How Long Does L-Arginine Take To Work Sexually

In a world full of natural supplements that aim at boosting sexual health, L-arginine is one of the most popular. It has gained significant attention for good reason. The amino acid plays a vital role in the production of nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, including the genital area. If you are considering adding L-arginine to your routine for a better sexual performance or increased libido. One of the first questions that comes to mind is: “How long does it take to work?” This blog delves into the idea of exploring the science behind L-arginine and how it affects sexual function, and what you can realistically expect in terms of timing and results.

What Is L-Arginine?

L-arginine is an amino acid that your body uses to create proteins, glutamate, creatine, urea, polyamines, and nitric oxide. It is a compound rich in natural sources, including fish, red meat, and dairy products.

It is often promoted online as a natural treatment for hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, and angina. Some people even claim that the vasodilation effects, the same ones that allegedly improve blood pressure, are beneficial. This helps in improving erectile dysfunction.

Vasodilation refers to the widening of your arteries and veins to improve blood flow.

Most people obtain all the L-arginine they need from their diet, and it is also available as a dietary supplement.

L-arginine is often regarded as a natural alternative to prescription ED medications such as Viagra and Cialis. L-arginine is similar to another amino acid that is sold as a nitric oxide supplement for ED. Like L-arginine, L-citrulline is also marketed as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction (ED).

What Does L-Arginine Do Sexually?

There are only limited studies that have found the effects of L-arginine as an ED supplement. The published studies have produced mixed results.

The general lack of data makes it difficult for experts to confirm the supposed benefits. There are no systematic reviews of double-blind or placebo-controlled trials to confidently determine how well L-arginine can help with ED.

Erections are all about blood flow through the blood vessels to the erectile tissues in the penis. There is a claim that since L-arginine helps in synthesizing nitric oxide, which plays a key role in relaxing the smooth muscles in the arteries and controlling blood flow to the erectile tissue, supplementation of L-arginine leads to increased blood flow to the penis.

The nitric oxide is produced within the body from L-arginine by a family of enzymes called nitric oxide synthases.

The best time to take L-arginine for ED depends on several factors that include your metabolism, when you plan to begin your sexual activity, and if you are on ED medication. According to a 2019 study, L-arginine reaches its peak concentration in the bloodstream approximately 30 minutes after taking a supplement.

What Are The Studies On L-Arginine For Erectile Dysfunction?

To be fair enough, there has been some encouraging research on L-arginine and ED.  It is perhaps enough to consider trying the supplement or adding it to more proven ED treatments.

In a 2024 study of nutriceuticals (supplements derived from food sources) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). It was found that L-arginine appeared to be more helpful in boosting erectile function as compared with other supplements. The researchers also noted that the effects of L-arginine were most beneficial when combined with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, such as Tadalafil and Sildenafil.

In a 2019 review of ten studies, it was suggested that L-arginine might be beneficial in addressing erectile dysfunction at doses ranging from 1500 to 5000 mg.  The researchers found notable improvements in mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) when compared to a placebo. The participants also reported enhanced erectile function and greater sexual satisfaction.

In a 1999 study, researchers did not find a difference between L-arginine and placebo in men with mixed type erectile dysfunction.

What Is L-Arginine Good For?

The L-arginine supplements are marketed as physical performance boosters that can affect endothelial cells to increase blood flow and improve vascular function.

A high-dose intake of L-arginine has never been directly associated with better results on athletic performance, endocrine function, or anything similar.

L-arginine may, however, help stimulate the release of several critical chemical compounds within the body, including growth hormone and insulin. The effects on blood flow may help improve certain aspects of physical performance and may indirectly or eventually lead to better sexual performance.

L-arginine may, however, help stimulate the release of several critical chemical compounds within the body, including growth hormone and insulin. The effects on blood flow may help improve certain aspects of physical performance and may indirectly or eventually lead to better sexual performance.

However, it is essential to note that the studies on L-arginine might offer the same level of improvement in athletic performance or recovery.

Specific research suggests that L-arginine may offer benefits for various health conditions, including hypertension.

Does L-Arginine Affect Size?

Although the L-arginine effects might help you to get and maintain an erection, it is unclear whether the supplements containing L-arginine offer any benefits for penis size, sex drive or sexual performance.

Currently, the only reliable way to increase the penis size is through penis fillers or surgery. This can come with some serious downsides from temporary pain and discomfort to a risk of real changes in the function of your penis.

What Is The Dosage Of L-Arginine per day for ED?

Since L-arginine is not an FDA-approved medication for ED, the clinical trials have not determined the most effective or safest dosage for ED. The National Institutes of Health suggests that a daily dose of 2.5 to 5 grams of L-arginine might help with ED, mainly when it is used with medications such as Sildenafil and Tadalafil.  There are no major clinical trials to verify the effectiveness of L-arginine at any dose when used alone.

A 2022 study found that high doses of L-arginine were associated with improved erectile function.

You should always consult your doctor before incorporating it into your diet. You should not exceed the recommended dosage that is listed on the label.

What Are The Side Effects Of L-Arginine?

Like other dietary supplements, L-arginine can potentially cause side effects.

The known side effects of L-arginine include:

• Nausea.
• Bloating.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Stomach pain.
• Heartburn.
• Palpitations.

Arginine supplements may interact with certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, including those used to treat diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Other Treatment Options For ED

Currently, the most effective treatments for ED are prescription PDE5-inhibitors that work by relaxing the arteries that supply blood flow to the penis.

The following are the PDE5 inhibitors that are prescribed to treat ED:

• Sildenafil.
• Tadalafil.
• Vardenafil.

In addition to taking ED medications, you can also incorporate supplements into your diet. You change your habits and lifestyle, which might help improve an erection and prevent common forms of sexual dysfunction.

For instance, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and other nutrients supports good circulation and sexual health. You can exercise for cardiovascular health, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake helps you to avoid Erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

To conclude, we can state the following points:

• L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide, which helps dilate the blood vessels, and in theory, might have some effect on blood flow to the penis.
• Medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and other FDA-approved medications for ED have a better understood safety and efficacy profile.
• It is always best to proceed with caution when using any combination of L-arginine with other supplement ingredients, such as L-citrulline or yohimbine, or any other ingredients found in supplements.
• The causes of ED are more complicated and diverse than one supplement to fix it all. It means that the best option for treatment is to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and management plan.