What’s the best testosterone booster for erectile dysfunction?

In this article:

• Testosterone for ED
• Best T-boosters
• Critical ingredients
• Side effects and precautions
• Maximizing your results
• FAQs

In this article

• Testosterone for ED
• Best T-boosters
• Critical ingredients
• Side effects and precautions
• Maximizing your results
• FAQs

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can cause emotional distress, relationship problems, depression, and anxiety. While not everyone with ED also has low testosterone, the two conditions often go hand in hand. If you’re experiencing ED, you might wonder: What is my testosterone level and what’s the best testosterone booster for erectile dysfunction?

Testosterone boosters aren’t the most effective way to address low testosterone or improve men’s health, but they can be a useful tool alongside other treatments. Read on to learn more about testosterone boosters and which ones might help.

Does increasing testosterone actually fix erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is when you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. It’s a common condition, affecting about 24% of men, and as many as 52% of men older than age of 75.

ED has several possible causes, and treatment depends on the underlying factor. ED is “most often associated with reduced arterial flow, neurological impairment, psychological factors, or medication effects,” explains Liyan Zhuang, MD, Ph.D., urologist at Tufts Medical Center.

If ED is due to vascular issues in which the penis does not get enough blood flow to get or maintain an erection, natural testosterone boosters will not help.  Boosting testosterone is usually most helpful for people who have low testosterone. “If a patient has proven low testosterone, testosterone replacement may help,” says Boback Berookhim, MD, urologist at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital. For those with normal levels? “In those with a normal baseline testosterone, increasing above the baseline is unlikely to make a material difference,” Dr. Berookhim says.

That said, boosting testosterone can also increase libido (sex drive), which may help with getting and maintaining an erection. “Improving testosterone levels is more likely to enhance sex drive, which in turn could improve erections if libido is also an issue,” explains James Kuan, MD, a board-certified urologist based in Seattle.

Symptoms of low testosterone include:

• ED
• Low libido
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Depression

When these symptoms are present, addressing testosterone levels may help.

“If your other symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of motivation, loss of muscle mass, are present along with poor sexual desire and erection quality, then adjusting your testosterone levels can positively impact these areas,” says Farhan Abdullah, DO, board-certified internist and medical director of Magnolia Functional Wellness. The best way to know your testosterone level is to have “serum total testosterone” lab work drawn after fasting for 6 or more hours. This lab should be drawn between 7 and 10 a.m., after a good night’s sleep and when you are not ill. If the lab is drawn without all of those conditions, the testosterone level can appear low when it is not.  

Research has shown that testosterone therapy can improve these symptoms, including ED. In most cases, testosterone is boosted through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). But improving hormonal health often takes a multi-faceted approach, and it’s possible to support testosterone levels with supplements, vitamins, and dietary changes.

5 best testosterone boosters for erectile dysfunction

Many supplements claim to boost testosterone, but not all of them have solid research behind them. Here are the options with the strongest evidence.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common, affecting about 29% of Americans. The research is mixed, and more is needed, but some promising evidence suggests that low vitamin D levels may be linked to low testosterone levels in men. “Correcting your vitamin D deficiency will go a long way toward supporting your overall hormonal balance,” Dr. Abdullah says.

The right dose varies by person, so ask a healthcare professional, but many recommend between 600 and 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. This is available over the counter, and most of the population has low vitamin D.  

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Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in many body systems, particularly immune function. Some research suggests that zinc deficiency may lower testosterone levels, and that supplementation could help restore them. Zinc supplementation only helps testosterone if your serum zinc level is low.  Talk to your healthcare provider about obtaining a zinc lab test and the right amount for you.

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Magnesium

Like zinc, low magnesium levels in men have been associated with lower testosterone, and supplementation may help. Raising testosterone levels through magnesium supplementation may, in turn, help manage ED. Because the right dose varies, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider to obtain a magnesium lab test and before adding magnesium to your routine.

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Ashwaganda

Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement that may help increase testosterone levels. One study found that 8 weeks of ashwagandha supplementation improved testosterone in men between the ages of 40 and 70.

Ashwagandha may also support sex drive and stress relief, both of which can play a role in getting and maintaining an erection, says Linda Khoshaba, NMD, board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology and founder of Natural Endocrinology Specialists. “Ashwagandha lowers stress hormones that block your natural testosterone production,” she adds.

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Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herbal remedy that shows promise for boosting testosterone, though more research is needed to establish this connection consistently. Fenugreek should be used with caution in people with asthma or those taking anticoagulants, insulin, and thyroid medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether fenugreek is right for you, including the appropriate dose and form. 

Other ingredients to look for  

Low testosterone is one piece of the ED puzzle, but overall sexual health matters too. These ingredients show promise for male sexual health more broadly. 

L-arginine and L-citrulline

L-citrulline and L-arginine are amino acids that may help with ED. “There is research to show that L-Citrulline and L-Arginine have some ability to enhance Nitric Oxide (NO) production, which should lead to increased blood flow throughout the body and subsequently increase erectile potential,” Dr. Abdullah says.

Food and diet

No single food has strong evidence for directly raising testosterone, but diet plays a supporting role. “Certain foods (e.g., oysters, eggs, fish, beef, and lamb) may support normal testosterone production due to their nutrient content,” Dr. Zhuang says.

Other foods may help balance testosterone and other hormones. According to Dr. Khoshaba, healthy fats from avocados and eggs can help the body convert cholesterol into testosterone. Overall, “a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, lean protein, and diverse produce provides the building blocks” of a healthy hormonal system, Dr. Berookhim explains.

Potential side effects and precautions

Over-the-counter vitamins and herbs may sound “natural,” but they can still have side effects. Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, which makes it especially important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new one.

Certain herbs and vitamins can also interact with other medications. For example, “if you take blood pressure drugs, supplements like L-arginine can lower your blood pressure too much,” Dr. Khoshaba says. “This causes dizziness.”

Always discuss new supplements with your healthcare provider and pharmacist, including any other medications you take.

Maximizing your results

Testosterone boosters are just one piece of the picture. For ED specifically, medication is usually the first-line treatment. “First-line treatment for ED remains phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including Viagra (sildenafil), tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil,” Dr. Zhuang says.

Lifestyle changes matter too. “Most important is to focus on weight loss, regular exercise, improved sleep, decreased stress and improving diet,” Dr. Berookhim says. “These really work.”  Stopping nicotine use is helpful to maintain cardiovascular health which helps with getting and maintaining erections. 

Sleep in particular is critical for testosterone. “You need 7 to 8 hours of sleep because your body makes most of its testosterone during deep rest,” Dr. Khoshaba says.

For exercise, strength training is especially effective. “Heavy weight lifting and intense exercise trigger hormone release and boost blood circulation,” Dr. Khoshaba says.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for testosterone boosters to help with ED?

Testosterone supplements work by supporting your body’s natural testosterone production, rather than delivering an immediate boost the way synthetic testosterone does. How long results take varies from person to person. Check with your healthcare provider for a realistic timeline.

Can I take these supplements if I’m already on BP medication?

Most testosterone supplements don’t directly interact with blood pressure medications, but some (like L-arginine) can lower blood pressure on their own. If you’re already taking a blood pressure medication, combining the two could cause dizziness or other symptoms. Always check with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before starting a new supplement.

Are these boosters legal and safe for long-term use?

Most vitamins and herbal supplements sold in stores or online are legal, but because they aren’t FDA-regulated, safety and quality vary by brand. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially for long-term use.

Will a T-booster work if I don’t have Low-T?

Testosterone boosters are most effective for people with low testosterone. That said, they may also support overall sexual function and sex drive, which could help with erections even if your levels are in the normal range.