I remember the first time I bought condoms, I was around 15 or 16 years old. Given that I was newly sexually active buying condoms was still seen as a sort of scandal and the gas station seemed the only appropriate place to purchase anything sex-related. A row of brightly colored packaged pills caught my eye, specifically one called a “Rhino” pill and another called “Pink Pussycat”. These pills seemed to promise sexual superpowers and even though I thought sex was already amazing, the thought that it could be even better was alluring. The packaging stood out for a reason, it was meant to attract the eyes of younger sexually active folks.
Moreover, the gas station felt like the perfect place to buy something that felt a bit “wrong.” My boyfriend at the time looked at me like I had ten heads and had zero desire to try a “sex” pill from the gas station. It wasn't until a few years later that a partner of mine used the Rhino pill a few times and I’ll be honest the effects of the pill freaked both of us out. Behind the flashy packaging and promising claims of these supplements lie a plethora of risks and considerations that consumers should be aware of.
Gas Station Sex Pills: Do they work?
Gas stations are useful for many random necessities: cigarettes, soda, condoms, milk, etc. They can be great for picking up over-the-counter medications like Advil or Benadryl. When it comes to sexual health medication though, gas stations shouldn't be on the list of trusted suppliers. Imagine a couple's intimate moment interrupted by a sudden health emergency, all because of an unregulated sex pill purchased at a gas station. Gas station sex pills are commonly referred to as male or female sexual enhancement drugs, with the notion that they are perfectly safe for human consumption and a wondrous addition to the bedroom.
They are advertised as a solution for erectile dysfunction or enhanced sexual pleasure in general. The true question is should you buy an over-the-counter supplement that claims it will boost an erection or enhance your libido; do they work? Unfortunately, the answer is a no for both questions. There are a multitude of issues with gas station sex pills, starting with the branding and ease of accessibility of these pills. In this blog, I’ll highlight the problems with these pills and some potential alternatives. I will focus on the male enhancement drugs for this blog, as those were the first on the market.
The Risks of Gas Station Sex Supplements
One of the most concerning aspects of gas station sexual enhancement pills is the lack of regulation and transparency regarding their ingredients. The lack of FDA approval is something that consumers should pay attention to. Many of these pills contain a mix of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and undisclosed proprietary blends. While some ingredients may have legitimate scientific backing for their aphrodisiac properties, such as “horny goat weed”, others could be potentially harmful or interact with medications individuals are already taking. The following herbs are commonly found in gas station sex pills. Some of these herbs have minimal research on their effectiveness, while others have no evidence at all.
Tribulus Terrestris
Horny goat weed (epimedium)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
What makes gas station sex pills so hard to navigate are the undeclared, illegal ingredients that show up in some products but are not listed on the labels. This is one of the main risks associated with these pills, as users can have dangerous reactions to unknown substances. It’s illegal to sell prescription drugs over the counter. Despite this, every year, the FDA warns consumers about male enhancement products that contain prescription-grade Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. The Rhino pills brand—with names like Krazzy Rhino, Gold Rhino, or Platinum Rhino—has been a repeat offender on the FDA’s tainted sexual enhancement products listing, with many other brands behind them. Male enhancement products are continually being confiscated for containing Viagra and other prescription-strength erectile dysfunction drugs.
Gas Station Sex Pills: Listen to the FDA on this one
Moreover, even according to the FDA male enhancement products you buy at gas stations are not safe. The lack of transparency behind the manufacturing and ingredients in these pills leaves individuals vulnerable to unintended side effects and complications, especially when combining these pills with other medications or substances. These hidden ingredients can cause severe health issues, including:
Severe headaches and stomach aches
Dangerous interactions with other medications
Long-lasting erections requiring emergency medical intervention
Permanent damage to sexual organs
Oftentimes it seems that the pills don't even work or the user ends up with a headache or stomach ache. At the other extreme, there have been cases of young men ending up in the emergency room after taking a gas station sex pill containing Viagra. One man was left with permanent damage after a Rhino pill left him needing a shunt in his penis to stop his erection. The shunt left scar tissue and the man was left unable to get an erection. The lack of regulation surrounding gas station sexual enhancement drugs means that there is no safe way to consume these drugs, no matter what they promise.
A Safer Solution to Sex Enhancement
While gas station sexual enhancement pills may promise a quick fix for sexual performance issues, the risks involved far outweigh the potential benefits. Rather than relying on unregulated and potentially risky supplements, individuals seeking to improve their sexual wellness should prioritize holistic approaches that address both physical and psychological factors. Sex on drugs is not a new concept and it’s something we’ve covered more than once here at SHA. One of my favorite blogs on altered/ enhanced sex is the one I wrote on psychedelics. We’ve also focused on Drug Enhanced Intimacy, which is a very important thought when combining any type of substance with intimacy.
If you are looking for an enhanced sexual experience, and don’t suffer from any sort of erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems, there are safer drugs to try to enhance your libido or experience in the bedroom. Cannabis and psychedelics are a great place to start, as long as you do the proper research and preparation beforehand. Here are a few other safer alternatives:
Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you struggle with erectile dysfunction or other sexual health issues, consult a doctor who can prescribe safe, regulated medications tailored to your needs.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can significantly improve sexual health and overall well-being.
Therapeutic Interventions: Addressing psychological factors through therapy can also be highly effective. Exploring underlying issues, improving communication with your partner, and building a deeper emotional connection can enhance your sexual experience more safely and sustainably.
If you’re someone who was reaching for gas station sexual enhancement pills because of performance struggles or another sexual health-related issue it’s best to see a doctor and see if they can prescribe a medication that is safe and healthy for you. The bottom line is that any libido or sexual-enhancing substance should not be something that you take lightly. You have the right to know exactly what you're putting in your body and the possible impact it can have on your sexual functioning and health. Gas station sex pills don't provide accurate information to their consumers and as a result, they are dangerous. There’s no shame in wanting to enhance intimacy with the addition of a sex-friendly substance. However, if you want the experience to be worth it steer clear of the “sexual health” aisle at your local gas station!
By: Alyssa Morterud
Is your calling to educate, counsel, or coach in the realm of sexuality? Click here to take our insightful quiz, 'Shape the Future of Sexuality: Which Certification Is Your Calling?' and discover the SHA certification program that matches your unique talents and aspirations.