Content
Spontaneous sex for less than $2/day
Reviewed by Kelly Brown MD, MBA
Written by Geoffrey C. Whittaker
Published 05/12/2023
Updated 04/15/2024
If you’ve wondered what pills you can take to boost testosterone levels, treat sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction (ED) or improve overall sexual performance, you’ve most likely come across advertisements for male enhancement supplements like Performer 8 in your research.
Performer 8 pills are a male sexual function supplement that claims to increase sexual stamina and improve erectile function, among other potential benefits. However, the science to back these benefits is lacking.
Below, we’ll discuss Performer 8 reviews, side effects and risks, and explore whether this sexual enhancement supplement is “legit” for improving sexual function — or a potentially dangerous combination of untested herbs.
Content
Performer 8 is marketed as an alternative to the “blue pill,” a nickname for Viagra® (the brand name for the active ingredient sildenafil), one of the most common ED medications available.
The official website for this product claims that Performer 8 pills provide several sexual health benefits, including:
Preventing premature ejaculation
Increasing desire for sex
Working as a natural testosterone booster
These enhancement products also state that they provide improved blood flow for firmer erections that last longer, thereby treating erectile dysfunction. Another claim is that Performer 8 pills can increase sperm motility for fertility.
In compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rules, the company’s website states that its product is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
So, this supplement shouldn’t be used in lieu of medical care from a professional physician or licensed healthcare provider.
According to the official website of Performer 8, this dietary supplement is made up of all-natural ingredients, and its formulation is designed to improve male sexual performance, male sexual health and overall well-being.
Key ingredients in a bottle of Performer 8 include:
Muira puama. Muira puama is a South American plant used for several health purposes, including as a sexual stimulant. However, there’s limited research on the effectiveness of muira puama as an enhancement for sexual life or a low libido.
Maca root. Maca root extract is one of the active ingredients in Performer 8. It’s often taken as a natural aphrodisiac or to increase libido, but there’s little evidence of its effects on sexual performance.
Ashwagandha. Extracted from the ashwagandha plant, ashwagandha is an antioxidant and adaptogenic. One small study of 43 men found that ashwagandha extract increased testosterone levels. But currently, there’s not enough data to confirm whether ashwagandha truly does boost testosterone production.
Other natural ingredients and herbal extracts in Performer 8 pills include:
Pine bark extract
Grape seed extract
Panax ginseng
Glucuronolactone
Muira Puama Extract
Horny goat weed or barrenwort (for its active ingredient icariin)
Ferrous bis-glycinate (a dietary form of iron)
But what about the people who use Performer 8? What do the men who’ve taken a month’s supply of this natural male enhancement supplement say about its benefits for alleviating sexual performance anxiety, and boosting self-esteem, sexual desire and energy levels?
When you read the average Performer 8 reviews across major sites, it’s hard to draw any clear conclusions.
There are currently no reviews for Performer 8 pills or for the company that makes them on the product review site Trustpilot.
The company is also not on the Better Business Bureau site, a nonprofit that provides helpful information on businesses.
Reviews on the Performer 8 website claim the product works to increase sexual performance as well as to improve sexual function. However, there are only a few of these Performer 8 reviews available to see, and customer reviews on a company’s own website are notoriously unreliable.
Performer 8 reviews on Amazon are mixed, with reviewers mentioning side effects such as nausea or difficulty swallowing. Others state that the pills simply didn’t work as expected.
When it comes to Performer 8 side effects, reviewers have mentioned experiencing the following:
Dizziness
Nausea
High blood pressure
Upset stomach
Fever
Additionally, some reviewers also claimed to have trouble swallowing the pills.
This, of course, assumes these reviewers have taken the recommended dosage and otherwise read and followed instructions on the packaging.
Performer 8 pills are not approved by the FDA and, therefore, haven't gone through the extensive testing that FDA-approved medications must undergo.
What’s more, the FDA has issued a warning that several male sexual enhancement supplements available on Amazon and other sites may contain hidden ingredients that pose health risks. These risks could include sudden changes to blood circulation like increased blood flow, increased cortisol levels or other long-term changes to your overall sexual health and wellness.
The agency hasn’t been able to test all enhancement products that have dangerous ingredients, so it’s uncertain whether Performer 8 is on the list.
Regardless, it’s best not to buy Performer 8 and other gas station sex pills (even if there is a lifetime money-back guarantee).
Why? With no medical studies attached to their claims — especially when compared with established prescription drugs — we just can’t say for sure if they’re safe, let alone effective.
If Performer 8 pills aren’t the answer, what can you take if you’re worried about sexual performance or are struggling with premature ejaculation, ED or other sexual dysfunctions? As it turns out, there are plenty of well-researched, safe and effective medications a medical professional may recommend.
The most common medications prescribed for erectile dysfunction are PDE5 inhibitors that help you stay hard by keeping the blood vessels in your penis dilated and your corpora cavernosa engorged. Medications like sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®) are all examples of PDE5 inhibitors that help increase natural erectile blood flow.
There are also a variety of premature ejaculation treatments out there, if that’s the problem you’re dealing with. We offer topical treatments like our clockstopper benzocaine wipes and delay spray. Different medications are also prescribed off-label to help address the issue, such as sertraline and paroxetine.
It’s best to talk to your primary physician to see what treatment options are available and what might be a good fit for you depending on any existing medical conditions and your overall reproductive health.
We’re here to tell you the truth, and the truth is that over-the-counter medications or pills you can buy online without a healthcare provider’s prescription usually aren’t worth the risk.
While Performer 8 claims to be a sexual enhancement “super pill” that can cure sexual dysfunction, maintain healthy blood flow, increase sex drive and improve your sex life with all-natural ingredients, there isn’t enough research (or even legitimate Performer 8 reviews) to support these claims.
This guide on herbal supplements for ED covers the science behind some of these natural ingredients and their health benefits, but most of the research is notably thin or uses small sample sizes.
PDE5 inhibitors, which increase blood flow to your penis to help erections, are the type of medication that licensed healthcare providers commonly recommend to treat sexual dysfunction. A healthcare professional will make recommendations depending on your unique symptoms, health issues and other factors.
If you need more information on the fads versus the facts of male enhancement pills and their potential risks, our guide on why over-the-counter ED drugs are risky goes into more detail.
You can also browse some premature ejaculation treatment options or ED treatments, and then connect with a healthcare provider to discuss your options.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!
Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.
She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare.
Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function.
Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health.
Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information.
Education & Training
Andrology Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin
Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco
M.D. Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Published as Kelly Walker
Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. (2023). Hormonal Management Improves Semen Analysis Parameters in Men with Abnormal Concentration, Motility, and/or Morphology. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 118, Issue 5, e4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fertility-and-sterility/vol/120/issue/1/suppl/S
Walker, K., Gogoj, A., Honig, S., Sandlow, J. (2021). What’s New in Male Contraception? AUA Update Series, Volume 40. https://auau.auanet.org/content/update-series-2021-lesson-27-what%E2%80%99s-new-male-contraception
Walker, K., Shindel, A. (2019). AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline. AUA Update Series, Volume 38. https://auau.auanet.org/content/course-307
Walker, K., Ramstein, J., & Smith, J. (2019). Regret Regarding Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Male Cancer Patients. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e680-e681. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556300.18991.8e
Walker, K., & Smith, J. (2019). Feasibility Study of Video Telehealth Clinic Visits in Urology. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e545-e545. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556071.60611.37