If you’ve been schooling yourself in Lubeology, you are already aware of the role of nitric oxide in vaginal lubrication. But, what about the male anatomy? Turns out, nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in male arousal. It acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps relax and expand blood vessels. During sexual arousal, nitric oxide is released in the penile tissue, which increases blood flow and leads to an erection. This process is essential for sexual performance and overall sexual health in males.

The Mechanism

In fact, Viagra (sildenafil) works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential for the relaxation of penis muscles, which allows for increased blood flow and an erection. Viagra inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule that promotes vascular relaxation and blood flow. By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra increases cGMP levels, thus enhancing the vasodilatory effects of nitric oxide, leading to improved erectile function. 

Basically, Viagra blocks the buzzkill enzyme PDE5, responsible for taking down the mood (aka breaking down cGMP). With Viagra in the mix, cGMP levels stay high, the relaxation effect of nitric oxide is amplified, and the party in the blood vessels keeps rocking, ensuring the erection is stronger and lasts longer.

But, we aren’t here to talk erectile dysfunction and medication. That’s between you and your doctor. We simply want to tell you the cinematic story of nitric oxide and your pleasure. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Setting the Scene: The Body’s Own Love Potion 

Imagine nitric oxide as the body’s own love potion, concocted in the inner laboratories of your cells. It’s produced through the action of enzymes called nitric oxide synthases (NOS), which convert the amino acid L-arginine into NO. This process happens throughout the body, including within the nerves and endothelial cells lining the blood vessels of the penis. 

The Magic Begins: Vasodilation and Blood Flow 

The main act of nitric oxide in male sexual arousal is its role in vasodilation, a fancy term for the widening of blood vessels. When sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide levels in the penile tissue skyrocket, sending a signal to the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels to chill out and relax. This relaxation allows the vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the area. 

The Rise to the Occasion: Erection 

This surge in blood flow is directed towards the erectile tissues of the penis, namely the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum. The corpora cavernosa, which are like two spongy reservoirs running along the length of the penis, fill up with blood, causing the penis to expand and become rigid—an erection. 

The corpus spongiosum, playing a supporting role, ensures that the urethra remains open during this process, allowing for the passage of semen. It’s a bit like ensuring the plumbing works correctly during the main event, courtesy of nitric oxide’s diligent orchestration. 

The Finale: Maintaining the Moment 

Nitric oxide doesn’t just kick off the erection; it also helps maintain it. By continuously signaling for vasodilation and keeping the blood vessels relaxed, NO ensures that the blood stays where it’s needed, keeping the erection firm and ready for action.

Encore: Beyond Erection 

Nitric oxide is also involved in the orgasm and ejaculation processes by helping to regulate the necessary muscle contractions. Moreover, NO has been shown to play a role in sexual desire itself, acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain to enhance libido. So, it’s not just about the mechanics of sex; nitric oxide also influences the desire and pleasure aspects, making it a sexual health triple threat.

The Takeaway: Steps You Can Take

We’ve covered ways to boost nitric oxide in several posts. In short, men can boost their nitric oxide levels through several natural methods, including adopting holistic lifestyle habits like diet and exercise. Here are some specific steps you can take to boost you nitric oxide levels:

1. Exercise Regularly:

Physical activity increases the production of nitric oxide. Aim for a mix of cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Yoga, in particular, can positively impact nitric oxide levels by enhancing blood flow and reducing stress, which helps in maintaining the endothelial function responsible for nitric oxide production.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet:

Eating foods rich in antioxidants and nitrates can help boost nitric oxide levels. Include leafy greens, nuts, fruits, and garlic in your diet.

3. Incorporate Nitric Oxide-Boosting Supplements:

Most health care professionals emphasize dietary changes over supplementation, but we all know how difficult that is in practice. You may consider adding supplements to your diet that are known to increase nitric oxide production.

However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the supplements you take, especially since nitric-oxide boosting products actually work, and may come with side effects if the dosing is off.  Supplements targeted towards boosting nitric oxide production typically include the following ingredients:

• • L-Arginine: An amino acid that the body converts into nitric oxide.
  • L-Citrulline: Another amino acid that boosts L-arginine levels and, in turn, increases nitric oxide.
  • Beetroot: Beetroot is high in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide.

You can check to see if your daily multivitamin contains any (or all) of the aforementioned ingredients, but those looking for an extra boost may need to add on another supplement. These ingredients are also typically found in supplements targeted toward increasing circulation and heart health, and even in pre-workout mixes.

There are also supplements that are specifically targeted towards improving sexual health. Unlike general supplements that focus on circulation and heart health, these products tailored to address the unique needs of the male anatomy, optimizing ingredients to support erectile function, libido, and overall sexual performance. The formulation of these products involve selecting ingredients that work synergistically to provide targeted benefits, and are typically developed based on scientific research and expertise in male sexual health. We recommend Promescent’s VitaFLUX products because they are a reputable brand specifically designed for men by a team of medical experts. These products are also made in the USA, show up at your door in discreet packaging, and contain ingredients that we approve of:

• VitaFLUX for Men capsules contain L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, as L-Carnitine — a naturally occuring amino acid derivative that has been repeatedly shown to improve performance of endurance athletes, boost testosterone, and increase levels of nitric oxide synthesis (especially when combined with L-citrulline). The downside is that the serving size requires 6 capsules, which is a lot to swallow (in our opinion). 
• VitaFLUX for Men powder contains the same scientifically-backed ingredients, but without the need to swallow so many capsules. It comes with a mint mojito flavor and is sugar free. The powder isn’t labeled as vegan, so if you are looking for a vegan option, you can open the vegan VitaFLUX for Men capsules and put the contents in water.

4. Improve Gut Health:

A healthy gut microbiome can contribute to the production of nitric oxide. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables in your diet, and consider taking a probiotic supplement to support gut health.

5. Consider Topical Products:

In addition to supplements, there are other products available that can support sexual health by promoting nitric oxide production. These include topical creams and gels that contain nitric oxide-boosting ingredients.

6. Be Mindful of Mouthwash Use:

While maintaining oral hygiene is important, excessive use of certain mouthwashes can potentially reduce nitric oxide levels in the body. This is because some mouthwashes can kill the beneficial bacteria in the mouth that are involved in the conversion of dietary nitrates to nitric oxide. If you’re concerned about this, consider using mouthwash that is designed to be nitric oxide-friendly or discuss alternative oral hygiene options with your dentist.

7. Practice Nasal Breathing:

Nasal breathing plays a role in nitric oxide production since the sinuses produce a significant amount of nitric oxide. By breathing through your nose rather than your mouth, you can enhance the delivery of nitric oxide to your lungs and the rest of your body, which can have positive effects on blood flow and overall health. Practicing nasal breathing exercises or being mindful to breathe through your nose during daily activities and exercise can be beneficial.

8. Explore Arousal Gels or Lubricants with Nitric Oxide Boosters:

Some arousal gels and personal lubricants are formulated with ingredients that can enhance nitric oxide production or mimic its effects. These products can help increase blood flow and sensitivity in the genital area, potentially improving arousal and sexual experience. Look for products that contain L-arginine, L-citrulline, or other nitric oxide-boosting compounds, and always choose high-quality, body-safe options. Don’t have time to extensively search the web? Here’s a one we approve of:

• Hello Cake Stim for Him: a stimulating penis arousal gel that you apply during foreplay. That’s right — specifically for men. We’ve searched far and wide and this is a rare find. What makes it even more special? Oh, too many to list, but we will try:
  • Transparent pH levels and ingredients
  • Water-based and fragrance formula, so it is great for pairing with all condoms and toys as well as for use on sensitive individuals
  • Discreet packaging and billing
  • Dispensed with a pump mechanism (so easy)
  • Vegan and gluten-free 
  • A company with values

9. Consult with a Healthcare Professional:

Before starting any new supplement, product, or significant lifestyle change, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Speaking of underlying health conditions, this is one of the most important reasons to talk to a doctor if you are concerned about your sexual performance and/or sexual health. According to the CDC, men are 50% less likely to seek medical attention than women. In a US survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, 65% of men said they avoid seeking medical attention for as long as possible, citing reasons such as being too busy, believing ailments will heal by themselves, and feelings of weakness.

We understand that it’s not always easy to get an appointment, nor does it sound appealing to explain your issues with the receptionist on the other end. Here are some online resources we recommend because they allow easier access for men to find the care they need online:

• For information about specific men’s health topics, you can go to our resource library. We also recommend checking out Movember.com which hosts the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. They’re taking on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer to address the fact that men are dying too young. They provide extensive resources to help men recognize warning signs in themselves and others.
• We recommend two online resources for prescribing medications for erectile dysfunction:
  • Hello Cake offers a program where a physician will work with you directly to find the right dose of ED medication. They are unique in that they compound medication (sildenafil and tadalafil) in dosages specifically tailored to you. This is a highly rated program that provides easy access to professional help. We like that the process is easy, 100% online, uses reputable doctors, and delivers the package discreetly to your door.
  • Promescent provides a similar program but it does not compound medications. They offer sildenafil or tadalafil. Because they don’t compound medications, they are more affordable than Hello Cake. Like Hello Cake, you take a short online survey before being connected with a qualified, licensed health professional — all 100% online. And also like Hello Cake, your medications arrive in discreet packaging.
• In addition to consulting a medical professional, you may want to address any emotional or relational issues that may be impacting your sexual wellness. Our resource library contains links to online sex courses, couples therapy, individual therapy, sex coaching, and sex and relationship workshops that are accessible and informative.