Spanish Fly: Does It Work as an Aphrodisiac?

For centuries, people have turned to aphrodisiacs in an attempt to boost their sex drive and enhance their sex appeal. 

Spanish fly is one such aphrodisiac. “Spanish fly” refers to all sorts of tonics, potions and other “love supplements” made from one type of insect: blister beetles. There have been a variety of formulations of Spanish fly drug over the years. We’ve heard of a Spanish fly pill, a Spanish fly liquid, Spanish fly for men and Spanish fly for women.

Spanish’s fly’s reputation isn’t great. This buggy “treatment” is linked to a long list of potential side effects — some of which can be deadly. Meanwhile, there’s only limited scientific evidence that it has much of an effect on sexual performance.

Below, we’ve shared what Spanish fly is, the risks of using Spanish fly and its potential sexual effects, and whether Spanish fly is worth using or should be avoided. We’ve also shared a few alternatives you may want to consider if you’re aiming to boost your sexual desire and performance.

Spanish fly technically refers to two things: a type of green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria from the family Meloidae) and a toxic blistering agent the beetles produce called cantharidin.

Historically, the green blister beetle was used to treat warts and a skin condition called molluscum.

Cantharidin — the product isolated from these beetles for “medicinal” formulation — has long been used as a natural aphrodisiac. It was allegedly used by ancient Egyptians and Romans as a bedroom stimulant, a method for improving sexual relationships and as a tool for committing sexual blackmail. In more modern times, it was mentioned in the 1960s as part of a now even-more-unpleasant Bill Cosby joke. 

Today, supplements marketed as “Spanish fly” may contain little or no cantharidin. Instead, they might contain various herbal ingredients that manufacturers claim can boost sexual performance, stamina and attractiveness.

When it comes to non-prescription aphrodisiacs and male enhancement pills, most are big on promises but small on actual results. The evidence that Spanish fly works is, likewise, scant.

Put simply, authentic Spanish fly isn’t something you or your partner want to consume, no matter what potential you’ve read about. It’s a hazardous substance and cases of poisoning can happen in rare circumstances — which could have serious consequences.

Some research shows that its core ingredient, cantharidin, increases blood flow to the urogenital tract. But the fact is that most reliable research quickly dismisses cantharidin as dangerous for human consumption.

When it comes to products containing cantharidin (and not some other random ingredients), there are serious safety risks you should be aware of if you’re considering taking these types of herbal supplements.

The first very real risk, it turns out, is dying. 

Cantharidin is listed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information as not only an irritant but also an acutely toxic substance. It’s even featured in the Hazardous Substances Data Bank.

People have died from using products containing cantharidin. Two British women were killed by a man who gave them coconut ice laced with ​​cantharidin, hoping it would lead to them having sex with him. And American people have been rushed to the emergency room after taking cantharidin in the hope of stimulating sexual activity. 

Assuming you don’t die, side effects associated with cantharidin you might experience include:

• Blistering. Cantharidin is known to cause skin blisters. You may notice skin blisters, a burning sensation, itching and changes in pigmentation after you use products containing cantharidin.

• Blood in saliva, vomit or urine. Cantharidin is known to cause hematemesis (vomiting of blood) and gross hematuria (blood visible in urine). It can also cause dysuria (pain while urinating).

• Priapism. Cantharidin can cause priapism — a type of painful, long-lasting erection that can damage your penis when left untreated. Priapism is a serious medical emergency that requires urgent attention from a healthcare provider.

Cantharidin poisoning can also cause:

• Seizures

• Burning of the mouth

• Renal dysfunction

• Cardiac abnormalities

• Nausea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

There’s one final risk of Spanish fly to consider: the mystery ingredient trap. Products labeled “Spanish fly” aren’t regulated by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in the same way that prescription medications are, so there’s no real way to know what’s in them. The FDA maintains a long list of other sexual performance booster supplements that have been found to contain unlabeled, potentially dangerous ingredients. 

In other words, you can’t always be sure you’re getting the right amount of cantharidin — or what else you’re getting along with it — from non-prescription sexual enhancement products. And regardless of whether you get any cantharidin, you could potentially die.

Spanish fly — any fly of any nationality, really — isn’t where you want to look for ED help. 

Natural “treatments” can be great — in theory. But most aren’t practical because we don’t know all of the facts or understand safe and effective dosages.

While Spanish fly is not proven to be safe or effective as an aphrodisiac, there are real options available for treating sexual dysfunction and improving your performance in bed. 

Some of these require a prescription, while others are available online and over the counter, including:

• ED medications

• PE medications

• Lifestyle changes

Let’s look at each group in more detail.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medications

If you're thinking about using Spanish fly for ED, we get where you’re coming from, even if your plan is bad.

After all, erectile dysfunction is pretty common — it’s estimated to affect approximately 30 million men in the U.S. alone.

But there are safer, scientifically proven options to consider. Currently, the FDA has approved four pills for treating erectile dysfunction:

• Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®)

• Tadalafil (Cialis®)

• Vardenafil (Levitra®)

• Avanafil (Stendra®)

These all belong to a class of medications referred to as PDE5 inhibitors. They work by increasing blood flow to your penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection when you feel sexually aroused.

The FDA has also approved an injectable medication, alprostadil, for ED, and it has authorized a topical gel for ED.

We offer several ED medications online, following a consultation with a healthcare provider who’ll determine if a prescription is appropriate.

Premature Ejaculation (PE) Medications

Like ED, premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual performance issue that can cause serious harm to your confidence and sexual pleasure. 

Premature ejaculation is very treatable. If you’re prone to PE, you’ll get the best results by using medication to slow down orgasm and ejaculation. Your options include:

• Antidepressants. Some antidepressants, including sertraline (Zoloft®) and paroxetine (Paxil®) are used off-label to treat PE. Research shows that these medications help slow down ejaculation and improve stamina for men with PE.

• ED medications. Off-label usage of ED medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra®) can also be effective for PE.

Topical PE products. It’s also possible to treat premature ejaculation topically. Products like our Delay Spray for Men are designed to reduce sensitivity, allowing you to have sex for longer before reaching orgasm.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Sexual Function

While medication may provide the fastest effects, you’ll get the best results by combining it with a healthy lifestyle. 

Try the following habits and lifestyle changes to improve your physical health and sexual function:

• Stay physically active. Regular exercise can have a hugely positive impact on your physical health, sexual performance and erectile function. Try to get 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week, as well as a couple of strength workouts per week.

• Maintain a healthy body weight. Research has found that having overweight or obesity is linked to a higher risk of experiencing ED. Try to maintain a BMI either within or as close to the healthy range as possible.

• If you smoke, try to quit. Research shows that smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing sexual performance issues, including ED. It’s also a key risk factor for other medical conditions, including potentially fatal ones, such as cancer and heart disease. If you smoke, try your hardest to quit.  

• Live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. From sleep to diet, a variety of factors can affect your sexual performance. Our guide to naturally protecting your erections shares tactics you can use to live a life that prioritizes your sexual health and function.

Spanish fly isn’t just ineffective as an aphrodisiac — it’s also dangerous. So keep Spanish fly and other herbal aphrodisiacs at arm’s length. There’s just way too much at stake.

Here’s our take on Spanish fly:

• By using it to increase your sex drive, you’re putting your health at risk. 

• Don’t give it to other people in an effort to make them feel more attracted to you.

• Giving it to someone else without their permission is both unsafe and illegal.

If you need help with your sexual performance, you can view our range of ED treatments online and connect with a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your needs.