Aphrodisiac or Health Risk? The Truth About ‘Spanish Fly’ for Men

For centuries, people have turned to aphrodisiacs like “Spanish fly” in an attempt to boost their sex drive and enhance their sex appeal.

Spanish fly refers to all sorts of tonics, potions, and other “love supplements” made from one type of insect: blister beetles. Over the years, a variety of Spanish fly pills and tonics have been available for purchase to help with sexual health issues like low libido.

However, Spanish fly’s reputation isn’t great — and for good reason. This insect-derived substance is linked to a number of potentially serious side effects — some of which can be deadly. Meanwhile, there’s only limited scientific evidence that it has much of an impact at all on sexual performance.

Below, we outline what Spanish fly is, its risks and potential side effects, and the bottom line on whether it’s worth trying at all. We also share a few alternative strategies 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 leaned on as a natural aphrodisiac. It was allegedly used by ancient Egyptians and Romans as a bedroom stimulant, a method for improving sexual relationships, and a tool for committing sexual blackmail or coercion. In more modern times, and was later referenced in a now widely criticized joke by Bill Cosby.

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 the Spanish fly aphrodisiac and other male enhancement pills you might find at the gas station, 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 wants to consume, regardless of what you may have heard about its potential effects on libido. It’s a hazardous substance, with cases of poisoning linked to serious consequences.

Some research notes that cantharidin, the core ingredient, may increase blood flow to the urogenital tract. But, most reliable research quickly dismisses the substance, noting it to be dangerous for human consumption.

There are serious safety risks associated with products containing cantharidin.

The Hazardous Substances Data Bank lists cantharidin as an irritant and toxic substance.

People have also 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 Americans have been rushed to the emergency room after taking cantharidin in the hope of stimulating sexual activity.

Other side effects associated with cantharidin are less fatal. They include:

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

• Blood in vomit or urine. Cantharidin poisoning 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

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

A final risk for Spanish fly aphrodisiac users: the mystery ingredient trap. Products labeled “Spanish fly” aren’t regulated by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in the same way 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 undisclosed and potentially harmful substances.

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 real-deal cantharidin, you could face serious health risks.

Spanish fly sex supplements aren’t where you want to look for a sexual-health boost.

Natural “treatments” can be great — in theory. But most aren’t practical because we don’t know all 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:

• Erectile dysfunction medications

• Premature ejaculation medications

• Lifestyle changes

Let’s look at each group in more detail.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medications

If you're considering using Spanish fly for ED, we get where you’re coming from. After all, erectile dysfunction is pretty common, affecting approximately 30 million men in the U.S. alone, and it can be hard to tell which treatments are safe and effective — and which are not.

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 authorized a topical gel.

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. 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. Topical anesthetics like benzocaine 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, combining it with a healthy lifestyle will yield the best results.

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 and a couple of strength workouts per week.

• Maintain a healthy body weight. Research supports that being overweight or obese is linked to a higher risk of experiencing ED. Try to maintain a BMI 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 for men:

• Spanish fly may compromise your health. By using it to increase your sex drive, you’re putting your health at risk. And it likely won’t even work.

• Spanish fly can compromise your partner’s health. Don’t ever give it to sexual partners to make them feel more attracted to you. Giving it to someone else without their permission is both unsafe and illegal.

• There are other treatments available. If you need help with your sexual performance, connect with a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your needs.

Need more tips to boost your sex drive and satisfaction? Explore our full range of sexual health products, from sex toys to erectile dysfunction medication.