’ve discussed some of the issues with non-prescription male enhancement pills and supplements, from lack of efficacy data to hidden, potentially harmful ingredients.
We’ve also discussed how you can use MHRA-approved medications to treat sex-related issues like erectile dysfunction to achieve more satisfying sex.
What Are Male Enhancement Pills?
"Male enhancement" is a catch-all term, often used online to describe anything claiming to improve erections, libido, testosterone, or penis size. Sometimes, “male enhancement supplement” is a euphemism for erectile dysfunction medication.
Only licensed erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation treatments — like Viagra Connect or Cialis Together — are backed by medical science and approved by the MHRA.
Many sexual health pills are considered “dietary supplements.” In the UK, dietary supplements don’t need to be approved by the MHRA before they’re legally sold — much like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
This means supplements aren’t held to as high a standard as products labeled “medications,” so it’s easier for manufacturers to mislead consumers and make unfounded claims about their products.
Don’t be fooled by the claims that these products are all-natural — although ingredients like horny goat weed, L-arginine, and maca root can have benefits, they’re not well-proven, nor are they safe for everyone.
To make matters worse, some male enhancement pills — including the famous Rhino pill brand — contain hidden ingredients that are potentially dangerous.
So if you're after safe, effective results, rather opt for tried-and-tested products.
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Are There Any MHRA-Approved Penis Pills?
This depends on what you mean by “penis pills.” Plenty of people search for penis pills or penis enlargement pills, but no oral pill can actually increase penis length or girth.
What these terms often refer to are ED meds that improve blood flow to help achieve and maintain erections. These can include prescription-only and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
If you’re dealing with erection issues, these are the MHRA-approved options:
Over-the-counter erectile dysfunction drugs, like Viagra Connect® (sildenafil) and Cialis Together® (tadalafil)
Prescription drugs for ED, like Levitra® (vardenafil), Spedra® (avanafil), and higher doses of the above-mentioned medications
Premature ejaculation treatments, like Priligy® (dapoxetine)
All of these options are generally safe when used as directed and acquired through legitimate UK pharmacies.
With this said, it’s important to remember that ED meds don’t permanently increase your penis size. Increasing your penis length or girth with a pill just isn’t possible. Not yet, anyway.
Let’s get into the details of these ED pills below.
Sildenafil (Viagra Connect)
Sildenafil is one of the most commonly used male enhancement pills in the UK and is the active ingredient in Viagra Connect, which is available over the counter without a prescription.
It typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and remains effective for up to four hours.
Clinical research has consistently shown that sildenafil improves erectile function. In clinical trials, up to 82 percent of men experienced better erections with a 100 mg dose, with similar success seen at 25 mg and 50 mg doses for many men.
Learn more in our sildenafil dosage guide.
Side effects may include headache, flushing, or nasal congestion. Always speak to a pharmacist or GP to ensure it’s the right fit for your health.
Tadalafil (Cialis Together)
Cialis Together is a branded version of tadalafil available without a prescription in the UK. Because it has longer-lasting effects — up to 36 hours — it’s often dubbed “the weekend pill.”
Tadalafil is ideal if you prefer spontaneity or anticipate intimacy more than once in a short period. In some cases, a GP may prescribe daily tadalafil at a lower dose to help with ongoing ED symptoms.
Like sildenafil, it belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, which support blood flow to the penis. The side effects of tadalafil include back pain, indigestion, or headache. A consultation with a pharmacist or clinician is recommended before starting.
Avanafil (Spedra)
Spedra is one of the fastest-acting ED medications licensed in the UK. It can begin working in as little as 15 minutes, which makes it a popular option for those who prefer a quicker onset.
Its targeted action may reduce the likelihood of certain side effects compared to other PDE5 inhibitors. However, it still has the potential to interact with other medications, so it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before using it.
Vardenafil (Levitra)
Vardenafil, available in the UK as a generic or under brand names like Levitra®, typically works within an hour and lasts around four to five hours. It’s a prescription-only drug that may be a good choice for men who haven't had success with other ED medications.
As with all ED treatments, you should disclose any medications or health conditions during your consultation, including the use of nitrates or recreational drugs like poppers, as these can cause dangerous interactions.
Dapoxetine (Priligy)
While it’s not technically a male enhancement pill in the ED sense, Priligy (dapoxetine) is an oral treatment for premature ejaculation (PE).
Priligy is a fast-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s taken “on demand” — about one to three hours before sex. It’s designed to help men who climax sooner than they’d like by increasing the time it takes to ejaculate and improving control.
Studies show that dapoxetine can significantly improve ejaculatory latency time, with many men reporting improved sexual satisfaction and reduced frustration in the bedroom. It's typically available in 30 mg and 60 mg doses, depending on your individual response and tolerance.
Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, or headache. Because Priligy works on serotonin levels, it’s especially important to discuss any mental health medications or conditions during your consultation.
Priligy is available in the UK following an online consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
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Are Sex Enhancement Pills for Men Safe?
When prescribed or sold by a regulated UK pharmacy, yes. But be cautious—there's a big market for counterfeit sex pills online. In fact, the MHRA has flagged a rise in fake Viagra and other unlicensed products.
To safely use male enhancement pills, do the following:
Buy from UK-licensed pharmacies
Report side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme
Never mix ED meds with recreational drugs or unverified supplements
Even if you use OTC meds, it’s a good idea to let a healthcare practitioner know at your next visit — especially if you have any health conditions or take any chronic medication.
MHRA-approved medications are clinically tested and safe when used as directed. However, PDE5 inhibitors can interact with certain medications and recreational drugs, including:
Nitrates (used to treat angina and high blood pressure)
Other blood pressure medications
Certain antifungal drugs
Poppers (recreational drugs that include nitrates)
To ensure your safety, only use these products after consulting with a UK-registered healthcare professional.
Can Supplements Help With Sexual Performance?
Some over-the-counter supplements claim to support sex drive or stamina. But scientific backing is limited — and they aren’t as well-proven as OTC or prescription drugs.
Popular ingredients in male enhancement supplements include:
Ginseng
Maca root
Zinc
Tribulus terrestris
L-arginine
While some of these health supplements can have benefits for men’s health issues, they won’t be as effective as tried-and-tested erectile dysfunction treatments.
Supplements are not regulated as strictly as medicines, so quality and safety can vary. Even so, there’s no research to suggest that supplements help improve penis size, boost testosterone levels, or sexual performance — even supplements of the highest quality.
If it promises penis growth or "instant results," it’s likely a scam.
Natural Ways to Support Sexual Health
While they won’t replace medication, these healthy habits can help support sexual wellness:
Quit smoking and limit alcohol, as both can affect your erectile function
Get regular exercise to support your cardiovascular health (which, in turn, supports sexual wellbeing)
Manage stress, which can impact your sexual performance
Eat a balanced diet to support your overall health
If you have issues around performance anxiety, sexual trauma, or low libido, you may benefit from therapy or counselling. Some professional support can go a long way in helping you feel better in the bedroom.
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Traditional Pill
SildenafilGeneric equivalent to Viagra®
From £2.36/use
The most commonly prescribed ED treatment, contains the same active ingredient as Viagra® but is 80% more affordable than the brand name.
Traditional Pill
As-Needed TadalafilGeneric Cialis®
From £2.36/use
The unbranded, more affordable generic form of Cialis® taken as needed. It is clinically proven to help men get and keep harder erections for up to 36 hours.
Traditional Pill
Viagra Connect®
From £5.83/use
The over-the-counter branded version of sildenafil. Viagra Connect® improves blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain strong and satisfying erections.
Traditional Pill
Daily TadalafilDaily Generic Cialis®
From £21/month
A clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction that helps men achieve and maintain erections more easily. It gives you the freedom to enjoy spontaneous sex without needing to plan ahead.
Important safety information for Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Tadalafil Daily or Viagra Connect.
Takeaway: What Are the Best Pills for Male Enhancement?
The best male enhancement pills in the UK are those that are clinically proven, MHRA-approved, and prescribed or sold through regulated pharmacies. Forget the gimmicks — go with what works.
Keep the following in mind:
No pill — natural or otherwise — can actually enlarge your penis. Rather, work with what you’ve got.
But certain medications can treat sexual health concerns. If you experience erectile dysfunction, you can consider medications like Viagra Connect, Cialis Together, and Spedra. Some ED drugs, as well as dapoxetine (Priligy), can treat premature ejaculation.
Always buy from trusted, licensed pharmacies. Random “penis pills” from unlicensed pharmacies are ineffective and, in some cases, dangerous. It’s not worth the risk.
At Hims UK, you can get discreet access to prescription erectile dysfunction treatments like sildenafil or tadalafil after a consultation with a licensed UK health provider. No need to navigate dodgy websites or unverified sellers.
Ready to take the next step? Speak with a UK provider and explore safe, effective options with Hims.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.